It was an adventure I will never forget – my participation in the infamous Death March. An event known for its challenging 100-kilometer course that traverses night and day. Although I did not reach my original goal of 100 kilometers and my journey ended after 35.2 kilometers, it was a journey full of perseverance, emotion and unexpected twists.

The day of the Death March began with excitement and nerves. But just before the starting line I was getting a little discouraged by the rain, still I decided to go for it, it promised to be a tough run. After a few hours, however, physical discomfort began to accumulate. Pain in my hips began to gnaw and my body felt heavy. Each step seemed more difficult than the last. I tried to distract my thoughts and focus on the beautiful surroundings. But alone, unfortunately, this was not easy.

After about 20 kilometers, my morale began to take an even deeper dive. The combination of persistent rain, pain and fatigue began to take its toll. At that point, I began to doubt my ability to achieve my original goal. My steps slowed and my hopes began to fade. However, at that point I was still determined to achieve my personal record of 50km. At the 35.2 kilometer point, I was at a crossroads – continue and risk further affecting my health, or put aside my pride and make the difficult decision to give up. After an inner struggle, I decided that my health and well-being came first. Although it was a difficult decision, I knew it was the right one at the time.

Still, what makes me proud and grateful is that my efforts were not in vain. M2Q, colleagues, friends and family encouraged and supported me throughout my trip, and this resulted in a donation of nearly €600 for my chosen charity, Awel VZW. This reminds me that every step, no matter how small, can make a difference to others.

Sometimes success is not only about reaching the ultimate goal, but also about the journey itself. My Death March experience taught me about perseverance, resilience and the importance of community. I learned that even when circumstances are not perfect, it is important to keep trying and keep believing in yourself.

So, as I look back on my 35.2-kilometer Death Walk, I realize that it is not the distance that counts, but the lessons I learned and the support I received. Knowing that even a seemingly small contribution can make a big difference in the lives of others. You may never see me back at the starting line of the Death March, but that doesn’t mean I won’t continue to challenge myself in other aspects of life.