Sergey Pisarenko

Exactly two weeks ago I thought I was exhausted from preparing for job interviews (I will write a separate post explaining my study strategy). After all, I have been averaging 6-8 hours of algorithms and Java study almost every day for 2 months (I am switching careers and going full-time in software engineering). In reality, it was a virus that caused physical break-down, an eye infection and fever. In what can be described as the most spontaneous decision of my life I decided we need to take a short break and go to the sea. How spontaneous? I felt debilitating headache Monday morning and we flew out on Wednesday.

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Around Christmas in 2015 I received doctor’s diagnosis that my left tibia bone is fractured and that I can’t run for the foreseeable future. Of course, I tried against all reason but the persisting pain made me realize it’s in my own best interest to let it heal peacefully and not break it completely. Luckily, I discovered that cycling and swimming don’t hurt at all. I suppose that’s because the load spread is altered and tibia is not as stressed.

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Another year, another Rigimarsch! Last year I’ve participated in an annual night hike up to the Rigi mountain. It was a tough yet exhilerating experience. This year I’ve repeated the challenge together with John.

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As a complete triathlon newbie I benefit tremendously from the experience and knowledge of others. Just a few little steps save years, if not decades, of trial-and-error, not to mention decrease chances of injuries and increase enjoyment of the sport. My friend Ilya Nedbailo who has successfully completed his first 70.3 Ironman in Rapperswil this year generously shared a couple of tips. The first of which is getting a professional bike fitting service. [Read More]

Training for a half-marathon and then successfully finishing one (although not without an injury) hooked me on pursuing further challenges. I haven’t run a half-marathon as a way to prove anything. Rather the competition had given me an opportunity to reassure myself that I’m capable of carrying out longer undertakings. Ten weeks from zero to finish has been a fantastic learning experience so I am looking forward to the next step which is not only longer but also more challenging. [Read More]

In September, following a Fargo rebuild with s Rohloff Speedhub I have went to ride it in Italy. This time, though, I haven’t ridden my bike from A to B. Instead, I cheated and went my wife on a car. The revelation that had followed I have succinctly nicknamed “car-a-bike”.

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“I FUCKING DID IT” keeps resonating in my head as I am crossing the finish line. I can already feel latent excruciating pain (amplified by an adrenaline-fueled last half-mile sprint) slowly setting in. Few minutes later I won’t be able to walk but at this glorious energizing moment I feel that my whole life is coming together.*

That’s how successfully finishing a half-marathon felt to me.

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