The Shugyo Project

The Shugyō Project: The Matterhorn. 5 Months to Go.

Two-Week Update: 8th – 25th Mar 2026 – Weight Holding Steady, Work Chaos & France Ski Trip Ahead

Two weeks combined (8th – 25th Mar) since I’m posting today. I’ve kept up the weight loss but it’s kind of held steady. Not too bothered as I was away with work last week and on call this week, which completely screws up training. Still managed 3 runs and 2 swims, so I’ll take that as a win.

Fitness snapshot (as of 25th Mar):

Weight: held steady after the previous drop.

Power-to-weight ratio: still moving in the right direction.

VO2 max focus: pool and runs keeping it ticking over.

Weekly volume: 3 runs + 2 swims + a few dog walks. No big sessions, but no complete washouts either.

Achilles status: quiet.

Overall: positive consistency despite work disruption.

PT training is coming along

PT training is coming along. All I have to do is pass a couple of exams and a practical then I’m a qualified gym instructor! Just need my cellar to completely dry out so I can physically practice.

The course has been surprisingly useful for my own training too. I’m learning proper form, recovery strategies, programming principles and how to avoid injury — all of which I’m applying directly to my Matterhorn prep. It’s making me smarter about how I build strength, manage fatigue and protect my Achilles as the volume ramps up. Feels good to be turning the knowledge inward while I work toward the qualification.

France ski trip & Arête des Cosmiques

I’ve got an eye on Friday — we’re setting off to France for a ski week with some other families. We’re driving down via the tunnel, so it’s going to be a monster drive. Fitness-wise it will be skiing every day, and my Arête des Cosmiques is booked for Tuesday. I’m really looking forward to it, but the only issue is currently there is heavy snow, wind and cold forecast. So fingers crossed it won’t be postponed!

The overriding feeling: keep stacking consistent days even when life gets messy. Work, travel and weather will always throw curveballs, but the small sessions still count. Fitness is building steadily. That’s the engine for up and down the ridge safely.

This two-week grind is still nothing next to what Aspire supports people through every day — spinal cord injuries, practical rebuilding with accessible housing, grants, equipment. Your donation means far more than any disrupted week, long drive or weather worry ever will.

JustGiving link below.

Next post after the France trip — hopefully with Arête des Cosmiques stories, ski legs and more progress.

Countdown continues.

Nick