Being a part of something special is always an amazing feeling. This weekend I get to do just that and watch Mr Fitness achieve a goal he's had since I've known him. He'll be completing in The North Face 100, one of Australia's toughest Ultramarathon's.
One of the most important things I've learned is to dream big. Without those big dreams we'll never achieve the small things along the way. Watching Mr Fitness achieve his small goals along the way to achieving this very large goal has been a very rewarding experience.
When we first met, almost 6 years ago, he had only just begun running. And after seeing that I had done a few fun runs, he signed up to do his first 10km run. I'll never forget watching him at the start line, full of nerves and anticipation. He was a very different body shape back then, and as he crossed the finish line, to say he was exhausted is an understatement! The look of disbelief on his face that he'd just run 10km was quite amazing to see. But he had a sense of pride about him, that he was truely happy for achieving this goal.
Of course, by now he had the running bug, and he continued to sign up for more fun runs, each one further than the last. And each time, I saw the same nervous man at the start line, and the same look of happiness and pride at the end. With every new goal reached he'd instantly be looking for a bigger one, a better one, all the time talking about The North Face 100, and how amazing it would be to run it one day. The awe he had watching the documentaries, the inspiration he received from reading the blogs of the elites and watching their stories unfold.
Before long, he had completed his first marathon, The Portland 3 Bays. It was a tough course for a first marathon, or so we were told, but Mr Fitness took it all in his stride and finished in a time of 3 hours and 53 minutes. There were no injuries, no stumbling over the line, and his recovery was pretty short. I was expecting to see him hobbling about the next day, but no, he was just about ready to start running again. I think this was when I started to realise the potential he had with his running, and how well he could really do. So of course it was only natural that the next event be longer and tougher. He signed up for the 2Bays Ultra. A 56km trail run over Arthurs Seat and back again. He did well in the run, and crossed the line with the ever familiar smile of proud achievement. But his immediate recovery wasn't great, his nutrition needed some work, it was obvious his body needed more nutrients than it was getting.
So that year for his birthday I sent him away on an Apline Trail Running camp, run by Matt Cooper, one of Australia's best trail runners. He was in awe of Coops and the information he had to share. When he returned from his weekend he had a new lease of life with his running an was prepared to get his nutrition and in order to match his fitness.
Next thing I know, he's signed up for The North Face 100. I was surprised at the time, unsure if he was really ready for that distance yet, but he seemed so determined there was no way i was going to doubt his decision.
His preparation has been great, his nutrition has been fairly spot on. He's got his race gear sorted and the pre-race nerves have well and truely set in. To say he's excited is an understatement. To say I'm excited is an even bigger one! Being a part of this entire process has taught me a lot about the person he is and what can be achieved when you really want something.
I cannot wait to see him cross that finish line and achieve his "Big Dream", I am already so completely proud of everything he has done for himself and the person he has become through his running. It's been exactly the push I need to motivate me to continue pursuing my own goals.
Stay tuned for a full race report after this weekend.
Until then, I send you all my postivity and love!
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