Brenda Barkhuizen

Standing in the tunnel, waiting for the countdown, I caught myself wondering if I should just turn around. Instead, I struck up casual conversation—anything to quiet the voice asking why I had chosen to put my body through 1 hour and 48 minutes of pure discomfort.

But the truth was simple: we were all there for the same reason. To test ourselves. To do something that demands both mental grit and physical strength—the kind you usually associate with elite athletes—and to prove that whatever life throws at us, we can handle it.

What an incredible sport. Women laughing together while suffering, lifting each other up, encouraging strangers like old friends along the way.

I’m so happy to say—I did it. And I did it with a huge smile on my face.

This journey has been about so much more than fitness. It’s been about growing stronger mentally, pushing boundaries, and connecting with an amazing community of supportive women.

A huge shoutout to Shay, Cara (Go Mary 😂), Nadine, Chris, and Lenoy for planting the seed, the incredible coaches at F45, and of course Dean—for backing me every step of the way and making sure I had the best kit to compete.

I’ll be back in August 💪🏻