The Shugyo Project

 

A couple of weeks on from completing the Arête des Cosmiques and I’m still feeling really good about it. Not just the climb itself, but what it proved that the preparation is working, my head stayed solid, and exposure didn’t overwhelm me. That confidence has carried through the last ten days as life has snapped firmly back into its usual rhythm.

 

It has very much been back to the grind at work, but there’s some genuinely positive news on the training, kit, and lifestyle front. Despite a full skiing holiday with long days, tired legs, mountain food and disrupted routines, I came home having not put any weight on. That felt like a quiet but important win. From there, it’s straight back onto my established eating structure, alternating low and high days one day around 500 calories, the next around 2000 calories, then repeat.

The goal remains clear. I still want to lose another 6 kilograms before the Matterhorn, not for aesthetics, but to get the power‑to‑weight ratio working firmly in my favour. At altitude, every unnecessary kilo costs energy. Less mass means greater efficiency, less fatigue on steep ground, and more margin when decision‑making matters most.

 

Training Back Online

Another big positive during this 5th–14th April window is that the home gym is finally usable again.

After winter flooding knocked it out of action, I’ve been able to get it operational. The final job is laying the flooring once all remaining moisture has fully gone but practically speaking, the gym is back and workable. More importantly, I’ve already been using it. Since returning home, I’ve completed two gym sessions and three runs, with no aches, no pains, and no injuries. Crucially, the Achilles isn’t hurting.

 

That last point matters. Given the running volume, hill work, skiing, and time spent in mountain boots, this is a big confidence boost. It tells me the progression is sensible, load management is working, and I’m not having to compensate or second‑guess sessions. The focus right now isn’t intensity, it’s rhythm. Re‑establishing routine, moving well, and building durability. The Matterhorn doesn’t reward big one‑off sessions; it rewards consistency and staying healthy.

 

Kit Shakedown

The Arête des Cosmiques also served as a proper kit shakedown, which proved invaluable. All the core equipment I’ve bought specifically for the Matterhorn was tested in a real alpine environment. That includes the harness, helmet, various carabiners and hardware, and all the main mountaineering equipment including crampons and ice axe. Everything did exactly what it should. There were no surprises, no doubts, and no gear issues which is exactly what you want.

The only change I’ve made off the back of it is climbing gloves. The pair I had were far too bulky, especially on rock sections and during transitions. I’ve now picked up a proper, more dexterous pair that are much better suited to mixed terrain. Overall, it was a really solid shakedown. Fewer unknowns going into Matterhorn week is a big win, and having confidence in the kit saves a lot of energy and headspace when things get serious.

 

Cheeky Chapati Is Back

Another major boost during this update window is that I’ve sent out two proposed dates for “Cheeky Chapati”, my pop‑up Indian restaurant hosted in my house to raise funds for Aspire. It’s a proven format. I used it successfully to raise money for my Channel swim, and it works because it’s simple: proper home‑cooked Indian food, a relaxed communal atmosphere, and people doing something enjoyable for a serious cause. Everything is cooked by my fair hand. The kitchen runs hot, the tables are packed in, and everyone leaves happily over‑fed. If all goes to plan, I should be able to host around 50 people across two nights, making a meaningful contribution to the overall fundraising total.

 

As always, Aspire’s work keeps everything in perspective. While I voluntarily chase discomfort on exposed ridges and early‑morning alarms, they support people rebuilding their lives after spinal injury through accessible housing, grants, equipment and long‑term practical support. That’s the real effort.

 

The countdown continues.

Nick