Beyond Limits: What 26 Miles of Running and 1,000 Miles of Cycling Taught Me About Resilience
By David Michel
International News, March 2025
We often hear the phrase "listen to your body" or "know your limits." But what if these well-intentioned pieces of advice sometimes hold us back from discovering our true potential?
In 2013, I stood at the starting line of the Zurich Marathon, carrying both my determination and, admittedly, a few extra pounds that prompted concerned friends to warn me about potential knee damage. Fast forward to 2020, and I was clipping into my pedals for a 14-day cycling adventure from Zurich to Bordeaux and beyond. These two endeavors, while different in nature, taught me invaluable lessons about mental resilience and the art of selective listening—both to others and to oneself.
The Power of Small Victories
"The only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time." This mantra became my faithful companion through both journeys. I vividly remember my first one-hour training run—a milestone that felt simultaneously endless and brief. That single hour represented my first "bite," a stepping stone toward the full marathon. The second meaningful "bite" was when I reached the top of the Pragelpass on my bike for the first time. Each successful training session wasn't just physical preparation; it was proof that barriers are often more psychological than physical.
When Exhaustion Meets Necessity
During our ride to Bordeaux, my cycling partner Andrew and I faced a particularly testing moment. After covering 75 miles one day, we discovered the nearest accommodation was another 25 miles away. Picture this: it's 5 p.m., you're already fatigued, and the unknown landscape ahead presents a series of relentless hills. In such moments, you learn that limits are often negotiable, and fatigue becomes a matter of context.
The Myth of Absolute Limits
When I decided to run a marathon, well-meaning voices suggested my build wasn't suited for long-distance running. Interestingly, these same voices later cheered me across the finish line. This taught me a crucial lesson: while advice should be considered, it shouldn't always be followed. Our bodies and minds are often capable of far more than others—or we ourselves—might believe.
Beyond the Finish Line
Perhaps the most profound discovery wasn't about physical endurance at all. I learned that I derive more satisfaction from discussing achievements than plans. Talk is cheap, as they say, but accomplishments speak volumes. This realization has influenced how I approach both personal and professional challenges: focus on the doing, let the results speak for themselves.
The Actuarial Mindset: When Precision Meets Perseverance
As actuaries, we are trained to value precision and accuracy above all. In an era where speed often trumps quality, and immediate results are demanded over methodical progress, our profession faces unique challenges. My endurance experiences have deeply influenced my approach to complex actuarial projects. When implementing extensive Prophet systems across multiple teams, the journey often mirrored a long-distance challenge—the destination seemed distant on day one, and halfway through, questions inevitably arise about direction and approach. Just as I wouldn't contemplate abandoning a marathon at the 20 miles mark, giving up on a complex implementation project isn't an option. The same "one bite at a time" philosophy that carried me through endurance challenges proves invaluable when breaking down intricate actuarial problems. In a world increasingly driven by instant gratification, I urge my fellow actuaries to maintain their commitment to building strong foundations. Like training for a marathon or planning a long-distance ride, quality actuarial work requires patience, resilience, and the courage to resist rushing through crucial steps. The end result—whether it's crossing a finish line or delivering a robust financial model—justifies every methodical step along the way.
The Real Victory
The true triumph wasn't crossing the finish line in Zurich or arriving in Bordeaux. It was discovering that our perceived limits are often just that—perceptions. Whether you're facing a physical challenge, a professional obstacle, or a personal goal, remember that your potential likely exceeds your expectations.
As the streets of Zurich proved during the marathon, or peer pressure applied for training sessions, there's something powerful about community support. But the decision to push through early morning winter runs or tackle those extra 25 miles at dusk—that comes from within. Sometimes, the most important voice to listen to is the quiet one that says, "Maybe I can."
David Michel, fellow member of the French Institut des Actuaires and the Swiss Society of Actuaries, is an Associate Partner of Arocha & Associates and a managing director at Dedalis GmbH. He can be reached at davboar@hotmail.com.