Challenge Accepted!

It’s been quiet here on the blog, but not because nothing is happening. Just like last year, life has been a whirlwind of training, work, and, well, just life. Between trying to balance my work, getting in the necessary training hours, and keeping up with family, writing about it sometimes takes a back seat. But here we are, catching up!

The countdown keeps ticking, and SWISSMAN is getting closer. T-112 days, but who’s counting? (Oh right, I am.) This past month has been a careful balancing act of demands through the new position at work, training, and trying to convince my legs that they still enjoy endurance sports.

Training Summary (Post-La Diagonela in Numbers)

Despite a packed schedule, consistency remained the name of the game. Here’s what the stats say:

• Total Training Time: ~35 hours
• Total Distance Covered: ~450 km
• Total Ascent Gained: ~10,000 meters
• Most Frequent Activity: Cycling (because riding to work counts, right?)
• Diverse Mix of Training: Skiing, cycling, running, swimming, and the occasional stretch session

Key Training Insights:

1. Cycling: The Commuter’s Secret Weapon

Cycling remains my stealth training method. Need to get to work? Ride. Need a mental reset? Ride. Need to escape a never-ending meeting? Ride faster.

• Total Cycling Sessions: 10
• Total Distance: ~330 km
• Total Ascent: ~2,000 meters

2. Nordic & Alpine Skiing: Because It’s Still Winter

XC skiing? Almost neglected this season. Alpine skiing? Mostly for fun. But, hey, I’m about to race the Engadin Skimarathon next week with zero focused prep – what could possibly go wrong?

• Nordic Ski Sessions: 3
• Total Distance: ~43 km
• Total Ascent: ~1,000 meters
• Bonus: Alpine skiing helped keep the quads entertained.

3. Running & Swimming: The Missing Puzzle Pieces

With Zurich Marathon on April 13th as my next major stepping stone, running needs more love. Swimming… well, I still know how to float, so that’s something?

• Trail Running Sessions: 2 (totaling ~37 km and ~800 meters ascent)
• Swimming Sessions: 1 (1,000 m)
• Strength & Stretching: 2 sessions (which is better than nothing, right?)

Balancing Leadership & Training

Stepping into a leadership role means more responsibilities, more strategic thinking, and more meetings. It also means finding creative ways to train without falling into the abyss of „I’ll do it tomorrow.“

What’s Working Well:

✅ Using commuting as training – As we know, work-life balance can be achieved on two wheels
✅ Incorporating family activities into training – Skiing and hiking double as quality time.
✅ Staying consistent even when intensity varies – No huge training gaps, just subtle suffering.

What Needs Work:

⚠ More structured running for Zurich Marathon – Time to embrace the pavement.
⚠ Swimming needs more than wishful thinking – Floating is not training.
⚠ Beating last year’s Engadin Skimarathon time – Ambitious? Yes. Prepared? Not exactly.

The Road Ahead

So, here’s the game plan: Fake my way through the Engadin Skimarathon next week, ramp up running for Zurich Marathon, and eventually get serious about swimming. The SWISSMAN countdown doesn’t stop, so neither can I.

T-112 days. Let’s make them count!