My Running Experiment 2024
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
- Mahatma Ghandi -
Discover my estimated schedule and locations for each upcoming week. Join me on my journey! Stay tuned and see you soon.
NEXT STEPSI INVITE YOU TO:
Take THE TIME, INFORM YOURSELF, PONDER THE ISSUES, And
WHEN YOU ARE READY,
START A CONVERSATION.
Your support, whether small or large, ignites a global wave of compassion and kindness. Let’s create ripples of positive change together!
SUPPORT MY RUNSharing dreams invites us to connect, inspire, and weave threads of compassion that transcend our mortal boundaries.
SHARE YOUR DREAMRunning Resilience: A Year of Transformation
In December 2023, driven by various intersecting factors, I decided to embark on a new challenge following my journey on the Pacific Crest Trail. At 43 years old, I realized I was in the best physical shape I had been in two decades and unsure how long I could maintain this state of well-being. However, mentally, I was struggling after an event that left me with extreme self-doubt, sadness, isolation, and anxiety. I needed a distraction, a singular focus, and a way to take life one day at a time. I reflected on what had always helped me cope with difficult situations and identified several key principles:
Having a Growth Mindset
Believing that I can develop my abilities and skills, and seeing effort as a path to growth.
Being Consistent
Establishing stability and routine, understanding that practice builds skills and expertise, and training my mind to persevere by recognizing progress over time.
Believing in the Inherent Goodness of Humanity
Seeing kindness, compassion, and resilience even in challenging circumstances.
Running Beyond Limits: My Dream Big Too Adventure
Broader Vision Dream Big Too
The above-mentioned principles led to the creation of my running experiment 2024 and the broader vision of Dream Big Too. Embracing a growth mindset, I committed to learning new skills across various aspects of life. By focusing on consistency, I made it a cornerstone of my new endeavors. Believing in humanity's inherent goodness, I decided to share my journey on social media, hoping to ultimately connect with an audience and community facing similar struggles yet harboring aspirations and dreams.
Consistency is the Key to Mastering
While the quality of my videos and reels is still developing, improving my content creation, filming, publishing, and time management skills is part of the experiment. Consistency is the key to mastering new skills through regular practice and repetition.
Launch YouTube Channel Dream Big Too
I launched a YouTube channel with the goal of producing and publishing one episode per week to showcase my progress. Additionally, I filmed and published one race episode after each race. I created an Instagram account to post one reel a day and a Strava account to log my activities and connect with other runners. This approach allows me to demonstrate incremental improvements in content creation and social media engagement.
My YouTube channelThe 4 main objectives in my Running Experiment
Stay injury-free
Keep running my passion and fun
Complete a 100-mile race in under 30 hours
Run a 5K in under 20 minutes
Navigating Life’s Challenges with Courage
Welcome to Dream Big Too, where we believe that every obstacle is an opportunity waiting to be seized. Life’s journey is a winding path, filled with peaks of triumph and valleys of doubt. But fear not! In this space, we explore the art of resilience, the magic of community, and the transformative power of small steps.
Buckle up as we embark on a quest to conquer adversity, celebrate victories (no matter how small), and find balance between pushing beyond limits and practicing self-care. Let’s dive into the heart of our dreams, armed with courage and curiosity.
Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Together, we’ll turn challenges into stepping stones and doubts into fuel for growth. So grab your compass, adjust your sails, and let’s set sail toward a horizon painted with possibility.
- How do you approach life challenges with a growth mindset?
- What strategies help you maintain consistency when faced with adversity?
- How do you find balance between pushing beyond limits and practicing self-care?
- What role does community support play in overcoming life’s hurdles?
- How do you navigate self-doubt and isolation when pursuing your dreams?
- What small steps can lead to significant transformation over time?
- What motivates you to keep going when the path seems uncertain?
- How do you celebrate victories, no matter how small, along your life journey?
Compassion, curiosity, and consistency are like the North Star guiding us through life’s vast universe of questions. As we explore, learn, and connect, these forces propel us forward, illuminating our path. What fuels your journey? Share your thoughts, and let’s weave a constellation of wisdom together!
Chasing Horizons: My Running Experiment 2024
3x Half Marathons
New Year’s Half Marathon in Zurich, Switzerland - Sprint into the New Year. On January 1, 2024, in Zurich along the Limmat under the moon light.
