BAS KUIPER

ME.

At the start of this year I’ve been living a healthier lifestyle for some time. Coming out of a burnout in 2015 I’ve decided I needed a lifestyle change. So I began working to lose excess weight I was around 212 lbs at the time and not able to run 1.5 mile. At the time of writing this I’m much fitter than I was back then, yet I don’t feel I’m on top of my game yet. That became a reality when I found out I was way over my head in the 2018 Woodhouse route, regardless of conditions I wasn’t fit enough to deal with that route.

WHAT DO I WANT TO ACHIEVE?

This year I’d like to become a faster runner, get and feel fitter and give my mind the body it deserves. A lot of work went into strengthening me mentally over the last years, now it’s time to tighten the nut of the physical aspect.

WHAT CHANGES AM I MAKING?

Asking myself the question, what will I do this year to become a better version of me? Doing what I love doing the most. Running and participating in endurance events. Every bit of training will be done outside. Whether this is running or bodyweight training, it’s done outside. Rain, storm, hail, snow, locusts….done outside. Also, to become what I need to be a daily lifestyle change is needed. Being more mindful what I eat and drink. Fueling my body with the right stuff to have it do what needs being done.

MY PLAN FOR 2018 AND BEYOND.

The plan for 2018 is as follows, I’ve signed up for a number of events this year. So far this is the line-up:

Hulten (NL) Run ‘n Gun - Winter Edition
Colchester Paras’10
Summer Fan Dance Double Tap (meaning doing the Fan Dance TAB on both Saturday and Sunday)
Hulten (NL) Run ‘n Gun - Summer Edition
Catterick Paras’10
Winter Fan Dance ’19 Double Tap (Woodhouse)

The last one not 2018 obviously….true, but it will be the test to see if all the training was enough. Plus maybe a number of local running events which I may do loadbearing or CF (clean fatigue). I’m looking to earn new personal bests on each event and move off the performance plateau I’m on right now. That means Sub 2:30 time for both Paras’10s and Sub 6 hour Fan Dance. Keeping in mind that the Saturday Fan Dance this summer is the inaugural FD for my wife and I’ll be right by her side speed will of lesser importance. I’m looking to be a fitter, faster and leaner version of the guy that woke up on New Year's Day by the end of this year.

MY PERSONAL PROMISE.

The mettle will meet the mettle in 2019 where I will hopefully get my Winter Fan Dance Woodhouse route revenge and this time go home with that coveted patch. The moral backbone of all of this consists of simple things, a healthy combination of a bit of banter and peer pressure from those that have the same mission as me. Understanding that alone you will go fast…together you will go further. There’s a couple of top athletes among them, these guys don’t intimidate me….they inspire me. That’s what I’m looking to do to, not intimidate or badger those around me with carpetbombings of social media updates. It’s not about “hey take a look at me running”. Hopefully the bug will bite you too and I’ll be running outside with you someday. Also I’m raising funds for the two charities I hold dearly, ABF the Soldier’s Charity and Support Our Paras. Helping reaching the original goal of the 100 Peaks Challenge.