New Challenges: An Update

As I move through midlife, I find myself seeing the world with a new perspective—shaped by both the lessons of my adult years and the realization that there’s still so much more to discover. With that in mind, I wanted to share a personal update, especially after stepping back from the day-to-day operations from part of the family business earlier this year. I hope this resonates with some of you, and if you think we share common ground or can collaborate, feel free to reach out.

At the beginning of this transition, I deliberately took time away from work-related commitments, focusing on handing over my responsibilities. During this period, I shifted gears toward something unexpected: ultra-marathons. What began as a personal challenge turned into a passion. In May, I ran a Backyard Ultra with the goal of doubling my longest training distance, which would have been around 76km. To my surprise (and others), I ended up pushing myself far beyond that and stayed on course for 24 hours—covering 100 miles!

The aftermath? Let’s just say my body didn’t let me forget it for weeks. But instead of being discouraged, I became fascinated by the challenge of pushing physical boundaries. Since then, I’ve spent countless hours (and my wife will surely agree!) researching how to train smarter, recover better and go further. This obsession has led me to set an audacious goal: attempting to break a world record for an ultra-marathon next year.

Right now, I’m deep into the training phase, testing my limits to see what’s possible. I’ve completed three FKTs (Fastest Known Times) so far, with the most recent one just last Saturday—149km in 16 hours and 37 minutes, which hasn't been verified yet. It’s been an eye-opener. I’m currently 50:50 on whether a world record attempt is achievable, but I’ve got my sights set on a course five times longer, with far more elevation than I've been doing. The winter months ahead will be spent training hard, ensuring my body can handle it with a decision being made early in the new year on whether I push for it. I’ve got a newfound deep respect for endurance athletes!

For those who don’t know, my running journey began over three years ago when my doctor advised me to get my heart rate up for at least 150 minutes per week and adopt a healthier diet due to high blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels. My initial motivation was simple—staying healthy to live longer and enjoy more quality time with my family. That’s still at the core of everything I do, but the journey has evolved beyond just my physical health.

What’s surprised me most in recent years is the incredible support I’ve received from friends, colleagues (both past and present) and family. Hearing that my efforts have inspired others to make positive changes in their lives has been a humbling experience. It’s a reminder that, while I’m focused on my personal growth, there’s a ripple effect. Knowing that I’ve helped motivate others keeps me going, especially during those long, gruelling runs.

This inspiration from others has given me a new sense of purpose. It’s helped me realize that what I’m doing is bigger than just me. I’m excited about some future plans to motivate even more people on a larger scale, but for now, I just want to express my gratitude. I’ve found myself inspired by the very people I set out to inspire. That’s the beauty of positivity—what you put out into the world comes back to you in even greater measure.

During my toughest moments, when I’m in that infamous “pain cave,” it’s your messages and encouragement that pull me through. When I’m scraping the bottom of my energy reserves, I think about those who’ve shared how my journey has impacted them. So, thank you—you know who you are.

As for what’s to come in 2025, I’m excited to channel all the inspiration I’ve received into new ventures to make the planet a better place. Stay tuned—there’s more on the horizon and I can’t wait to share it with you in the coming months.

Jonathan