The Ironman Thun '26 Journey

(last update December 2025)

Intro

Guiding Principle

Maximize the chance of getting to the start line in one piece. I.e. no hard performance goal, although getting it done in 11.5 hours total would be nice.

The rest is in chronologically reversed order. Past means nothing.

Dec 14, Week 4 of the bulking block, summary

Swimming fitness test, 3 km in 58:10 in a 25m pool. Happy. Little motivation to sink much more time into swimming. Gained some weight to 68.4 kg, which is welcome. Woke up with headcold Sunday morning which will impact next week. This is expected for me during and around Christmas, it’s that slightly-above-zero temperatures (and maybe not sleeping enough pasat week).

The bike I got to do this is my first Thru-axle. Means lots of the gear I’ve got I need to replace. Starting with Thule roof rack adaptors (not stocked since September, about €60 per bike). We needed a new system to attach wheels to frames like we need teeth in our asses. Other than that, I can recommend the Thule FastRide. I now drove more then 4k km with bikes on this roof rack. Never a problem, I just have to look out so I do not to end up like this guy.

Dec 9, Mid-Week 4 bulking block

Turbo test on the bike, all wattages are down. Kinda expected. Can hold 20 minutes for 229W now. Weight stagnant. Left foot slight pain when running, I hope it’s not the metatarsus.

Using all the Black Friday deals to get the remaining cycling material sorted. Got the basic Keo Blades. They arrived with only the 8 Nm retention blades. But normally people need 12 Nm, that’s another €30.

Destroyed my 15 year old MTB shoes two weeks ago. Getting new ones too. My usual Northwave sizing was off, sent them back, getting Specialized again. It’s like 30% cheaper to get two pairs (for sizing assessment) sent from Germany with no discount than getting them from the local shop with regular customer discount. Much bullshit with anything Specialized, fingers crossed the sizing hasn’t changed in those 15 years and they’ll work out. I don’t expect to MTB much after March so need to start enjoying it ASAP.

Nov 17, Week 1 of the bulking block

Started GZCLP in the gym. Goal is to go from 66.5 kg to 70 kg before March. Putting my numbers in an app. Am I too old to be that nerdy in the gym? The app is pretty good. GZCLP looks like the state-of-the-art bro science too.

Shotout GIBU GYM Brno. Best we’ve got. The motivationals on the wall are something to behold.