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Take an example from @danmaruschak :-)

give a free day and I'll get the job done.
I did today 12k in the morning. Then work and Spanish lesson. When I was good to leave in the evening, it was 18:30. In theory, if I walked till midnight, I could do ~30k steps. That would sum up to 42k. Would it be enough to best you? Most likely not.

I will be free until April 1st.

42k probably won't be enough for you.

Rule 5 absence is only on the first five rounds.
There is another rule 50% absence during the whole season.

BTW don't give up so easy, fight with @bucipuci