"I LEARNED A POWERFUL LESSON"

The initial weeks post-injury were among the most challenging. Waking up each day, summoning the energy to run another 60 km, filled with hope that the pain might have vanished, only to be met with the same symptoms over and over again. It was a draining cycle of hope and disappointment. The lack of a clear diagnosis only added to the uncertainty, making it impossible to plan ahead or make informed decisions. This period gave me an in-your-face lesson on being patient and accepting that some things are beyond our immediate comprehension.

When the diagnosis finally came, confirming that I could no longer continue my run, it was a mixed bag of emotions. First of all, it was quite ironic to accept that you “failed” your mission because you “only” managed to run 22 ultra marathons instead of 200. Maybe it was at this moment that I realized how crazy my undertaking actually was. But at least now I had the clarity and the information necessary to make a decision and move forward.

Then it felt as though someone had unplugged me from my source of energy. I found myself in a haze, doing little to nothing, just processing the abrupt end of my adventure. Despite having the information to make a decision, I didn’t have any energy to actually implement it. It was in this stillness, however, that I learned a powerful lesson: it’s okay to pause. It’s okay to grieve your losses, to allow yourself the space to feel disappointment and sadness. This pause was a necessary step towards healing. It allowed me to let go and move on. To rediscover my motivation and the courage to start all over again.

Part of the process was accepting that certain things are simply beyond our control. Despite being in peak physical condition and mentally prepared to endure the hardships of the journey, an anatomical imbalance in my thigh bones, only revealed through an MRI scan, was something I could not have anticipated or prepared for. This realization was a painful but necessary lesson in humility and accepting the limits of human endurance.

Deciding to return to Cape Town and start over wasn’t just about personal resilience; it was a response to the overwhelming love and support we received from people around the world. We had started our journey with the mission to show that people are great. But the level of support and participation surpassed even what we had envisioned. Our journey became a shared narrative of hope, encouragement, and collective strength. Growing this narrative and continuing to shine a little light in challenging times is the most powerful motivator to start all over again.

As I prepare for another attempt, I do so without the pressure of reaching Cairo. The goal, while still in sight, is not the primary focus. And to be fair, getting back to the starting line is not the uphill battle some might imagine. Yes, the training is intense and the preparation exhausting. And yes, I need to work to sustain my lifestyle here in Cape Town. But this journey with all the people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had here adds so much richness to my life. It’s making the process not just bearable, but enjoyable. And if it wasn’t like that I wouldn’t persevere very long.

On top of enriching my life and being an opportunity to challenge myself, it allows me to give back. Through raising funds for Viva con Agua and sharing our experiences, we hope to inspire and contribute to a greater cause. Witnessing the support and love we experience along the way hopefully alters the way people view the world and the people around them.

As I sit in Cape Town, preparing for what lies ahead, I am reminded daily of the privileges I hold – the freedom to choose my challenges, to chase after what might seem like impossible dreams. I recognize that not everyone has this level of freedom, but I also believe that many of us have more choices than we might think. It’s about recognizing the opportunities we do have and making the most of them.

In a few weeks, on March 17, I will begin again, not just to run, but to continue learning, sharing, and embracing every step of this journey.