Challenge Accepted!

Let’s start with the facts: I ran the Zurich Marathon in 3:50:07.

Let’s continue with the feels: I barely survived the second half, questioned all my life choices somewhere around KM 35, and seriously considered curling up under a bench and weeping into my electrolyte drink.

Yes, folks, it was that kind of race.

The First Half: Dangerously Confident

I kicked off like an enthusiastic golden retriever let loose on a beach. 1:33:53 at the halfway mark. That’s sub-3:10 pace. For someone not aiming for sub-3:10.

I felt great. Too great. As any seasoned runner knows, that’s a warning sign. But did I heed it? Of course not. I was flying, baby! High-fiving volunteers, smiling at photographers — I was the main character.

The Second Half: Welcome to Humble Town!

And then… The way back from Meilen. Not even halfway to Küsnacht, really. My legs turned into baguettes. My mind started whispering things like:

“Why are we doing this?”

“This was a bad idea.”

“Wouldn’t crying just once be okay?”

The paces slowed. The smile disappeared. 6:30s… then 7:00s… then a truly majestic 7:50 min/km at some point.

The marathon gods laughed. I trudged.

But – and here’s the thing – I didn’t stop.

The Finish: A Messy Triumph

I crossed the line teary-eyed, salt-streaked, emotionally wobbly, and physically destroyed.

Because while my second half was a meltdown, my first half showed potential. There’s a faster time in me – just waiting for the day I pace it like a grown-up.

Lessons for SWISSMAN

This wasn’t just a marathon — it was a simulation. A test of pacing, fueling, and raw stubbornness.

I learned:

Don’t go out too fast. (Classic.)

Crying is optional, but almost inevitable.

The body breaks down before the mind gives up — and sometimes, that’s enough.