The 20km of Brussels are becoming a bit of a tradition. For the first few years, I ran the race together with some friends. We had fun, but sticking together was hard and it was hard to enjoy the race together. So in 2015, I ran the race flat-out and set a, to my standards, nice PB and this year, I wanted to beat that time.

It was a bit on last notice, but suddenly all pieces of the puzzles fell in place. Peter from the Tri Unic triathlon team offered me a bib for the Stadsloop de Gentenaar in their team and I was about to let him down.

It’s one week after the Wings For Life World Run when we head for Oudenaarde. Heart of the Flemish Ardennes. Finish of the Ronde Van Vlaanderen. But today it’s where I’ll partake in the Vlaamse Ardennen Loop, a 16k trail run.

The weather forecast looked promising. For the spectators at least. Every model predicted BBQ, cold beer & ice cream. For us, runners of the Wings for Life World Run, however, all that would have to wait until after the finish. And for once, that would come sooner for the slower amongst us. I guess that’s fair, in a way. It didn’t always feel fair during the race though …

Another year, another Crêtes de Spa. For the first time ever without my buddy Greg. Greg & I have run CDS together every year (except for 2013). The full version in 2012 & 2014 and, due to injuries & lack of shape, the 21k last year. This year no Greg however, which meant a change of game plan. On top of that, it would also be the final exam of our Start 2 Trail project!

As I mentioned before, a little idea rose during our hikes through Gran Canaria. On the ascents, Kim had little trouble keeping up with me, except maybe where the trail was favouring my long legs. But when things went downhill, I mean literally downhill, the difference was remarkable.