Jonas Deichmann is preparing to embark on a 612-kilometer, moneyless cycling journey across Sri Lanka in just 48 hours. As a seasoned adventurer, he has undertaken remarkable challenges worldwide. Following a year of extreme feats, including 120 Ironman triathlons, he shares insights from his book “Because I Can!” on overcoming monotony in high-performance sports. Deichmann’s next adventure reflects his commitment to exploration and will culminate in a special event on January 22, 2025, where he will discuss his experiences.
Jonas Deichmann’s Next Adventure Awaits
In just three weeks, Jonas Deichmann is set to embark on a new adventure. This time, he aims to traverse the stunning landscape of Sri Lanka by bicycle, covering an impressive 612 kilometers from the northernmost to the southernmost point—all within 48 hours and without spending a dime.
Since 2017, Deichmann has established himself as a professional adventurer, taking on epic challenges that span the globe. From running and cycling to swimming, he has tackled remarkable feats, including a journey from the North Cape to the Cape of Good Hope. Now, he is gearing up for a unique challenge that will unfold over two days as part of his ambitious plan for 2025. This year, he aims to embrace numerous “micro-adventures,” participating in long-distance triathlons each month alongside anyone who wishes to join. Additionally, he and his friend, Marc Bernreuther, will set monthly challenges for one another, with the inaugural task being the moneyless crossing of Sri Lanka on January 1.
Overcoming Monotony in High-Performance Sports
After a year filled with intense challenges, including completing 120 Ironman triathlons in a single season from May to September 2024, Deichmann returns to the thrill of adventure. Each day during this epic journey, he swam 3.8 kilometers, cycled 180 kilometers, and ran 42.195 kilometers without a single day off, all while following a consistent route in Roth, Germany.
In his recently released book, “Because I Can!”, the 37-year-old reflects on the unique challenges he faced during his world record attempt, particularly the monotony that accompanied the rigorous undertaking. Deichmann recounts how, around the 50th day, he struggled with his appetite, needing to consume a staggering 10,000 calories daily to sustain his energy levels. Every nutritional choice was meticulously planned, yet he often found himself forcing down food that had become overwhelmingly sweet.
As the challenge progressed, he even found the cycling route to be tiresome, knowing it so well he could identify “every manhole cover.” While participating in the marathon, he enjoyed the company of fellow runners who joined him each day, but when on his time trial bike, he often rode alone for safety, missing out on the camaraderie.
To combat the monotony, Deichmann relied on a strategy of breaking down his monumental goals into manageable milestones. He focused on daily achievements, setting markers along the way, such as reaching 20,000 kilometers by day 88 and 4,000 kilometers in marathons by day 94. Remarkably, despite the grueling demands of his challenge—456 kilometers of swimming, 21,600 kilometers of cycling, and 5,063 kilometers of running—his health metrics remained stable throughout.
Sports psychologist Dino Poimann attributes Deichmann’s ability to manage monotony to his innate curiosity. According to Deichmann, his motivation stems not solely from the pursuit of a world record, but from the excitement and novelty of each challenge that pushes the boundaries of what many deem possible.
As he prepares for his next adventure, Deichmann is steering away from even more strenuous challenges, opting instead to embrace the unpredictable nature of exploration. The world is brimming with excitement, and he aims to seize every moment. On January 22, 2025, Deichmann will share his journey as a guest at “NZZ Live,” offering exclusive insights into his life, the highs and lows of his adventures, and the motivation that drives him to achieve the unimaginable. Tickets are available at nzz.ch/live.