Jana Kesenheimer Instagram – After diving back into the ultra scene over the last two weekends, I’m still torn about this extreme sport. When filming our project „NO DEAD ENDS“ – the documentary about @jananas.banjana – it was only @hannes.hohfeld and me covering the 24 hours of Jana’s race: he, increasingly incredulous with each passing hour of the race, questioned how the human body could accomplish such feats. And why anyone would even undertake them. Meanwhile, I found myself understanding it more deeply. Fascinated. Empathizing with Jana’s drive. I love this kind of mindset game.
Ultra races push us beyond our limits. Whether this is healthy in the long run is certainly debatable. However, I appreciate these events because the sheer numbers [elevation gains, kilometers covered] make us pause. Think. Reflect. They showcase what our bodies are truly capable of. They compel each person to reconsider where they stand, what might be possible and why they do or don’t pursue certain challenges – now as they know, what their bodies are capable of.
Take, for example, the Ultra Trailrun in Lofoten last weekend with 100 miles. Brutal. Majestic. And the weekend before, the @zuri_escape bike-packing gravel event, with its daunting 10.000 meters of elevation and 400 kilometers of distance. These experiences are more than physical tests: they are journeys into our own mental landscapes. Pushing us. Exploring the boundaries of our endurance and resilience.
Through these races, we engage in a profound dialogue with ourselves. Each step and each pedal stroke is a testament to human potential. In these moments of extreme effort, we discover not just our physical capacities. We uncover our inner strength. Our reasons for pushing forward. And somehow, our true selves.
Ultra events offer an unique glimpse into what we can achieve. They push us to our limits and beyond, making us question, reflect and ultimately understand the depth of our own capabilities. They let us disconnect from the noisy, busy everyday life filled with too many decisions to make, inviting us to focus on one thing for a very long time. As Jana puts it: „It’s easiest to keep moving forward – it’s much harder to decide to stop.“ ♥️ | Posted on 08/Jun/2024 19:45:06
