22/05/2025
WHY THOUGH?
When I first started running, never in my life did I think it would lead to running 100kms with 4,500m of elevation on no sleep. I started running for my mind and my body. I started running after cancer, with an aim to take off the 40kg’s the steroids gave me and to prove to myself that I was on my way to fighting fit again.
I remember (around the time of this last image in the carousel), not being able to walk up 10 stairs without needing to sit down again from being so out of breath.
I had no choice in that.
What I do have a choice in is how I live now. Running has given me so much mental space, physical health (and pain), clarity and a profound sense of achievement I never thought I would find in anything other than music.
It’s given me back the reins in more ways than one. Like Christina said on her page - it’s given me the freedom to *choose* the pain I suffer and to appreciate it for the fact that I *get* to. I have the privilege of doing so.
This whole weekend would not have been possible without the help of my beautiful family & friends sending me texts/photos mid-race, making signs and making the most delicious fuel to keep me going. None more than Christina, who met me in the middle of the night at checkpoints with fresh clothes, fresh food and pep talks to rival any half-time revival. Not to mention the weeks of training she dealt with in the months prior. Thank you for going along with my ridiculous schemes and putting up with me leaving for hours only to come home half broken and unable to move. Your selflessness and resilience are nothing short of inspiring and you are the best friend anyone could ask for. I love you endlessly.
To be able to drain my tank like that has been truly astonishing. It took every ounce of energy I had to run over that finish line. So much so I could hardly stand, let alone walk at the finish. So here’s to our chosen suffering. And here’s to the growth that it delivers.
Do the hard things. I promise you’ll be better for it.
