TO PUSH & TEST YOUR LIMITS

Yes, I run ultramarathons, I am vegan, and I try to put my everything into things.

For a long time I looked for perfection, and I guess that started my path to what I do today. But now it is not so much about that. It is about pushing for and testing limits, experiencing things to their fullest, and being happy with the journey. The journey is what makes it.

PUSHING LIMITS & FINDING THE IDEAL

Only by pushing limits and doing something to the extreme do you get the satisfaction of achieving things you or others thought you could not.

But also, by testing limits you learn from the process and no matter what the outcome, whether it be success or failure. You learn about yourself, what works for you, what is and is not sustainable.

In between extreme and sustainable I think is ideal (or what I sometimes think of as perfect with the right imperfections). I think that is key, and I think only by pushing your limits can you find that level.

NORMALITY & MODERATION

As a society we like ‘normality’ and ‘the status quo’. We are comfortable with actions that do not stand out and no-one questions. We are always told that everything is better in moderation.

The thing is, both running for very long distances and eating vegan are slightly outside ‘status quo’ and not exactly ‘moderate’! People see ultra-running or even endurance running in general as taking things too extreme (…Are you taking this too far? You know it is bad for your body and/or could get injured right? It seems so pointless/ boring). And veganism actually (…What do you even eat? Are you sure you are getting all the nutrients you need? Don’t you miss eating x?).

Of course there is good in norms and moderation. They are often set in place because they work and keep us healthy, safe, and functioning as a society.

All this is good, until it starts holding you back. If we are too scared to go past moderation, to do something that sets us apart for fear of how it looks to others, then it becomes harder to learn, grow, progress, and achieve great things.

WHEN TO PUSH

So should we always be pushing limits in everything we do? Probably not… there are good and bad times to push. You have to ask yourself if the goal or change is really worth it… often it is, but sometimes not so much.

When to push:

• When you need/want to prove (either to yourself or others) that something can be done. For example athletes who complete multiple marathons/ ultras/ triathlons in a row, or break records at the Olympics, or being the youngest person to sail the world or climb a mountain.

• When you need a reset or new beginning. Sometimes to get back on track in some aspect of your life requires going to the extreme and then back down. For example with juice cleanses, alcohol detoxes, extended breaks from something.

• When finding a new better sustainable routine. Again going to an extreme teaches you new habits, about what is/ isn’t sustainable, and what works best for you. If you never try you will never know. These can then be incorporated into an improved lifestyle. For example does becoming completely vegan work or a more flexitarian style of eating better.

• When there is nothing (or very little) to lose and something to achieve. Why wouldn’t you put yourself out there?

• When you feel too comfortable and content.

You could stay where you are now, comfortable and content, but never know if there could be something better and happier. You could wait around your whole life for a guarantee that something will be successful. You could hold yourself back for fear of what could (but may not) happen.

Or you could take a risk, do something extreme and push your limits. Push and you might just achieve that amazing goal or find out something great about yourself! Also, just because you try something doesn’t mean you have to do it forever.

You might even inspire others at the end. Ideas: Commit to a marathon/triathlon/ultramarathon. If you are artistic, create music/ art/ drama that is you. Quit the job you hate and find one that is your passion. Start a business. Move to the country/ city of your dreams even if it is really far away and you don’t know anyone there. Write a book.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I know in ways people may be right. All the running might take its toll and one day I might regret pushing.

But what most people will never understand is that without running, and the specific goals/ challenges and chances to explore new amazing places while running, I wouldn’t have the fulfilling life and happiness that I am lucky to have!

And I know that because I took the chance to sign up for challenges and do ‘extreme’ things, without knowing the end result.

RUNNING CHALLENGES SO FAR (with more to come!)

2012: First half marathon, and more after.

2013: First ultramarathon 50km, and more after.

2014: 5 marathons in 5 months around Europe.

2015: First triathlon. Distances over time including 8000km in a year, 1000km in a month, 290km in a week.

2015 to come: 100km ultramarathon.