In 2024, I shifted my primary racing focus towards swimrun. I had entered the ÖTILLÖ World Championships with Donato, so I planned to race Utö with him as a trial and to race Engadin on my own to try to improve my performance there. Alongside those races, I added a couple of adventures: Rockman was a last-minute decision when I was invited by Markus, and SwimRunMan Grands Lacs de Laffrey was a race with Vanessa.
My running races included the Geneva Marathon, which gave me a winter focus to build fitness, and Sierre-Zinal, where I didn’t finish due to illness.
I’ll link to each race report below, where there are more photos and details. These are just some quick recaps and thoughts after the season.
Geneva Marathon
This was the first time I raced a marathon—and it was great. It’s a fantastic event, and I learnt a lot both in preparation and in the race itself. I was pleased with my performance, but I also believe I’m capable of much more.
I’ll be racing another marathon again soon and plan to use this type of training to keep me focused through future winters.
ÖTILLÖ Utö
This was the first race Donato and I did together. It was a pleasure to race with him and learn from his knowledge of the route and conditions. We raced well and found a good rhythm that set us up for the World Championships later in the year.
I enjoyed the Utö route and plan to return to race there again.
ÖTILLÖ Engadin
This is my “home” race and I love it! It has so many challenges: altitude, cold water, hot temperatures on the trails, and plenty of climbing and descending. I feel like this route is the easiest for me to prepare for, based on my past racing experience.
I had a great race. I was alone all day and managed my pace and effort well. I was racing fast, but also enjoying the experience. I’ll be going back again next year.
Rockman
Markus invited me to join him in the week of the race, and I jumped at the opportunity. It was a fantastic event. We were very lucky with the weather as it was clear and beautiful, and we could see all the sights along the route.
We raced well until about two-thirds of the way through, when Markus started to struggle with low energy and some nausea. We fought our way to the finish and made the most of the course.
I’d like to go back again. I think I can race well there, as it’s technical and tough running and a route that should suit me. The timing is a little tricky, so I’m not sure when I’ll return, but I will.
SwimRunMan Laffrey
V and I have been racing together at least once a season for the past few years. I love doing these races with her as we get to share some training, share a goal, and race together as a team.
We had a great day out on a fun route. I’m already thinking about what adventure we’ll share next year.
ÖTILLÖ World Championships
This was the big goal for the year. Donato and I made a great team, and we knew that if we could perform well, we’d have a good shot at a strong position and a solid time on the course.
We started really well, but a fall early in the race left Donato with a damaged knee, so we had to manage our efforts. We did our best, finished, and learnt a lot for the future.
I’d love to go back, but I think I need more time and experience before taking on this course again.
Summary
I felt like I had good fitness this year. When I was able to express that fitness and perform to the level of my ability, I achieved some good results.
I was proud to win in Engadin and to run a respectable time in Geneva.
I’ve still got work to do figuring out team dynamics in swimrun. Next year, I’m planning a similar season, without the World Championships, to keep learning and improving.
I’ll definitely keep the focus on swimrun. It’s a fantastic sport, and I love the challenge and adventure it brings.
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