Challenge Accepted!

As I sit here on the eve of the SWISSMAN, the reality of what lies ahead is starting to settle in. These last few days of slight tapering with bike commuting have left my legs feeling less than fresh. Yet, the larger-than-life feeling creeps up on me, as this race is not just a physical challenge but a mental one too.

The SWISSMAN is an adventure that pushes the boundaries of what’s reasonable, especially for an involved dad of three and a dedicated vacuum sensor professional. Balancing the daily insanity of an egalitarian life with my sports ambitions has been no small feat. It’s in these final days, as I try to relax and allow my body to recover, that there’s time for contemplation.

Could I have done more? This question lingers, but as a seasoned race-day prepper, I can confidently say I did everything I could. Will it be enough? Only time will tell. One thing is certain: I’m good at suffering and taking pleasure in „Type 2 Fun“. I look forward to the race, but I’m equally scared. I know that when the cowbells ring, a surge of adrenaline will rush through me, leaving me feeling overwhelmed, if just for a moment.

Once in the water, there’s little time to think. The key will be to calm down, find my rhythm, and swim towards the light. Despite the lack of swimming training, my experience as a former Gigathlon swimmer gives me some confidence. My goal is to get through this part and enter the bike leg confidently.

The bike is where I’ve focused most of my training. Uphill climbs are my strength, and I’ve spent countless hours on the saddle preparing for the altitude meters ahead. Can I ride efficiently until the climb to Gotthard? Will my legs hold up for the climb to Grimsel? And can I out-ride the rain to reach T2 before the downpour begins? These are the questions that will occupy my mind during the many hours of cycling, from navigating traffic to finding solitude on the climbs.

Reaching T2 before the cutoff will be a major milestone. How will my legs respond to running after 180 km of riding? The marathon to Kleine Scheidegg has always been my strong suit, but this time it will be different. It’s no longer just about running; it’s about running against fatigue, against my mind. Here, mental strength will be crucial. I’ll remind myself that it’s a one-day challenge—I can go all-in, just not too early. I can grind myself down and, if needed, be carried to the train at Kleine Scheidegg.

Larger than life, beyond my comfort zone—this is where my dopamine system gets hooked. Despite all my experiences, I still get nervous. From my first alpine marathon to my ETH exams, from my PhD defense to the birth of my children, from the Irontrail 120 km race to a house sale that nearly tore our lives apart, I’ve faced many „larger than life“ moments.

So here I am, all-in, to the bone, in every aspect of my life. Still driven by self-imposed challenges, still expanding my comfort zone by stepping out of it. Life needs epic moments, however one defines them. For me, this is it. This is how I’m turning 40, and I couldn’t wish for more.

Onward to SWISSMAN 2024!