Last Saturday, I found myself hung up on thoughts and frustrations, due to misreading the distance to a checkpoint or feeling like the kilometers were taking an eternity to tick off. This is a familiar experience, of course. Yet, I was surprised that despite years of racing and knowing objectively that I would only reach the checkpoint or finish line when I actually arrived there, I struggled to accept and let go of these frustrations. They were just manifestations of mental and physical fatigue, but they were stubborn. Interestingly, whenever I managed to let go for a bit - such as seeing my crew at the checkpoints or during the last 5km of the race - my mood improved significantly. I picked up my pace and rediscovered the joy of running.

Reflecting on this experience made me consider areas I need to keep working on for better handling this in the future:

1. Physical strength: Aerobically, I was okay, but my hip flexors and quads were compensating for weak glutes. I could benefit from more strength and stability exercises, perhaps even joining a CrossFit or cross-training program.
   
2. Nutrition backup: I skipped a planned stop, which shouldn't have been a catastrophe. Having backup nutrition with additional sugar and calories could be a good emergency measure.
   
3. Visual / Sound: The course wasn't visually or physically exciting, so I could have used more music to compensate. I need to be okay with zoning out with music and actively use it to boost my mood and pace.
   
4. Clear mind: The weeks leading up to the race were quite hectic, and my mind was full of worries. I should take time out and pause commitments as much as possible in the lead-up to the event
   
5. Visualization: I didn't do any visualization exercises this time. Visualizing the difficult moments in a race and how I can overcome them could be helpful.
   
6. Body tune-up: I had a treatment/massage session that focused only on one side of the body. Interestingly, it was the other side that failed on race day. I should return to regular full-body treatments and ensure a full-body tune-up before race day.

​As I sat down for a coffee after the ultra marathon I ran over the weekend, I was filled with an odd joy. The kind of joy that comes not despite the soreness and tiredness, but because of it.

Embrace the soreness! Welcome it, for it is proof that you are alive, that you have pushed yourself, that you have dared to go beyond your limits. There is no rush to go back into the fray, into new projects or challenges. Allow yourself some time.

You've exerted yourself, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. You've traveled through the storm and emerged on the other side - a bit battered, perhaps, but also a bit wiser.

Now comes the time for integration. It may sound like a heavy word, but it's a crucial step in the process of growth, a step you can't afford to skip.

For years, I jumped from one endeavor to another, never allowing myself enough downtime to process what I had just been through. I'd go straight back to work, back to training, back to the hustle and bustle of "normal life", already planning my next move.

Looking back, I see how draining this was. It was a cycle powered by insecurity, by a fear of stillness.

But I've come to realize that gentleness and compassion for oneself can be the catalysts for true strength. Slowing down doesn't mean falling behind; in fact, sometimes it's the best way to make real progress. Rest is not the enemy of fitness, but a vital ally.

And so, here I am, at the trough of the wave, reveling in the stillness, the calm before the next surge. 
What a fantastic opportunity it is to savor this moment of pause!

Today, my dear Luca, I wish for you to be like a spider! 
​
Practice patience, diligence, and resilience. 
Weave the web of your life, your running journey, your mental and physical strength, one thread or kilometer or lunge at a time. 
Remember, even if your web is destroyed by a gust of wind, you possess the power to start again. 
True strength lies in the process of creation, in starting anew regardless of the obstacles in your path.

Remember, the only real obstacle is your own inaction.
Remember, the obstacle is the way.

I must have had an interesting dream last night, as I woke up with a question going through my mind: "If I had a life without limits, what would I do?"

I would run every day, train my body to the best of its ability. I would nourish it with the healthiest and tastiest foods. I would stimulate my mind, learn new things, and travel to new places as often as I could. I would enjoy the company of my friends, have romantic dinners with my wife, and play with my kids.

Instead of being a far-fetched, unreachable ideal, if I am honest, every single one of these aspirations is within my reach. I can run every day, I can train my body, I can nourish it, stimulate my mind, and enjoy my time with my loved ones.

The only thing standing in the way is... me.
I realized that I am already living a limitless life. The only difference is action. The only obstacle is my own inaction.
​
I feel like a caterpillar, which begins its life journey confined to a small branch, limited by its slow pace and unimpressive appearance.
But we all know how that story ends if the caterpillar survives and exerts the effort.
It undergoes a transformation, spreading its wings as a butterfly.

​There's truly nothing like friendship.

Last night I celebrated The 50th birthday of my dear friend Chammy, and spent some time with other great friends I had not seen in ages. And this morning we shared a few kilometres together, with my heart full of gratitude. The years have passed, our paths have diverged and converged in the most unexpected ways, but our bond and friendship has remained unchanged.

Friendship isn't about being inseparable; it's about being separated and knowing nothing will change. It's about knowing that someone has your back, no matter how much time has passed or how far apart you are. It's about shared memories, shared dreams, shared fun and, sometimes, shared pain. It's about understanding and acceptance.

I had forgotten how comforting friendship feels - the trust, the mutual respect, the light hearted fun that ties people together.

Chammy, Mark, Pete I feel so fortunate to have you on my side. You can count on me.