Hundreds of headlamps pierce the darkness, nervous energy radiating from every runner. Then, cutting through the 4am quiet — the sharp crack of the startgun signals the start of what would be the toughest race of my career (so far!).

As you’re reading this, I’m somewhere on the trails of the UTCT100.

100km of rugged terrain.

5000m of elevation gain.

The biggest challenge I’ve ever taken on.

In the lead-up to this race, the support from family and friends has been overwhelming. Ultra running, at its core, is a team sport. As much as it’s me out there putting one foot in front of the other, nothing (and I mean nothing!) would’ve been possible without the support of my family and friends.

And today, out here on the trails, their role and impact are even more profound.

Messages from loved ones, strangers becoming familiar faces — the same people standing at each aid station, ringing cowbells in sign of support — giving me the extra boost I need to keep going.

Unless you’ve run an ultra before — or done anything that pushes the limits of your human endurance — you won’t truly understand just how much of a difference this support makes.

In those moments when your body is screaming to stop, when your mind is playing tricks on you, these brief encounters at aid stations become lifelines. They give you the chance to pause for a second, hold on tight, soak in their energy, and find the strength to continue.

But what’s even more powerful is knowing they’ll be there at the next station — however far away it might be. Especially when you know that someone truly special is waiting for you. It becomes this beacon of light pulling you forward, this promise of connection that keeps your feet moving even when every step feels impossible.

And it’s got me thinking about something.

About how different this is from our everyday challenges — whether in business, life or our relationships. About how rare it is to find this same calibre of support when we’re conquering our own metaphorical mountains.

In the silent battles we fight daily there are no aid stations. No cowbells ringing to mark our progress. No supporters to encourage us to keep going.

Often, there’s not even anyone aware of the magnitude of what we’re attempting, or going through.

The truth is, we don’t exactly make it easy for others to support us.

Out here on the trails, it’s simple — when I stumble into an aid station, I either look like I’m about to pass out or I’m riding high on endorphins. Either way, it’s obvious that I’m racing, and it’s for people to see what I need and respond accordingly.

But in business, life, and our relationships it’s a different story.

We often choose to fight silent battles. We (un)consciously hide our struggles, mask our difficulties, and pretend we’ve got it all figured out. We perfect the art of “I’m fine” while wrestling with challenges that would bring anyone to their knees.

Maybe it’s pride. Maybe it’s the fear of appearing weak. Maybe it’s this twisted cultural narrative that true strength means doing it all alone. Whatever the reason, we make it nearly impossible for people to see when we need support — let alone know how to give it.

If you’ve ever been truly supported in your most difficult times, you know there are few things more powerful than the renewed strength, comfort, and hope it brings.

I’ve experienced this myself, and it’s something I now strive to be for others.

Sometimes, all it takes is knowing someone’s in your corner to find those extra reserves of strength that you didn’t know you had.

That’s why, every Sunday for the past few years, I’ve made it a practice to pause and truly think about who in my life might need support in the coming week.

I ask myself: Who’s someone I can support this week with a message of encouragement, help, or a thoughtful gesture?

This could mean cheering on a friend who just closed a new investment round — perhaps inviting them for dinner to celebrate their hard work. But it could also mean reaching out to a neighbour quietly navigating a loss — offering my presence, sending over a bouquet of flowers, or simply offering a helping hand.

And the truly amazing part of this is — the more I’ve shown up for others, the more I’ve realised how many people want to show up for me.

They just need to know how. They need us to let them in.

So, there are two things that I want to leave you with today:

First, take a moment to think about who in your life might need support this week. It doesn’t have to be grand gestures — sometimes the smallest acts of support create the biggest ripples.

Send that message. Make that call. Let someone know you see their struggle or celebrate their success. Make it clear that you’re their aid station — and become the seconder in their own personal ultra.

But equally important — and perhaps more challenging — is the second part. Give others the chance to support you.

Let down those carefully constructed walls, just a little. Open up. Share your struggles. Celebrate your victories. Let people know when you need a metaphorical cowbell ringing in your corner.

We’re all capable of so much more when we know we’re not running alone. Whether you’re building a business, chasing a dream, or facing a personal challenge — support can be the difference between giving up and finding that extra strength you didn’t know you had.

The question isn’t whether you need support — we all do.

The question is — will you be generous enough to give it and brave enough to receive it?