Hello all inspiring runners!
I challenge you, do you possess the determination to run over 5 kilometres every day, 365 days a year?
I'm Tomas Persson, hailing from a quaint village just outside Stockholm, Sweden. Now, before you stereotype me as the typical reserved Swede, let me assure you – I'm anything but that. My experiences and encounters with diverse and wonderful people have shaped me into someone who thrives outside the comfort zone, always ready to laugh and embrace life.
My curiosity knows no bounds, perhaps influenced by my Romanian girlfriend, who spent a decade in Milan, Italy. Together, we have a son with an insatiable curiosity that matches my own. “Have you met my dad? He proudly sports a bald head”.
I've always admired my father, a dedicated man who rose at 5 am, commuted for an hour to work, and returned home at 7 pm. Despite his busy schedule, he never missed my brother's and my hockey activities. I recall him as hardworking, albeit stressed, with a short temper. As he retired, I envisioned a life of relaxation and joy for him, but his health took an unexpected turn. His heart, once strong, now struggles, leaving him fatigued, dependent on numerous medications, anable to walk only a short distance before needing rest, even at the age of 70.
Reflecting on my family history, where my grandfather's hard work led to a premature heart attack shortly after retirement, I've become acutely aware of the potential impact of these health issues on my own life. In response, I've made a promise to myself – I refuse to follow in the footsteps of my older generation. Both my father and grandfather were selfless individuals, contributing to society without seeking personal rewards.
Motivated by their examples, I am driven not only to steer my personal development in the right direction but also to extend a helping hand to those worldwide who suffer similarly to my grandfather and father. My vision encompasses a world where hospitals have the resources to provide accurate treatments and predict heart and lung diseases effectively.
Soon I will established a platform here where you can purchase merchandise, and a portion of the profits will contribute to funding heart and lung research. This endeavor serves a dual purpose – fostering our personal growth and ensuring fewer individuals endure the pain of heart and lung diseases. Join us in making a positive impact on lives across the globe.
While I've dedicated a significant portion of my life to my career, a little over a year ago, the mounting stress and pressures of life began to take a toll. I found myself in need of an outlet, something beyond work to release the pressure, boost my confidence, and keep my head above water.
On January 16, 2023, I made a life-changing decision to start running daily. I believed that enhancing my physical strength could have a positive impact on my mental well-being. During a work trip to Gothenburg, I woke up at 5 am, threw on my worn-out running gear, and embarked on a journey through unfamiliar streets. Despite my unconventional appearance, with noise-cancelling speakers strapped to my head, I discovered the beauty of exploring a city in the early morning hours. The Christmas lights adorned the streets, and the music in my ears made every run epic.
As a lover of meeting new people and drawing inspiration from their stories, my playlist evolved from music to audiobooks, particularly biographies of those who achieved the extraordinary. I believe in learning from successful individuals and sharing those lessons with others.
This past year has been challenging; I lost my job, had financial struggles, and had to part with possessions I cherished. Yet, amid the turmoil, my running streak became my anchor, instilling a sense of strength and optimism for a brighter future. While I'm still navigating the tunnel of uncertainty, my perspective has shifted. Instead of fearing change, I welcome it, seeking new directions and unexplored possibilities.
Unlike the typical Swedish or Nordic narrative, I want to share my journey with you. Together, let's inspire courage and success in each other. So, I dare you – do you have what it takes to run over 5 kilometres daily while discovering your next big step in life?
If you're up for the challenge, join us by push the button below. Feel free to use the hashtag #runstreak365. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and feel free to send a DM sharing your running streak story. I'd love to feature it on this channel, inspiring everyone looking to make a positive change in their lives!
