My internal critic is relentless. It scrutinizes every decision, judges every mistake, and never fails to remind me of my flaws. This critical voice whispers that I don't deserve kindness and compassion, fueling my self-doubt and making it difficult to extend grace to myself. Breaking free from this pattern requires conscious effort and a shift in mindset.

​When I went to wake up my son this morning, I found him tightly hugging his basketball. Yesterday, he received the exciting news that he had made it onto the local basketball team. The sight immediately brought to mind a quote by Seth Godin that I have on one of my business cards: "Being tall helps you become a star in basketball, but how many of us have a shot at playing in the NBA? It's not about what you are born with; it's about what you do."

With only two weeks until his 9th birthday, my son continues to dream big and approach life with limitless passion and potential. He understands that the "NBA tall" gene will not suddenly manifest itself in his DNA, but that doesn't dampen his enthusiasm for playing, learning, having fun, and nurturing his dreams. 
I am truly inspired by how he guarded his basketball and slept with it last night. I don't find it childish at all, and it brings to mind the image of a young Michael Jordan doing the same. It reminds me of Arnold Schwarzenegger sharing in an interview that as a child, he would spend hours in bed gazing at posters of Mr. Universe, visualizing and dreaming of reaching that level.

The inspiration from my son's dedication carried over into my morning run today. I ran to the best of today's ability, embracing the effort and feeling a true sense of pride for simply applying myself, without needing external validation of time, pace, or comparison to others. Such a small shift in perspective made a massive difference in the joy I got out. 

I often find myself caught up in the cycle of constant doing. I push myself to train hard, exceed my limits, and always strive to get the best out of myself. But when it comes to the days and weeks after a race, I question whether I am truly embracing the art of being.
Recovery is an integral part of the journey. It is a time for healing, recharging, and allowing my body to reset. However, I've noticed that even recovery can become just another task on my to-do list, hurriedly rushed through as I feel the pressure to resume training or take on new challenges.
But what if I shift my perspective and grant myself the freedom to simply be? To sit with my thoughts and emotions, to reflect on the journey I have just completed, and to genuinely appreciate all that my body has accomplished. It's a chance to honor the efforts I've put into my running.
Being present doesn't equate to being idle. It means granting ourselves permission to fully immerse in the present moment, even amidst the busyness of life.

​With ultras, there's never a dull moment, right?

After experiencing hip, hip flexor, and knee issues during my 100-mile race three weeks ago, I dedicated myself to addressing those specific concerns. I incorporated extra stretching, strength exercises, and mindful attention to the affected areas. And guess what? It paid off! During the Brisbane Trail Ultra 60km last Saturday, my hip gave me no trouble. However, I faced challenges on the climbs and downhills due to a lack of overall strength and recovery. My legs felt heavy, lacking energy from the start. I struggled with my running form—short stride, forward lean, and a heavy feel in my feet. It was a tough day at the office, and I wasn't satisfied with my performance.

Now, my race schedule is empty for a while, and I welcome the change. It's time to focus on recovery, refuel my body, and work on strength and flexibility. 
It's also time to have some fun and show gratitude to my amazing body, which has carried me so far.

​I'm really enjoying the Netflix series "Unchained" about the Tour De France. It's giving me a whole new perspective on the race.

In the past, I've followed the Tour as a passionate spectator, but now I'm seeing it from the viewpoint of the teams and riders. While I don't fully understand all the technical aspects of cycling and racing on two wheels, I can relate to the human side of endurance. I can appreciate the physical and mental challenges the cyclists face. The documentary's storytelling is so immersive that I could almost feel their pain and struggles.

This is a reflection of my own ultrarunning of course. While professional athletes operate on a different level, I believe that anyone who pushes themselves to their limits with dedication is like them, regardless of the sport or performance on the leaderboard. It's all about subjective perception, as there is no objective measure for it.

Watching this documentary has given me new insights on resilience, dedication, determination, and true grit. These qualities stem from a deep passion for the sport and confidence in one's abilities, which are built through years of hard work. 
But one thing that really stands out is the importance of the team. It's easy to forget the support system we have in our own pursuits, whether it's training companions, understanding partners, supportive friends, or professionals who help us along the way.

Moving forward, I want to do a better job of acknowledging and thanking my team, they deserve recognition for being a vital part of my ultrarunning journey.