After a very emotional and hectic week with many ups and downs, I am proud to announce that both Ryan and Nancy made it to the finish line of the charity climb. All other team members also successfully completed the climb, some even several times.

Because Nancy was still full of uncertainty at the beginning of training whether climbing the Alpe d'Huez would be possible with her knee, we agreed with Ryan that he would train with us as a backup as a possible replacement for Nancy.

Over the past few weeks I have undergone many medical tests after experiencing some complications during my workouts. This week I was unfortunately told that a stenosis has been found in the coronary artery for which I need further treatment. This of course means that I have to withdraw myself from the Alpe d'Huzes because it is simply too risky to participate in it.   Obviously it makes me sad that I cannot participate, but at the same time I am incredibly proud that Ryan (our Son) will take my place to ensure that both our teams will cross the finish line with the original number of people in honor of the many people who supported us.    And as the title of this blog says, when one door closes, another opens, I agreed with the cardiologist that they will patch me up so I can climb the Alpe d'Huez as soon as I am fit again. It may take a while, but it's a nice goal for the future.

The weeks go on and so does the training. Meanwhile, Martin Garrix, MK and Jason Ross have become my best friends. During training sessions, I often listen to their sizzling beats to get me going on the treadmill. Unfortunately the last weeks I have not been able to train so much on the road, simply due to the lack of time.

A week ago we visited Sport center Papendal (the largest top sports training center in the Netherlands) for a kickoff meeting for the Alpe d'Huzes. At the kick off meeting we got some tips and tricks for the event itself and it was the exciting moment when we could pick up our team clothes with our sponsors on the back. And the result was simply amazing! So proud to see our dedicated sponsors on the back of our shirt.

As the training progresses and the intensity increases, I am beginning to realise that I am not exactly getting any younger. My body clearly needs more rest and my heart rhythm needs extra attention. Until now, I have lived my life under the motto of: "getting older is mandatory, but growing up is optional". I have always refused to accept that I can no longer do the things I did 10 or 20 years ago. But somehow my body is telling me to reconsider this :-). However, I continue to be confident that the training is good for me. 

With some amazing actions by our two teams, our contribution has risen to over 22,000 euros! And with 2 months to go before the event starts, the total has just exceeded the magic fundraising number of 10 million euros. An amazing achievement and with 2 months to go, there will be much more to come. So please keep donating.

These weeks were a little different in terms of training that all other weeks. Due to a business trip to the USA, we decided to fly south at the last minute and take a small vacation. Not ideal for our training schedule, but we took that into account just fine. Instead of training 20 and 22 km in two weeks we even got over 45 km in 10 days. and assuming that all countries outside the Netherlands have many more hills, it was an excellent altitude training. 

Entering week 4, the training schedule marked a 17km hike. And with Nancy entering the training schedule as well, we decided that she would join for the last 7km of my trip which was great after talking to myself for over 10km :-). Obviously we ended the week with a stop at the fitness studio.

When traveling for business I have to admit that training is not an perfect fit. But thank god there are fitness studios that enable me to continue our training. This week we started with a 15km forest walk to the outlet center " BataviaStad" in Lelystad. And to be frankly honest, it turned out to be more painful for my wallet then for my muscles :-).

During Alpe d'HuZes, candles will be lit along the route! In the shape of a heart or an anchor or just next to the road, as a sign of love, hope, strength, comfort and loss. All these candles contain personal messages and burn all day for our loved ones.

We have reached another milestone! With still 3 months left before the start of the climb,  we hit the €20.000 amount. And the cool thing is, we are not there yet!!