#ProjetParis is a way to document my journey to the Olympic Marathon. In a world where there’s no time to look back, committing to writing this blog the next few weeks forces me to reflect and really let this Olympic experience sink in. As athletes, we’re always looking forward to the next big goal. The last question of journalists is usually the same: “What’s next?” That’s okay, but we can’t fall into the trap of always living in the future. I want to take the time to be fully present during what might be the most exciting few months of my life. Most of all, this blog is my Olympic diary, to come back to when all of this will inevitably pass. Because an athlete’s career is shorter than we all hope, and we better take it all in before it has passed.

I’m also starting #ProjetParis to tell my story within the sport of running. Nobody really cares about results unless they know who you are. I’ve been thinking a lot about how I want to tell it, and writing just comes easiest to me. I just can’t seem to commit to taking pictures or videos of everything I do. I know that most people won’t take the time to read these blog posts, but the people that do, will read it because they actually care and want to follow along. I’ll reach a smaller audience, sure, but one that really wants to know my story. I’ll take that over meaningless views and likes.

The next few weeks, I’ll post about my training in preparation for the Olympics, but also about my last few months trying to qualify. I might post some random thoughts as well, such as things that I’ve read that help me become a better athlete. High level sports comes with pressure, and whenever I read something that can help me deal with the uncertainty and the doubts, I write it down. It’d be awesome if it can help others in dealing with their own challenges too.

For the people who know me, I hope I can give a glimpse into what I’m going through the weeks before the Olympic Marathon, because I’ll be away from home for most of the preparation. To those who don’t know me yet, I hope my story will make you understand that making the Olympics is not only for the exceptionally talented. I believe I’m just a normal guy, who got really excited about running, and is stubbornly trying to get good at it.

Welcome to #ProjetParis!