About Anna

Anna Hertel is a dynamic author and retired Ironman triathlete, having conquered over 45 races in the past decade. She holds a BFA in Production Animation from DigiPen Institute of Technology and an MFA in Creative Non-Fiction Writing from California College of the Arts (CCA). These diverse educational backgrounds fuel her exploration of identity, personal growth, and the pursuit of purpose through the lens of ADHD.

Anna's transformative journey began with her move from Germany to the United States, where she navigated the complexities of being a third-culture child. Her experience has shaped her understanding of the tension between external success and internal fulfillment, as she reconciles personal desires with societal expectations.

Her journey through love has been marked by challenges, ultimately leading her to emerge as a survivor of domestic violence. Through deep introspection, Anna processes the profound consequences of her choices. Now a mother, her discovery of her own ADHD, combined with her coaching work, sheds light on how neurodiversity has influenced her adolescence and young adulthood. As life evolves, so too do her priorities, guiding her through a landscape of growth and change.

When she’s not sitting at her desk working on her book, Anna maintains a very active lifestyle, training for her first HYROX challenge and returning to where her love for the arts began: Illustration. Residing in Northern California, she shares her life with her daughter, their vizsla and a young kitten, embodying resilience, self-discovery, and a commitment to empowering others through her unique journey.

Published Works

Short Story

Woven Love: How I Found My North

Published by The Write Launch

An exploration of how training for the grueling 140.6-mile race became a powerful journey of self-discovery and healing from past trauma, as each rigorous session helped reclaim identity and strength after escaping an abusive relationship.

Media Appearances

Interviews and Podcasts

People Like Us- A Third Culture Kid Podcast

A podcast about my experience as a former triathlete and the experience of living the first 11.5 years in Germany then moving to the USA with my parents but not my older siblings. I describe what it’s like to feel German and also Californian. Whilst wanting to keep an international element to my daughter’s upbringing, I also desire her to have a strong sense of belonging. Being mid-pandemic, it was a real strong consideration to return to Germany, though ultimately decided against it.

Anna Hertel: Loosing Triathlon and Gaining Perspective

Purplepatch Podcast

An episode of how my IRONMAN journey came to an end: “At 34, Anna Hertel likely won't compete in another IRONMAN. Five years ago, this would have been unimaginable, as triathlon was her identity. Her journey reflects personal growth amid significant adversity.”

Anna Hertel: No Longer Limited by the Pain of Muscle Cramps

Hotshot: Fighting Muscle Cramps

Interview of a product to tackle muscle cramps about my journey and experiences.