Challenge Accepted!

This week was a poignant reminder of how swiftly time marches on; my daughter celebrated her 10th birthday, a milestone that left me in awe of the passage of time. The occasion was marked with a sleepover party, requiring meticulous planning to ensure a treasure hunt and ample food for the energetic attendees. However, life’s unpredictability soon became the theme of the week, overshadowing the festive spirit.

The euphoria of the party gave way to an emotional downturn for my daughter on Sunday, compounded by health challenges within the family. My middle child was struck with a severe case of middle ear infection, fever soaring to almost 40 degrees Celsius, while the youngest wasn’t spared, feeling under the weather. The result was a Sunday steeped in fatigue and care, far from the productive day I had envisioned.

The delicate balance of training for the upcoming SWISSMAN, with only 84 days left, and the Zurich Marathon, merely 22 days away, crumbled. Plans for cycling to work, utilizing the company car for an early start on Tuesday, and hoping to squeeze in a run were all shelved. Instead, I found myself juggling duties at home, turning my focus to nursing my family back to health.

Despite these challenges, the understanding and flexibility from my employer have been a silver lining, allowing me to manage this unforeseen juggling act. Yet, the impact on my training schedule has been undeniable, with the long Easter weekend tallying a disheartening score: Sports at zero, while the „virus load“ seemed insurmountably high.

The planned family cycling tour was canceled, a decision reflecting our collective state of health. My spirit, usually resilient, felt fragmented. An attempt to rekindle my training with a jog ended prematurely; my legs, uncooperative and sluggish, forced me to concede after a mere 10 kilometers.

As I contemplate the upcoming marathon, my objectives have shifted. Finishing is now the goal, with any specific time aspirations set aside. The reality of not being in my prime has settled in, along with a pressing concern for my readiness for both the marathon and the SWISSMAN. Amidst these reflections, I find myself grappling with doubt and a sense of unpreparedness for the challenges ahead.

Yet, despite the setbacks and the daunting path forward, I hold onto hope for recovery and a return to form. The journey to SWISSMAN and the marathon is not just about physical endurance but also resilience in the face of life’s unexpected trials. As Easter brings a time for renewal, I remain hopeful for better days ahead, embracing the promise of upward trajectories in both health and training.

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter and reminding ourselves that, through the tumults of life, brighter days are always on the horizon.