2 hours, 3 minutes, and 4 seconds
Warwick Half Marathon in Warwick, United Kingdom – Stride through History. On February 4, 2024, I found myself in Warwick, where ancient oaks cheered me on.
1 hour, 51 minutes, and 47 seconds
Zurich Half Marathon in Zurich, Switzerland - Homerun. On April 21, 2024, Zurich called me back.
1 hour, 44 minutes, and 17 seconds
50-Mile Race
North Downs Way 50 Mile from Farnham to Knockholt Pound, UK - 50 Miles of Discovery. On May 18, 2024, I traced the North Downs Way - a 50-mile tapestry of hills, forests, and whispers.
9 hours, 51 minutes, and 15 seconds
100-Mile Race
South Downs Way 100 Mile from Matterley Bowl to Eastbourne, UK - 100 Miles. On June 8, 2024, I stood at Matterley Bowl, heart racing. The South Downs Way unfolding - a 100-mile saga of chalk ridges, ancient forts, and coastal vistas. My finish line: Eastbourne.
22 hours, 30 minutes, and 29 seconds
Robin Hood 100 Mile from South Wheatley Village, UK - 100 Miles. On September 21, 2024, I stood at South Wheatley Village, ready for the challenge ahead. The Robin Hood 100 awaited – a journey through the serene Chesterfield Canal and the historic Sherwood Forest, passing the legendary Major Oak.
22 hours, 58 minutes, and 30 seconds.
My JOGLE – A Journey Across the UK
As a part of my preparation for the epic “My Run Around the World for the Living and the Dying,” I embarked on my first long-distance jog: the JOGLE. This adventure took me from John O’Groats, nearly the northernmost point in Scotland, all the way down to Land’s End, the most southwesterly point of England. Over 33 days, I covered this iconic route, crossing through breathtaking landscapes and bustling cities like London. It was a journey that tested my limits and helped me gather invaluable experience for the even greater challenge ahead.
The main goal of my JOGLE was to see how many miles I could physically and mentally run each day while self-sufficiently organizing my trip. I set my sights on running an average of 30 miles daily, without rest days. This challenge pushed me to test not only my endurance but also my mental fortitude, as I learned to overcome the hurdles of long-distance jogging.
Equally important was the task of testing my gear, particularly my buggy, a bicycle trailer transformed into a jogging stroller. This would be my companion on my future world run, and I needed to see how it would perform under real-world conditions. I soon discovered that its weight, size, and limited steerability presented unique challenges, especially when navigating airports, buses, trains, narrow doors, and uneven surfaces. Despite this, the buggy, loaded with everything from clothes and food to electronics and books, proved to be a waterproof, durable, and worthy partner.
Starting at John O’Groats, I was filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The weather was wet, windy, and cool, and the enormity of the task ahead loomed large. However, the kindness of strangers who listened to my plans and shared their encouragement bolstered my resolve.
Each day brought new challenges and discoveries. I navigated through various terrains using Google Maps, carefully choosing pedestrian and cycle paths. Some days were effortless, where my legs and spirit felt light and energized; other days were tougher, demanding more grit and determination. I averaged 35 miles daily, with my body and mind surprising me with their resilience. Along the way, I learned invaluable lessons about managing weather conditions, optimizing nutrition, and making countless daily decisions.
Reaching Land’s End was a triumphant moment. The sun shone brightly as I reached the signpost, marking the end of a journey that reinforced my belief that I could accomplish “My Run Around the World for the Living and the Dying.” This JOGLE was just the beginning, a prelude to the monumental 18-month adventure that awaits me across various countries.
Thank you to everyone who shared the roads with me and supported my journey.
My YouTube Channel Dream Big Too – Part of the Experiment
Dream Big Too is for anyone who wants to witness that almost everything is possible if we set our minds to it. We can achieve goals that initially seem impossible by taking one step at a time. Consistency is the key, and it is my strength. I am curious about what I can accomplish in the coming years. Join the journey with me and Dream Big Too.
My running experiment is a preparation for my next major undertaking at the end of 2024. It highlights the small, gradual improvements that can be made with consistency, determination, commitment, and big dreams. Please check out my videos, and understand that I prioritize showcasing the progress of my journey over the quality of the videos.