“I WANTED TO TEST MYSELF”

In the months leading up to the race, I trained day and night, running as much as I could each day. My weekly mileage ranged from 80 to 100 kilometers, all while working full-time at my cookie business. I approached training with a sense of joy, striving to keep it fun and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the daily challenges of life. I have to say, it was only possible because I didn’t suffer any serious injuries during my training—just the usual fatigue—but my feet remained in good shape.

I was fortunate to have incredible support. True Motion sponsored my running shoes, making sure I could reduce the immense strain on my body, and the team at OACE provided gear for my training, including clothing. Nutrition was also a critical factor in this journey—it was the foundation of my sacrifice and effort.

For me, running is much more of a spiritual act than a physical one. I don't consider myself a fan of running, not even as a runner. I like resistance. Resistance is necessary to make something great out of a person. And running gives you immense resistance if you really want to face that resistance.

So, I use running for myself. And for my project. With “Project 61”, I want one thing above all: to get closer to myself. To create stories for my grandchildren that are true. And to help people who need this support. To raise awareness of certain issues, to initiate conversations, to encourage.

Manifesting your ambition is not pathological. Wanting more from life is not insane. And working hard for something, fighting hard, is not wrong. If you take this path in life, many people will try to persuade you otherwise. Because it seems different and unfamiliar. But that shouldn't stop us from moving forward.

For me, it's about moving forward. Not just in terms of running.

Alcoholism and homelessness are both topics that are very quickly demonized. When you hear the word “alcoholic”, you might immediately think of a man in a smelly jacket, on the street, scruffy and perhaps even with only a few teeth left. Aggressive perhaps, lost. But that's not necessarily the case. I would argue that it is even less common than it is true.

When it comes to homelessness, homeless people often live the same daily routine day in, day out. They lie on the side of the road or sit in the city center. Many people walk past them every day. However, only a few make contact. The reservations are often too great. Disgust, perhaps even anger or disappointment.

People living in homelessness often have no one they can even speak to. Sometimes not having anyone to talk to about your feelings for weeks on end - that is an absolutely abhorrent feeling. I can tell you that. Often, just walking past a homeless person and smiling or giving them an encouraging look would help. Maybe even strike up a brief conversation. It's not always about offering food, drink, or money. A few words are sometimes worth just as much.