Ron Jacobs

My name is Ron Jacobs, I’m 55 years young and I live in Venlo.

After walking around with “vague complaints” for 2 months at the end of 2022 (at one point I could no longer walk 100 meters), I was diagnosed with heart failure at the beginning of 2023 and was shocked by this.

The pumping function of my heart was only 1/3 compared to a healthy heart, in one go I was a heart patient with 6 pills a day.

The prognosis for people with heart failure is generally not good and it is described as a progressive disease. My world collapsed……

I pulled myself together and did everything I could to improve my health. Put down work, start eating even healthier and if possible, move little by little.

In mid-June I got the results of an MRI scan and I can’t believe it to this day, my heart had recovered and the pumping function was back to a normal level. It had been a long time since I had received such good news.

Immediately asked the cardiologist if I could start exercising again? “Absolutely” was his answer, but slowly build up your fitness. Felt reborn, as if a new life was about to begin. And actually, it is.

I regularly saw advertisements on the Venlo city broadcaster about the “Dream Team” of the Venloop. Then I thought, “I have to do this”. I wrote a motivation letter and a day later there was an introductory meeting.

In the past I have run the 10 km with my father about 3 times and once alone, in honor of him after his death. At the time, we covered hundreds of km together with enormous motivation and a lot of fun.

In order not to have to walk alone and to overcome a lot of uncertainty after my heart problems, I signed up for the “dream team”. Training under the supervision of a very experienced trainer also gives a lot of peace of mind.

So far the best choice of the past year, super nice team with great people and each with their own story.

Hope to finish the 10 km on the Venloop 2024 but certainly don’t want to put too much pressure on myself. At the moment, the road to get there is at least, if not more important, than the final goal!

See you at the Venloon 24 March 2024, Greetz Running Ronnie

The dream team adventure is now about a month over and has come to an amazing climax. We have achieved our common goal.

All the teamies, ‘the golden Seven’ finally finished the 10 km. We did not get it all for nothing, quite the contrary.

A wonderful experience with beautiful, honest people, who each brought their own story. Setbacks, in life due to illness or misfortune, among others.

Top Trainer Henk ten Have, who is able to get you moving in such a natural and positive way. In one word ‘Unique’!

Coordinator Vivian Selen, who, with her indomitable enthusiasm, arranges everything for you, wherever you need it. A creative centipede with whom you can and may also tell your story privately.

I personally felt the close bond in the entire team and of each individual. We were always there for each other. Especially that I could be myself and also talk about my heart failure.

All in all, I recommend everyone, for whatever reason, to sign up for the next dream team 2024-2025.

There are often many reasons (excuses) for not getting moving. That’s why the dream team is an extra motivation to go for it. Together you stand for the same goal.

Rest me to say ‘Do it, just do it’, it will be a life event you will never forget !!!

Greetz Ron