Challenge Accepted!

As race day approaches, reflecting on this journey fills me with a mix of excitement and optimism. From the moment I signed up for the SWISSMAN 2024, it’s been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows.

Inscription and Initial Training The year kicked off with high hopes and a few events planned throughout the winter and spring to ensure „training under competition conditions“. However, life threw a few curveballs when illness struck repeatedly – or should I say just stuck perpetually around – sidelining my early efforts. But, true to the spirit of endurance sports, I didn’t let this setback deter me.

Winter Adventures and Challenges The cross-country skiing season was both a blessing and a challenge. Competing in events like the Marcialonga, La Diagonela or Maloja-Zernez, I faced sometimes grueling conditions and moments of doubt. The frozen beards, uphill battles and fueling fiaskos tested my limits, but each race also strengthened my resolve and provided invaluable endurance training. The Engadin Skimarathon was its own saga with its fluor ban episodes and resulted in my second best rank in this race ever.

Battling Chronic Illness Throughout the year, I’ve been contending with a persistent chronic sinusitis. This, combined with a severe bout of tonsillitis, halved my fitness level from a promising 35 on my SUUNTO scale after a solid winter season to a disheartening 17. This setback pushed me far from the desired minimal fitness level of 40 proposed in the early days. Despite these health challenges, I have remained focused on my recovery and gradual improvement.

Techie Trials and Family Balance Balancing training with family life and technical projects brought its own set of adventures. From wind-swept bike commutes to late-night techie escapades, every moment added a unique chapter to this journey. The support from my family, kept me grounded and motivated.

The Comeback After battling illness, thorough medical checks and finally reducing my chronic sinusitis, my return to training was marked by a mix of cautious optimism and renewed determination. Incremental progress, from bike commutes to intense road bike sessions, signaled a slow but steady comeback. The focus remained on building endurance and staying injury-free.

Gear Upgrades This year saw significant upgrades to my gear. The main one was driven by a accident last year, where a cat brought me to the ground and hampered with the structural integrity of my old road bike. Hence, a new ride was on the menue. And Alas, this ride really is boosting both performance and morale, with aero wheels and sparkling colors, Additionally, I updated my wet suit, making the swim leg of the race something to look forward to.

Recovery from Ironman 70.3 As final gear and pre-race fitness test, the Ironman 70.3 in Rapperswil was on the agenda. It was a great race testing all my gear, my skills and a tiny bit my ability to run in fatigued state. Apart from the movement infrigement by the old wet suit, I was happy with both fitness and material. The recovery from the Ironman 70.3 has been progressing, although I still feel lingering fatigue. Nonetheless, each day brings me closer to peak condition for the SWISSMAN.

Slight Optimism for the Coming Week With the race now just days away, there’s a palpable sense of optimism. The journey has been anything but smooth, yet each challenge has prepared me for the SWISSMAN. The lessons learned, the resilience built, and the unwavering support from my family have all been crucial.

Looking Ahead As I stand on the brink of this challenge, I’m filled with gratitude for the journey thus far. Every up and down has shaped me, and I’m ready to face the SWISSMAN with a spirit of determination and joy. Here’s to embracing the final stretch with hope, humor, and a heart full of gratitude.

Onward to the final preparations for SWISSMAN 2024!