The Running Collective

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.

30/03/2026

Yesterday, I participated in the Waitarere Forest Run Half Marathon. I am not the biggest fan of trail running, but I chose to run this race as a last big training for the in 2 weeks. By running my half at marathon pace (on often rough terrain), it proved to be a solid last training session, and the last part of my biggest training week/plan ever. I took the win as an added bonus, and was elegant enough not to fall on my face in the last 100m of the race over a bumpy patch.

In the next two weeks, I have a bit of running still, but it's nothing compared to what I've done before. The tapering has begun! I've put in the hard work, now it's all about staying healthy, resting enough, eating my carbs and then hopefully, I'll have the perfect race on 12 April.

Fingers crossed 🤞🏻

Well done to all the mates I saw on race day, especially the Running Collective Friday Morning regulars! Always great to chat post-race with food and drinks!

17/02/2026

Round The Bays 2026 recap!

What. A. Day.

After a routine blood check two weeks ago, my results showed a lack of iron. Even though training was going well, there was a little bit of worrying about whether I should run a half-marathon or not. Add a strong southerly on race day, and the circumstances weren't ideal to run a PB.

Carpooling with the Kāpiti crew was a great way to calm the pre-race nerves as we found a parking spot next to the start, as well as toilets seemingly invisible to the other 1000s of runners.

After a short study round, multiple NZ champion decided to go solo. We would only see him back at the turnaround and the finish line. I managed to stay in an elite group behind, where we worked together to fight against the wind. With my pace ranging from 3'05 to 3'55/km, it was clear there was no chance of running an even race.

Just before the turnaround point, our group fell apart, and from then on, it was every man for himself. With the encouragement from friends and kind strangers, I managed to stay in third place. I never really ran for a time and focused more on the place. I was quite surprised to finish in 1h12'40, about a minute above my PB, and without being as tired as normally post-race.

Very honoured to share the podium with 2 NZ representatives, but luckily the speaker only asked about the winners' future goals (LA Olympics) and not mine 😂

All in all, a very good racing day with mateys! Congratulations to the rest of the Kāpiti crew, you legends!