
So I have spoken often of this man called Andre. A regular guy who in 2016 couldn't run 3km. Well to witness this man complete his first 100miler (153km) was an absolute treat and heart ache to witness. (because of the long suffering)
Why do we do such crazy adventures as humans? Why push oneself to the limits, where the elements are sleet rain, dark and wet conditions, temperatures dropping below 0.. Then add to that no sleep for almost the entire journey.
Why do that? Well I guess you do not know how strong you really are until you try. With over 20 contestants dropping out, due to sheer fatigue, mental struggles, lack of sleep and sheer feeling of being wet and cold.
There are some people who rise to the challenge like Andre. In one year he managed to run 250km in the Morrocan dessert in 6 days hitting temps above 45 degrees. Here the extremes were almost opposite. A lot harder and more mental. (non stop running to try finish below 36khours) I didn't hear Andre ever use the word -give up. He had a goal, that was to finish. The reason, that its a privilege and running for more than himself but for Ryan Walker and his Foundation, using running to raise awareness.
When one puts the bigger picture in place it makes one dig deep and go beyond oneself..I waited for 5 hours to have a chance to pace Andre for the last 30 odd kms to the finish, the tracker not working, the rain pelting, the cold temp dropping and thinking, is this guy going to make it? Having worked with him for a year, I knew the mental stuff wasn't a problem, he is strong, is his body strong enough.
21:30pm I saw a very wet and cold individual, big grin happy to see me. Eating his sweet potatoes meal..(changed into dry clothes)
One thing is for sure, Andre wouldn't have survived the previous 14km or so without his amazing pacer, who knew the terrain and guided him through to get to me.
Having a team is vitally important, they there to support, encourage, and put things into perspective.
The goal was to finish before 10am Sunday.
We were on track, we walked right though the night, the legs were too sore to run, so one step at a time we took ground and the goal was to keep to the path and not let Andre fall asleep on me.
Not once did he complain or grumble, he was strong, if it wasn't for the swelling he had from running for endless hours.
Hard work pays off, he did everything we asked of him leading up to this event.
Do you have people in your life who can give advice, perspective and help you on your journey, ones who've had experience, skill sets and been on.
Not to keep you on the whole hour journey I was with him, but to say after Andre having a 10minute power nap he was rearing for the last 17km to the finish finishing around 32 hours at 6:45am in the morning this past Sunday.
Too see him walk over the finish line, smiling, making the distance, was very emotional for me.
I'm all behind people achieving their dreams. Big or small we at Adventure Fitness and Velocity are here to help you.
I hope you are inspired of this one mans journey, you may never do the 100miler, Whatever your dreams or goals, do not let anyone deter you from them.
Success starts with a goal and working consistently for it and you can do anything!!!