Personal message

Following my successful completion of, according to many, one of the toughest foot races in the world – the historic Spartathlon over 246 kilometres in Greece - the “runner’s high” was like no other. But as the endorphin levels receded and life returned to reality, the post-race blues caught up with me - feelings of emptiness, apathy and perhaps even mild “depression”. This lasted for quite some time and my normal daily running did not do the trick – something more demanding was required.

Eventually, one year later, I have come up with a CHALLENGE...

What?

I decided to run the equivalent of 100 marathons in one year – 4219.50 kilometres in training and organised races. Why? I have never run this many kilometres in one single year and 100 just seem to be a competitive round number. Add to this, the equivalent of a Comrades Marathon in elevation gain. Why? Because I am lazy running hills and this will force me to take the more challenging routes when out on the road or trails and burn 605 Big Mac Burgers in calories. Why? Peak physical fitness cannot be attained without healthy nutrition. 

My bucket list races (below) each have unique challenges in terms of distance, elevation, terrain, the elements and more. Positive psychology studies show that variety is key to maintaining optimal happiness levels, so I will be mixing it up over the course of the next 12 months. Stay updated so you can see which events I choose to participate in!

With the first of my bucket list races ticked, I will reveal in due course which one will be next. End January marks the start of the marathon season in a build up to the Comrades Marathon - I will be doing a number of these and will keep you posted.

Bucket list events:

1. Ultra-trail Cape Town – 100 kilometres
2. Addo Elephant Trail Run – 100 miles
3. IronMan South Africa – 3.8 kilometre swim, 180 kilometre cycle and 42.2 kilometre run 
4. The Munga Trail Run - 400 kilometres
5. Comrades Marathon – 89 kilometres
6. Washie 100 – 100 miles
7. Spartathlon – 246 kilometres

Some of these I have already done but they still remain on my bucket list.

Scared...but I never give up!

The ultimate goal is to raise as much money as possible for Sadag!

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) is Africa’s largest mental health support and advocacy group. On the back of my aforementioned odyssey I appeal to people to contribute financially to Sadag’s activities by pledging and paying a Rand (any monetary amount) per kilometre I run. All money raised will be donated to Sadag to continue their support and educational work.

“Mental health is a sickness just like diabetes, heart problems, eye problems, we all need help.” - Bettie Jordan

Thank you to my commercial sponsor for making this CHALLENGE possible: Authentic BlueStar Financial Advisory Services

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