Embracing Life: A Birthday Reflection on endurance, freedom, Comrades - A Love Supreme - 11/02/25

Birthdays for me, are a time for reflection, celebration, and often, a touch of soul-searching. This year, when my wife asked how I wanted to spend my special day, I drew inspiration from Sahil Bloom's fantastic book, The 5 Types of Wealth. It’s not about the gifts or parties; I craved a day that resonated with my values and passions.

Drop off and pick ups are high-wealth activities! Along with supporting LFC

I knew I wanted to take my daughter to nursery—a heartwarming experience that never fails to brighten my day. With that golden moment behind me, I set my sights on a half-marathon run through the streets of London and up along the Thames. Accompanied by the sounds of an audiobook—my companion—this was the perfect blend of physical activity and mental engagement that I needed.

I was listening to a birthday gift, Adharanand Finn's The Rise of the Ultra Runners, which I started yesterday.  Finn's exploration of ultra-running reveals not just the limits of human endurance but also the profound stories woven into the fabric of these races. But one story really stood out, and this was his sharing of the Comrades Marathon. Comrades Marathon in South Africa. World War I veteran Vic Clapham founded comrades as a tribute to South African soldiers who gave their lives in war, with the race embodying resilience and unity. Taking place in the KwaZulu-Natal province between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, it stands as a testament to the endurance of the human spirit.

I learned about the Comrades’ evolving significance during the apartheid era, becoming a national event that offered a platform for dissent against apartheid alongside a celebration of athleticism. In 1975, the inclusion of ‘Black' runners and women marked a pivotal turn towards equity and change. I was particularly struck by Bruce Fordyce's courageous act of protest during his first Comrades victory, wearing a black armband in solidarity against apartheid—a powerful moment caught live on national television, echoing the strength of the human voice. Bruce also happens to be the President of parkrun in South Africa 🙂 

With all these thoughts I tactically changed my path to take in one of the statutes to honour the late great Nelson Mandela. It is serendipitous that my birthday is shared with a monumental moment in human history as on 11th February 1990, when I was turning 18, my sister pointed out that Mandela was being released from prison after enduring 27 years. At the end of the Rivonia Trial Mandela, instead of testifying, made a speech from the dock which concluded with:

“During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”

Mandela stands toe to toe with any ultrarunner who has sought to journey to the edge of endurance.

I truly stand and run on the shoulders of giants.

As I ran past Tower Bridge towards Canary Wharf I looked out to my left upon the flat that my foster parents have. Hank and Kelly took me into their home and hearts when I was younger and my work on Fostering panels feels like it was sown by them all those years ago. 

With Kelly, Hank, baby Amie and Jules.

With my audio booked finished I switched to the Daughters of the Temple interpretation of the classic ‘A Love Supreme’ by John Coltrane. 

Here’s to birthdays and all the wealth they can bring—not just material, but also the wealth of experiences, memories, and lessons learned along the way. That I may find a way to impact, and find ways to contribute to a more equitable and loving world. 

Happy birthday to me, happy birthday Comrades, may we continue to run to A Love Supreme. 

A Love Supreme, photo credit Shveta Shah

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