Waiting in line before the starting point of the Venloop event. Picture taken by me.
“It’s not what happens to you, but how you respond to it that matters.” — Epictetus
This quote from the Stoic philosopher fits well with the event I participated in with some of my colleagues and thousands of other enthusiasts. Last Saturday we challenged ourselves in something called ‘the Venloop’.
This annual event took place in Venlo, Limburg. This event wasn’t just a walk or running competition to me, but so much more. We celebrated perseverance, community spirit, and the beauty of our surroundings in our tiny country — the Netherlands.
Unexpected surprises along the way
First, I want to admit something: I was overprepared. Packed as if I went on a mission, my backpack was laden with enough food and water for twice the distance. However, along the way, it became apparent that the Venloop organizers, together with volunteers, had thought of everything.
Our guidance through our 20KM walk. Photo taken by me.
During our walk, there were several refreshment points with snacks, water, and even coffee or tea. I’m so grateful for those who made sure I got my caffeine intake for the day.
Between those refreshment points, people were there to cheer us on.
A band we encountered along the way. Photo taken by me.
Sometimes there were bands, playing energetic and uplifting music, with drums and whistles. I was surprised by what that did to me. It made me not only feel energetic, but genuinely happy. All those good vibes felt so special!
And actually, I was surprised anyway that there were so many people present besides the participants. I can imagine it was a fun excuse for many to stand at a table and drink beer, but so many people were genuinely cheering us on. Some of them standing along the side even handed out fruit. A banana for energy and an apple for thirst were much appreciated!
We enjoyed nature regardless of the weather
Along the way, we came across beautiful pieces of nature. We walked through beautiful forests, along waters, but also through the mud!
Through the mud! Photo taken by me.
The weather was unpredictable. We started with rain and hail:
Rain and Hail won’t stop us! Photo taken by me.
Luckily, the weather cleared up in between. We walked along beautiful waters, too.
I love places like this. Photo made by me.
You walk together for a few hours, but in that time, there’s also plenty of opportunity for introspection. Some moments, we turned inward, and in those moments, at least for me, a lot of appreciation took place. Obviously, appreciation for the nature around us, but also for each other.
Strength in unity
What made this experience unforgettable was the sense of solidarity. Cheered on by the crowd along the route, we found in each other the strength to continue and finish what we started. The Venloop showed us that, regardless of the distance, we can face any challenge together.
Just keep going! Photo taken by me.
Through the mud, hail, rain, wind, and the aches that eventually set in, we dragged each other through it. Walking 20 kilometers is absolutely no world record, but it’s not something I do daily or weekly. I have walked more in the past with heavier gear, but by now, I’ve been an IT guy for quite some time — and as you can probably imagine, that doesn’t involve much movement. Most of the day, I sit in a reasonably comfortable office chair. It’s only in the evening that I get any decent movement and exercise.
But here comes that quote from Epictetus into play quite nicely. Despite the aches and stepping out of our comfort zone, we reached the finish line. We didn’t show weakness and just kept on going. The discomforts befell us, but by being consciously focused on how we dealt with them, we transformed our physical and mental discomforts into resilience and perseverance.
This is, of course, universally applicable. We always have the choice of how we respond to a situation.
New year, new challenge
While walking 20 kilometers might not seem extraordinary to some, it was for me a (familiar) confirmation of what’s possible with the right mindset and preparation. With this experience under my belt, I now look forward to the next challenge: the 30 kilometers. Because in every challenge lies growth and self-discovery.
Just a few more kilometers! Photo made by me.
It also motivated me to take part in other challenges. Mud runs, or obstacle runs, are also regularly organized here in the Netherlands. I realized that these types of events are not only a good motivator to stay fit, but also to regularly step out of my comfort zone.
The wisdom found on the path
So, the Venloop was more than a physical test. It was a school of resilience, humility, and connection. Through the lens of pragmatic wisdom, I saw that it’s not the distance that counts, but the journey itself and the lessons we learn along the way.
In every drop of sweat, each act of encouragement, and every landscape we passed, we found the essence of life itself:
A path full of challenges, but also brimming with opportunities for triumph and growth.
As the Stoics taught us: it’s not the events themselves that shape us, but our responses to them. And my response? To embrace, learn, and keep moving forward. Until next year, Venloop, where we will triumph together again.
Got the medal! Photo taken by me.