Summer-Interview #6: Mathilde Gremaud
Variety Instead of Stagnation: This summer, the Swiss athlete is focusing on a mix of intense training, outdoor activities, and intentional time off. In this interview, Mathilde reveals why she’s looking forward to Australia, shares the role her training partners play, and discusses the mindset with which she’s starting the new season.
What are this year’s milestones in your summer training?
Well, so far I’ve already started my endurance training again, and I have some really cool plans for the summer. I’m taking my preparation for the next season very seriously, buuuut I’m also giving myself a little more mental freedom so I can enjoy other activities. I’ll be biking more again and taking part in two fun races: one enduro race and one e-bike challenge. That’ll be a lot of fun. After that, we’re flying to Australia for four weeks to go skiing, and I’m really looking forward to that!! It’ll be my first time. :)
What's your favorite way to train during the off-season?
Just mix it up as much as possible. The gym, outdoors, biking, golf, jogging, playing tennis... My coach adapts to my pace and my love for sports in general, and that's exactly what I love most about training during the off-season. Just doing everything, haha. But I have to admit: cardio training always takes priority.
Do you have a favorite workout partner, and why?
I’d definitely say my coach is really cool. I work out a lot on my own, so I’m always happy when I have someone to talk to and share gossip with. But I also often work out with Vali, whether it’s endurance training on the bike or at the gym. That’s really cool, too, of course. We have our own routines, but we mostly work out together!
What are your vacation plans for this summer?
This summer, I’m going to take a vacation at home, where I grew up. I’m taking two weeks off again to enjoy my hometown without making any plans.
I go back there all the time, but I never really get to enjoy it because everyone always wants something from me (which is totally cool, of course). Then I often don’t have much time left to do anything for myself.
How is your favorite way to recharge for next season during summer?
Unfortunately, I have to repeat myself. I do so many different activities—it does me a world of good and still never throws me completely off my rhythm. But definitely the sun, too. Every spring, I feel like I’m alive again, like something new is beginning, and that’s such a dondon cool feeling. I loooove winter, but when summer comes, it’s always something really special.
What are your goals for the next season?
To enjoy skiing!!
The last few years have been very intense, with competitions, goals, and a pretty tightly scheduled daily routine. Now I want to ski a little more freely again and continue to improve that way. Not just getting better because of a specific goal but simply getting better. That’s my goal.
