Saskia

I am Saskia Loonen and I am sometimes impulsive.

Some time ago I saw a notice come across to join a special team (the Dream Team) to get ready for the 10 km at the Arrow Venloop on 30 March 2025. I thought I should be able to do that and it’s a nice challenge to see how far I can go.

So without anyone knowing anything I signed up. And yes, there was the email: congratulations you’re in this year to get ready for the 10km run along with 7 more in six months.

Ho hu what……. Run???

You know, he who says a must also say b. No, I would rather not have said it, and at the end let you know look what I did. I don’t want a can you, are you sure, can your body handle it. But I have to start keeping a blog so well, then I have to tell.

I find it incredibly exciting, but the trainers have worked with people with NAH before. Folks I am going for it and hope to run the 10 km on 30 March along with my fellow runners and trainers.

The first Training is also already over, gosh how exciting that was. It was very busy at the sports park because the Running Academy also started and we were all welcomed.

Lots of stimuli for someone with an NHA (Non-Acute Brain Injury).

Then we went to a quiet place on the field with our trainers and were explained about the training sessions and how they work. And then, YES then it was time for our very first training session. Pooh pooh that was tough. For anyone thinking it’s only running, right? Ha, it’s not! There is so much more to it. Did you know that you also have to train the bottoms of your feet? So I didn’t either hahaha.

I did have a hard time for a while I must say in all honesty and a tear was definitely there too. What am I actually doing here and I can’t do that at all. And then your trainers come around the corner and talk you through it. So nice!

I am happy to have completed this first lesson with the other ladies.On to the next one.

Greetings,

Saskia Loonen

Hi everyone,

Here Blog 2 already.

What started so beautifully has turned into a big bummer. After writing blog 1, a lot has changed.

My ankle has indicated that it does not like running. So then physio and modified training and with the hawk eyes of my lovely trainers Pascal and Guido at my back. They check that I am not doing too much to strain my ankle. Because yes, the word stubborn was not invented by a stranger so to speak.

After half a Saturday training session with a lot of pain in my ankle and a good cry on Vivian’s shoulder, I still decided to have further tests done. Pictures were taken and there is an old trauma present in my ankle which is now killing me. Further investigation will follow in Mill. Well go tell that to your running-besties.

Together with Kay, my husband, to training on Wednesday. We arranged to meet a little earlier that day so that training could go on as usual. Then I had to tell them that I wouldn’t be able to run with them for the time being and it was also now uncertain whether I would make it to the finish line with the team. Well the latter was immediately negated. Because I am going to that finish line with my group, even if it is just to cheer them over it.

Everyone piece by piece of this lovely lovely group has given me heart and I just keep on doing everything with them if only as a supporter. On Wednesdays, I also attend training and see what I can do.

Okay Pascal don’t run.

Okay Guido I am careful

Okay Viv, I’m your extra help

And okay my dear dear running-besties I will do everything to get you over the line if only with my voice and pompoms. Thank you for this warm blanket.

To everyone another sporty new year!

Sas

30 weeks of training literally in all weathers. And don’t forget the ice and snow. Tears of pain, but also tears of laughter. Who would have thought that so many strangers would become such acquaintances?

Unfortunately, I had to give up running myself due to an ankle injury which later turned out to be an old fracture and therefore caused irritation and I really shouldn’t have run. (Yes did I know). I already saw my entire challenge pass me by.

But no said Vivian, Pascal and Guido, you signed for the Dream team so you will continue for the dream team.

Viv said, you know Sas maybe you can walk 5 km I looked at her with a crooked eye and said ‘if my teammates run 10 km I will walk 10 km, because 10 km is 10 km right?’ Then I will walk with you said Viv.

I faithfully attended Wednesday night training. My teammates were so happy every time I was there. Wednesday night Pascal was the trainer and I was allowed to help and do the things that did work. Yes yes I am assistant whistle.

The Saturdays with Guido I unfortunately had to let go, because those trainings were in the woods and that wasn’t going to be him with my ankle and back. But I am certainly grateful that despite the many candles he lit for us, he did not burn down the Kapelke.

I have been practising a lot of walking at home twice a week with Margriet and my husband Kay. And last Saturday was the day: 10 km walk with Kay, Viv, Linda and me.

It was great fun and a beautiful run. And there suddenly stood 2 teammies along the side; Bea and Anouk with edible watches because no no no watch while running or walking you have to enjoy yourself, according to trainer Guido … so then we eat that watch.

Did I mention that I ran 10 km on my flip-flops? You don’t believe it? Just ask Viv hahahaha.

And there towards the finish I saw my mother standing with tears in her eyes so proud was she. I could barely keep dry. But then there stood all my teammates and there came the tears. All those months we shared our joys and sorrows together … a warm blanket was there at the finish.

On Saturday night, we had a great time with the team at the Pasta Party and listened to the great sounds of the 2tone band. My other teammies got their start numbers and we went to bed early because the next day we had to run.

Sunday Venloop day … even I was nervous. Today, I am Chief Jacket and Chief make sure-viv keeps her-long pants-on-until-she-starts. All the ladies were ready and the warm-up began. Then it was finally time to enter the start box and the moment was finally there; the start of the 10km. I sprinted to the front and stood by the announcer because this amazing team needed an extra cheer and so it happened; I lurched up and had the announcer wish the Dream Team good luck. And sure enough, twice with pompoms and all as I had promised.

And everyone ran it. Ow how proud we were. I still can’t fathom that this could be achieved at 30 weeks.

I also really hope that people who have doubts about running will just give this a try .

This is just a team that makes you happy.

TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK.

Lots of love

Sas Dreamteam 2025