The Running Collective

23/07/2026

Summary of nearly 6 weeks of Belgium (and a bit of France)

1) Family time
2) Koffiekoeken are love, koffiekoeken are life
3) Gent ❤️
4) Ossuaire de Douaumont
5) Sunrise over the trenches
6) Sunrise over Flanders fields
7) Misty mornings
8) The Somme
9) Western Walkway
10) Bij Thijs
11) Ypres
12-13) Uncle duties at sea
14) a little bit of climbing
15) high school reunion
16) Allez les diables
17) Tourist in my own country
18) Tim's best side
19) oh I missed you Gentse Feesten
20) another year added

20/06/2026

How much does my backpack for my fastpacking adventure weigh?

18/06/2026

15/06/2026

Roadmap of my Western Frontline Trail (21/6 - 3/7)

Inspired by Karel Sabbe and Allira Hanczakowski

15/06/2026

Exciting plans ahead!
Verdun 🇫🇷 ⏩ Nieuwpoort 🇧🇪 via the Western Front Way
- 13 days
- 680 km
- 55 km /day

14/06/2026

"Hey Google, summarize 5 years of NZ in 20 photos"

"That's impossible, but here's a feeble attempt"

1. The views. The views.
2. Managed Isolation Quarantine
3. The Taylor family adopting me + X-mas shenanigans
4. TBI Health
5. Impressions after my first marathon "Never again" suuuure
6. Queenstown marathon ( #4, so pic 5 was a lie)
7-8. Friends and Family visiting
9. My own baby
10. TRC on tour
11. TRC Friday Morning Group Runs
12. Karel Sabbe fanclub
13-14. Kāpiti Half
15. 2 Belgen Charlie Verhaegen
16. She'd kill me if I didn't include her Clare Parekh
17. When colleagues become mates jordan.lee1990
18. Hiking team Bailey🦋 James Averi
19. Into the mountains and new adventures Allira Hanczakowski
20. Saving the best for last Scott Turkington

11/06/2026

As I'm sitting here in Wellington airport waiting for my first of 3 flights that will bring me back to 🇧🇪 to see my family and friends back for the first time in 5 years, it's time to think back of what happened in those years.

From arriving in a new country in the midst of a pandemic, to starting a new job, having to learn the health care system in NZ, to taking the jump and starting my own business with all the ups and downs, and managing it successfully, I can't help but be incredibly proud of myself and be massively grateful for the magical little community in Kāpiti. Bedankt, thank you! Over and out

06/06/2026

Thanks to all these strangers who became mates, for a fantastic arvo during this hectic period.

This one is getting a special place in my new spot in Melbourne, and you guys in my heart.

This is not a farewell. Merci matjes

04/05/2026

Hi Kapiti clients and friends. A couple of years ago, I started the registration process to become a physiotherapist in Australia. This whole process took way longer than expected, and in the meantime, I started growing my roots in the fantastic Kapiti community. Eventually, the day after completing the Melbourne Marathon last year, I received my Permanent Visa for the state of Victoria. Almost symbolic.

What followed were the most turbulent months of my life, with countless times when I changed my mind, hesitated, and had lots of sleepless nights. The thought of moving never left me completely, however, and I don't want to regret not taking the leap when I'm older, greyer and hopefully wiser.

It's incredibly sad to leave beautiful Kapiti behind, along with my business and my clients, who often became very good friends. I'm incredibly grateful to all clients who have put their trust in me, and the people who have referred their loved ones to me, so I could grow as a physiotherapist as well as in my business.

My last day in New Zealand will be on the 11th of June, but I'm closing the practice on 5/6.

This is not a farewell, though. I will see you back. I will still defend my Kapiti half title in November, and hope to see you all sign up under The Running Collective :)

Thank you for everything, Kapiti!

Jeroen

13/04/2026

One for the mates.

This photo of me yesterday during the last few 100m of the sums it all up. Pushing through the wall through pain and shedding a few tears along the way.

The last few months have not been easy. Very big life decisions to take, countless sleepless nights and a severe shortage of iron. Throughout these difficult months, my passion for running kept me mentally sane. To be able to cross the finish line with another PB (2h32'11) after being almost trampled in the start and suffering from a sore hamstring in the last 10 km, is an indescribable feeling.

Thanks to all the mates for being there for me in the last few months. You know who you are ❤️ This one is for you.