Resilience Isn’t Just a Buzzword

Can you believe it’s been SIX years since the start of #RunningDry? Six whole years since I set out to run 100 Marathons in 100 Days for water. 

As many of you know, I didn’t quite make it. 

I still remember breaking my leg on Marathon 62 and sitting in that hospital in Cape Town, thinking, “This is it. It’s over.”  But it wasn’t. It was the beginning of something extraordinary. People from over 50 countries and all seven continents picked up the baton and ran for me—not just the remaining 38 marathons but hundreds more, covering the distance from the North to the South Pole.

Six years later, we’ve built a global community of water warriors. As we celebrate this milestone, I’m reminded of how resilience remains at the heart of our work. From those first marathons to the victories and challenges I’ll share below, every step we take matters.

November’s Top Moments and Takeaways

The March for Clean Water 

Photo: Rachel Salvidge

On November 3rd, 15,000 people and 300 organisations came together in London for the March for Clean Water, demanding action to stop destroying England’s waterways.

Here’s a shocking fact: over 90% of England’s freshwater habitats are in bad shape. That’s huge. But seeing so many people – activists, community groups, and families – taking to the streets showed us something important: when we stand together, we’re unstoppable. Resilience isn’t just about standing firm, it’s about showing up when it matters most.

This march was an incredible moment of hope, action, and saying, “Hey, this is worth fighting for!” 

COP29

COP29, the UN's annual climate change conference, has just wrapped up and I know what you’re thinking… Another conference? Will anything actually change? 

It's a fair question, especially with the urgency of the climate crisis growing every day. But resilience means refusing to give in to cynicism. And while the conference didn't deliver the bold financial commitments we were hoping for, there were still some wins worth celebrating: 

  • 7 of the world’s top 10 polluters agreed to cut methane emissions (finally!)

  • Renewables are set to overtake coal by 2025 

  • The UK and Brazil pledged huge emissions cuts by 2025 

Change doesn’t happen overnight—it’s a marathon, not a sprint and it’s built decision by decision, step by step. 

WWF’s Watering Resilience Report

At COP29, WWF released its Watering Resilience Report, and it’s packed with nature-based solutions to tackling the climate crisis. Solutions that work with nature instead of against it.

Just take healthy wetlands, which can protect communities from floods and improve water quality. And replanting mangroves, which can shield coastal areas from storms and support local economies. It’s a win-win.

Nature has been showing us the way for centuries. Now it’s up to us to listen and scale these solutions.

Who inspired me this Month

This month, I’ve been blown away by two incredible ultrarunners, Lucy Bartholomew from Australia and Naomi Brand from South Africa.

Lucy competed in the scorching heat of the GPT 100 Miler and she was crushing it, coming 3rd overall. But 141km into the 162km race, the event got canceled because of extreme heat. Instead of giving in to frustration, she reflected on her journey with gratitude and grace.

Naomi faced her own challenges at the Ultra Trail Cape Town 100 Miler, leading the race for almost 24 hours and then missing first place in the final 15 km. And yet, she celebrated the runner who edged her out, her support team, and the trail running community.

Both Lucy and Naomi remind us that resilience isn’t about medals or finish lines – it’s about showing up, giving your all, and finding strength in the journey, even when things don’t go as planned.

Photo of the Month

According to UNICEF, women and girls worldwide spend a staggering 200 million hours each day collecting water. (c) Kelvin Trautman

From the March for Clean Water to the people who fought for meaningful action at COP29, from Lucy’s heat-stricken race to Naomi’s inspiring fight to the finish, one thing is clear: resilience is everywhere. 

It’s in the big wins and quiet victories. It’s in standing back up after we fall. And most importantly, it’s in us – this amazing community of water warriors, runners, and change makers who never give up. 

So, let’s keep moving forward, no matter how steep the climb.

Love,

Mina

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