Challenge Accepted!

Another step on the Road to SWISSMAN! This weekend, the Engadin valley became my training ground, family playground, and a proving ground for how far stubbornness (and questionable waxing decisions) can take a person.

Saturday dawned with La Diagonela, a „shortened“ 43 km race—shortened because apparently even the snow thought it deserved a holiday. But hey, what’s a little missing snow when you’re double-poling your way through the Engadin? Double-poling for nearly three hours felt like the world’s coldest swimming session: arms burning, heart racing, and legs politely reminding me, “We’re here too, you know.” If endurance is about mental toughness, I’d like to think I’m on track for SWISSMAN—if only the swim leg involves a couple of ski poles and a frozen lake.

By Sunday, my body felt like it had spent the night in a snowplow. Perfect timing for La Sfida, a „recovery“ 24 km skating race that my legs tried to veto. But SWISSMAN doesn’t come with an easy button, so I laced up, slapped on a determined grin, and skated my way through another postcard-perfect course. Tired legs? Yes. Sore arms? Definitely. But something about the crisp air and the promise of OvaVerva Wellness after the finish line kept me moving.

The real heroes of the weekend, though, were my family. While I was out doing my best “pain cave in paradise” impression, the kids were laughing and exploring the slopes with my wife. On Sunday afternoon, as we soaked in the steaming waters of OvaVerva, I realized this weekend wasn’t just about training for SWISSMAN. It was about finding balance—between endurance and enjoyment, personal goals and shared memories—and it felt like the perfect balance.

As a family, we truly enjoyed the weekend—it was great in every way.

So, did I bring myself closer to SWISSMAN glory? Maybe. My arms might think I just swam the Channel, and my legs might think I ran a marathon, but my heart—both literally and figuratively—is stronger for it. Onwards to the next adventure!