FIVETRIBE

Forever does not seem too far away. Sometimes it is after we lose someone when we learn  to love. Where hope, and dreams greet, and everything is perfect the way it was meant to be. So hear me, soon enough we will meet again I will carry your soul in my heart. The same heart you  helped me build. RM DRAKE

This weekend saw me running the Jonkershoek Mountain Challenge. Yes, another trail run but this race was different from all the rest. Obviously it is the longest and most challenging run I have ever completed but, from the day I signed up, I knew this race was going to be far more than the obvious. There were many obstacles thrown up the week before race-day. Kevin picked up a knee injury,  I picked up an infection and on the night before the race unusual circumstances had me awake and upset until well after midnight....then to top it off, I woke up on race morning with swollen glands and a fiery throat. Ridiculous opposition which simply made me more determined. We were going to run. Period. Kevin taped his knee, we took copious quantities of varying (legal)  drugs and Sunday morning found us on the road to Stellenbosch at 0630. The race was brutal, gruelling and painful at times. It was also magical, awe-inspiring and breathtaking. The uphill climb was un...

Easter weekend I hit wobble. In the midst of so much joy the darkness found a crack and slithered in regardless. My 'flight mode' kicked in and I took off, unannounced, into the Mcgregor mountains with little regard for anyone else's feelings or concerns. Part of me knew it was wrong. That same part didn't care. I took flack for it. My family and those closest to me shat me out. I defended myself; knowing full well they would never understand the gravity and relentless compulsion that causes me to flee on these rare occasions. I resisted the urge to SCREAM and tell them to be grateful that I fucking well came back at all. Yes. I still swear. Yes. I am still angry. I recently had coffee with someone who has walked my road and is a kickass friend who helps me unravel my shit. She gets it. I am so grateful to be able to go and bleed over a cup of coffee with her....and walk out lighter. It saves me. And it saves many who love me ---- that they dont have to witne...