When it comes to training for one of the toughest events in the Winter Olympics, sometimes snow isn't even involved.
Alex Almoukov, spends most of his year in Australia and has to improvise his training techniques.
"In the summer when there is no snow we simulate it by roller skiing. We also do a lot of running and riding," said the 23-year-old.
The winter biathlon isn't just hard to train for, it's almost impossible for the athletes to explain to their friends.
"They don't know what it really is. They still don't get it. All they know is I train a lot," Almoukov said.
The winter biathlon combines cross country skiing and target shooting. The cross country element requires immense cardiovascular strength - after all sprinting in light air for 20 kilometres on skis isn't easy.
"During the race you have to push yourself to the absolute limit and try your best. At the finish line you have nothing left."
It's intense fitness just propelling your own weight up hill during cross-country. If it wasn't already hard enough the competitors have the added weight of a rifle strapped to their back.
Amongst all the speed-work on the mountain Almoukov also needs to flick a switch and relax when it comes time to take aim at those targets.
"You have to calm yourself down and mentally prepare for every single shot. I would certainly say my sport is mentally and physically hard," the Russian-born Australian said.
Tyumen in Russia might be Almoukov's place of birth but after moving to Australia as a seven-year-old calling Sochi a second home is a bit of a stretch.
"My friends are in Australia. That is where I am most comfortable and where I am not homesick," Almoukov said.
Luckily for the green and gold, that means any success in Sochi will be on Australia's medal tally and he has a point to prove this time around, after not reaching his full potential at his first Olympics in Vancouver.
"I was only 18 years old and I wasn't in the best shape at the time and I was a little bit sick. I wanted to compete as best as I could but it was really hard for me," he said.
"I think that now I have tested it, I was there once before I am sure I will be ready this time."
If Almoukov's preparations are anything to go by, shooting for a top 30 finish remains firmly in sight.
Athlete Bio
Name: Alex Almoukov
Age: 23
Olympic Campaigns: Two (Vancouver and Sochi)
Event: Winter Biathlon (10km Sprint and 20km Individual)
Lives: NSW
Twitter: @Almoukov
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