Tamara

My name is Tamara Hovens and I am 56 years old. I live in Kessel and have 2 children aged 27 and 23.

I had already run the 10 kilometres once in 2011, but shortly afterwards I went through my back. Partly because I couldn’t run pain-free after that, I couldn’t find the motivation to participate again. Even though I really enjoy it.

Early this year, the world was turned upside down. A malignant melanoma was found in my leg. Fortunately, everything is now under control only my condition is gone.

Partly because of this, the button has been turned and I am incredibly motivated to pick up running again with the help and enthusiasm of the dream team members and trainers and complete the 10 kilometres again on 30 March.

Hi,

Here’s an update on the progress with our dream team. We started very uncomfortably with each other in September, but soon there was a tremendous click in the group. We all celebrate successes together, but also support each other when things don’t go well for a while. We have one very big common goal. To run the 10 km together on 30 March.

Under the guidance of our two super trainers Guido and Pascal, I found out that I shouldn’t want to run too fast and that I should admit in time if something is not going well. So now I really enjoy training and have regained the fun in running!

I didn’t think in September that we would be this far by now. I am therefore super proud of all of us. And especially our trainers who keep motivating us. And not forgetting Vivian who helps us with everything with her enthusiasm.

On to 30 March. I am confident that it will work out. I am therefore incredibly grateful to be allowed to be in this wonderful group.

Tamara

From saying ‘no I’ll never make that’ in June 2024 to ……

16 March 2025 the Berden Spring Run. Jitters whether I could run 7.5 km in a row. Pascal and Guido were confident. But still…. It went super well. With, to my own shock, a second place. Proud of everyone even then. And then suddenly it’s 30 March 2025.

Some jitters in the morning anyway. Haven’t I forgotten anything? What clothes should I wear? It is 12 degrees, but windy. Pascal indicated: shorts and short sleeves. I am so glad I listened.

In the starting area all the jitters from all the crowds and then the starting gun…

Starting slowly says Pascal. Still, after 1.5 kilometres I asked if I started well. Yes yes you can still talk was the answer. What an experience all those people and all that music.

And how nice that Pascal ran with me. He signals that I have started the final kilometres. And calls out to me ‘come on’. That’s when it really got hard.

But I made it through and am super proud of myself. But even more proud of all of us. We all ran well.

What a great group we all form together. Of laughing and crying and dragging everyone through it.

And what respect to Viv, Pascal and Guido who solved all the problems for us and took care of us completely. Unfortunately, Guido was not there on Sunday, but he too has to think of himself.

Girls and Pascal and Guido how much I am going to miss you.

Greetings Tamara.