
It’s late in the evening, I’m on my way to Mönchengladbach. Tomorrow I am participating in the Mega Marsch at 50 km. It is also the first item on the list of goals for the current year.
I am very happy to be at the starting line. I bought the ticket at the last minute. Although I am basically very well organized, since I implement a detailed training and nutrition plan, carry out several projects and deal with current affairs, I sometimes act spontaneously. Maybe more chaotic, and as I don’t like this term, I choose it spontaneously.
The most important thing is that I will be there, that I pursue what I have decided, what I love and what I believe in.
On every marsch, on every hike, I meet people who are on that path for a reason. I am very curious about their purpose, why they do it.
I have already learned a lot of such stories, because whenever possible, I ask to get to know these stories. During Mega Marsch it is difficult because we are all in a hurry, we are focused on the road and we mobilize all our strength to reach the finish line.
I love to walk. I discovered this love recently, but since it appeared in my life, I have subordinated everything to it.
But that’s not the only reason why I’m on my way. Walking is one of the faces of my activism. During each Mega Marsch I promote veganism, not only through slogans, but most of all through my behavior.
I would like people to know that veganism is love, equality, empathy, and cordiality.
Walking has become a form of activism for me. Whenever I can, I try to combine these events with a fundraiser for animals.
At 22:30 I arrive at the hotel H4, which is located opposite the stadium and only 300m from the finish line.
It’s a very nice, modern, comfortable building. The kind receptionist greets me and I go to a cozy room. What draws my attention in the first place is vegan friendly hand soap and other cosmetics. I always enjoy these little things because they confirm that we make good changes and make the right choices.
The room and bathroom are very clean and pleasant. Another thing that attracts my attention are the snacks in the bar area. Unfortunately, there is no reason to be happy here. These are mainly milk chocolate bars made of cow’s milk, as well as coffee cream.
I often spend the night in hotels and so far I have met oat milk in a hotel bar only in one. Sad.
Despite the road I have traveled, I don’t feel tired at all. I’m excited and I’d love to take off now.
Fortunately, the night passed quickly. I always drink vegan protein before taking off and eat a light breakfast. The second aspect disappointed me a lot because unfortunately the restaurant belonging to Borussia Mönchengladbach is completely vegan unfriendly. The only vegan products described are soy milk and disposable margarines. I’m pissed off and disappointed. My breakfast is oatmeal with watermelon and soy milk. Delicious, healthy only annoying that there is no other alternative whatsoever.
I always see the positives, so I focus on checking the backpack and go to the starting line.
There are 1579 participants. Only 1052 people will reach the finish line, but we do not know that yet, so I anticipate the facts a bit 🙂
I complete the formal matters, take photos on the wall in new activist clothes, stamp me for the start and finally go. At each start, my slogans on my clothes attract attention and trigger a comment. This time I heard: “We also have a vegan, it’s good that there are also fruit at the stations.”
Each march is an adventure for me. I know that the emotions I will experience will be various, what I will learn about myself, what I will observe inside myself. This adventure is a deep encounter with myself, in this case for 7 hours and 15 minutes. Now, when I start, I am filled with gratitude, joy that I am here, that I can participate, that my healthy, strong, fit body enables me to do so. The weather is beautiful, the sun is shining, the sky is cloudless and the beginning of spring. How happy I am.
On the way, I pass nice local people of Mönchengladbach. It’s amazing how people’s faces change when I say good morning to them with a sincere smile. I have a lot of positive energy in me and I like to share it.