As a videographer, Iâve always filmed with one goal in mind:
To film those who dare to push their limits.
During this Ultra BackYard, I didnât expect to meet Dave.
I was stopping at the aid station to rest, I still had about 12 hours to film.
And I saw this man surrounded by his friends, his team, whatever you call them.
He was coming in out of breath, each additional step accompanied by an intense cry of pain.
So I took a shot, thinking he was going to stop. I turned off my camera when he was a few meters from the finish line.
And I saw him heading towards the second lap.
I hadnât even imagined someone could be so mentally strong to start again in such a state. I probably unconsciously put myself in that position, and I knew I would have given up a long time ago.
I saw a unique opportunity to film an unforgettable moment, but above all, an opportunity to learn more about myself, running alongside Dave.
I thought he was going to give up after every step, but he kept going.
I felt so illegitimate, complaining about the most trivial things in everyday life,
I cried behind my camera because I was witnessing something that transcended the material world.
Beyond learning about mental strength and self-improvement,
I learned about friendship, real friendship.
A true friend isnât someone who lets you wallow in your weaknesses, whether you chose them or not.
A true friend is someone who tells you
« youâre too slow » when youâre on crutches for your 34th kilometer.
They tell you thereâs no time to rest until you reach your goal.
If the road to hell is paved with good intentions, heaven is filled with tender harshness.
Dave fell face-first into the sand 1 kilometer from the finish line, like in a biblical story.
He hadnât yet completely fallen, but he was already standing up in his head.
He grabbed his crutch and began to complete his mission for the day.
Thank you, Dave, for this lesson.