Weekly News Number 24

The Days Go Slowly, the Weeks Fly By

This week someone showed me an AI-generated song with the line: “The days go slowly, but the weeks go by fast.”

For me, though, everything seems to be moving quickly right now. The days disappear in no time, and the weeks even faster. I’m not sure whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing.

I should ask my dad how he looks back on it. What parts of life felt like they flew by, and which moments seemed to last forever before he turned sixty? I find questions like that fascinating. Every now and then I need to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Life is a bit like building a wall, one brick at a time. You rarely notice the wall while you’re building it. You only really see it once you step back.

Maybe I should ask more people this question. Everyone has different stories and different chapters of life that either felt incredibly slow or passed in the blink of an eye.

Looking back at this week, the biggest positive was that training finally started to feel like training again. I was back swimming with the squad several mornings, and little by little I’m starting to feel like an athlete again. A few sessions actually felt surprisingly good. At the same time, I can clearly tell that my fitness has dropped.

Maybe that will even be a good thing in the long run. For once, my body wasn’t running at 100% all the time and actually had a chance to slow down. Even so, it’s frustrating when things don’t seem to come together for a while.

Away from training, there was another milestone this week: I bought my very first pair of jeans in Queensland.

Yes, you read that correctly.

It almost sounds like a crime, but until now I genuinely didn’t own a pair of long pants over here.

By the time I walked into the shop I was already tired, and the amount of choice completely overwhelmed me. Honestly, I had no idea where to start and was close to walking straight back out again. Luckily Emma was there. She simply said, “Just get a pair as well—we get 50% off.”

So I tried on two pairs. The second one fitted well, looked good and that was the decision made.

I can tell you one thing though: I now understand why people who never wear jeans don’t like wearing them. Having fabric around your legs all day feels surprisingly strange. And yes… the chafing people talk about is definitely real.

Luckily I’m writing this while Europe is enjoying summer. Otherwise I’d probably be considered a criminal for admitting I almost never wear long pants.

So now I’m officially the proud owner of my first pair of jeans in Queensland.

The second highlight of the day was much easier: a visit to Sunshine Social in Mooloolaba. I enjoyed one of their amazing burgers again for the first time in ages, together with a really good coffee.

Some things just never disappoint.

Cooking for the Family

This week Emma’s parents were visiting us in Noosa.

For me, that meant one thing above all else: I got to fire up the barbecue.

First, I introduced them to our favourite butcher, and then we spent three evenings in a row grilling homemade sausages, steaks and plenty of good food.

I genuinely enjoy cooking for other people. There’s something satisfying about serving a perfectly cooked steak and seeing everyone enjoy it.

What I’m looking forward to even more, though, is December, when my own parents come over. Hopefully we’ll be able to bring both families together for a barbecue in New Zealand.

And don’t worry I already know a great butcher there as well.

A Perfect Sunday

Sunday was definitely the highlight of the week.

Early in the morning I went for a run in the national park with my friend Ryan. The ninety minutes disappeared so quickly. When we reached Hell's Gates, the ocean was completely flat. No waves at all just calm blue water stretching all the way to the horizon. It was one of those views that makes you stop for a moment and simply take it all in.

Noosa Nationalpark

After the run, Ryan, his son Cudi and I headed to the Farmers Market. Cudi was definitely the coolest member of our group. Cool sunglasses, cool Adidas shoes and it felt like every second person stopped to talk to him. Meanwhile, Ryan and I had just finished our run, were hungry and already feeling a little tired.

It was great to catch up with so many familiar faces. Naturally, there were lots of conversations about Ironman Cairns and the races that had taken place over the previous weeks. Braden Currie was there with his family as well, and it was interesting to see how he’s embracing life after professional racing and all the adventures he’s now taking on.

After heading home for some food, I met another group for our regular open-water swim at Main Beach.

One of the things I enjoy most about this group is that everyone is there simply because they love swimming. Nobody is trying to impress anyone. Nobody is rushing. We swim together, enjoy being in the ocean and usually stay for a chat on the beach afterwards.

Later that afternoon I caught the end of the Supercars race.

Normally, motorsport isn’t something I follow closely. But Emma’s dad knows an incredible amount about it, especially because Emma’s brother races in that world.

When someone sits next to you and explains every strategy call, every overtake and answers all your questions, suddenly any sport becomes fascinating.

I think that’s why I can enjoy watching almost any sport—as long as someone is there who truly understands it and can explain what’s happening.

The only exception is probably very hard combat sports. I still struggle to understand the appeal of watching people punch each other.

Until Next Week

And just like that, another week has flown by.

As I mentioned at the beginning, time seems to move incredibly quickly at the moment. Not only because of training, but because of everything else happening around it.

I’m already looking forward to next week. The first harder training sessions are coming back into the program, along with a few very early mornings. It finally feels like I’m taking small steps back towards my best shape.

Until then, enjoy the sunshine and get outside for some movement. Even if it’s just a short walk after a long day in the office.

See you next week.

Cyrill