From five kilometres to the Amsterdam Marathon: Resi Aarts takes on the challenge for KWF Dutch Cancer Society
Three years ago, Resi Aarts would occasionally head out for a five-kilometre run. On 18 October, the LION PhD candidate will line up for the Amsterdam Marathon. As she trains for the race, she is also raising money for KWF Dutch Cancer Society.
Running was once only a small part of Resi’s life. While studying in Leiden, she would run five kilometres roughly once every two weeks. It was only three or four years ago that she started taking her training more seriously. 'At first, I ran once a week, then twice a week. Two years ago, I ran my first half marathon,' she says.
'This is getting too easy'
After completing another half marathon this spring, Resi began looking for a new challenge. 'I thought: this is getting too easy. I need something new.' That something turned out to be a full marathon. The timing was right: her work gives her enough flexibility to fit in the training, and she saw an opportunity to combine her sporting challenge with a cause close to her heart.
'I have too much energy for a desk job'
Sport has always been part of Resi’s life. 'I’m someone with a lot of energy, while my work involves a lot of sitting and thinking. I actually have a bit too much energy for a job like that.' Running gives her an outlet. She also gets a real sense of achievement from the long training sessions. 'Recently, I ran 32 kilometres for the first time. I was out for three hours. When I got home, I thought: I’ve done what I needed to do today.'
For Resi, the marathon is first and foremost a sporting challenge. Initially, she was hoping to finish in under four hours. Now, she is cautiously setting her sights on 3 hours 30 minutes. 'You really have to work for that. I don’t know whether I’ll manage it, but I want to set myself an ambitious target. It gives me that extra motivation to keep training hard.'
Balancing marathon training with research
Marathon training has by now become a regular fixture in Resi’s week. She usually gets her training done before the working day begins, combining several running sessions with strength training and cycling. Her long run at the weekend is the cornerstone of the schedule. But she does not see the training as a burden. 'Quite the opposite. The more I do, the more I enjoy it. I can feel my body adapting and becoming capable of more and more.' Most of her kilometres are deliberately run at an easy pace. 'I think about 80 per cent of my kilometres are at a pace where you can still have a conversation.'
No physics for a while
Once she starts running, Resi finds it easy to leave her research behind. Does she ever find herself thinking about physics while out on a run? ‘No, not at all,’ she says firmly. Her work requires a great deal of concentration and mental effort, which is precisely why she values running as a complete change of pace. 'Running is my hobby. It’s where I switch off.'
She notices the contrast in the results, too. 'Research doesn’t always go according to plan. If a measurement doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. Running is different. You put your shoes on and you go. Even if it doesn’t go well, you’ve still done it.' Running gives her energy, peace of mind and a sense of achievement. 'If I didn’t exercise, I’d be incredibly restless.'
Running for KWF
The marathon also has a personal meaning for Resi. She is running to raise money for KWF Dutch Cancer Society because cancer has touched her family and those around her. Her grandmother died of pancreatic cancer, while other people close to her have also faced the disease. She was also inspired by the Dutch television programme Over Mijn Lijk, which follows young people living with terminal illnesses.
Her fundraising has led to some unexpected and meaningful conversations with colleagues. Some have shared stories about friends and family members who have had cancer. 'You hear things about their private lives that you otherwise would never have heard. It’s special that colleagues are willing to share those stories with me. I’m very grateful for their support for my fundraiser.'
Nerves are part of the experience
So far, Resi’s preparations have gone smoothly, with no major setbacks. An ankle problem had caused some concern earlier on, but exercises recommended by a physiotherapist made the symptoms disappear. Even so, injury remains her biggest worry in the run-up to race day. She also expects the nerves to kick in as the start approaches. ‘But that’s just part of it. I’m not trying to push the nerves away. I’ve accepted that I’m probably going to be very nervous.’
On 18 October, she will find out what months of training have brought her. A fast finishing time would be a bonus, but the preparation has already taught her something important. 'I can do more than I thought I could.'
Would you like to support Resi with a donation?
You can support Resi through her fundraising page on the KWF Dutch Cancer Society website.