Bonum Cursum

Savickis life journey

ostatnie wpisy

  • There was a race: The Transborder Run as Shared Passion Across Borders

    Once upon a time, there was a unique race that connected two worlds — Polish and German. It was the Transborder Run, an event that gathered runners from both sides of the border, offering a rare opportunity to run a 12-kilometer route through two countries. The race crossed through Poland and Germany, with the most iconic feature being the bridge that linked the two nations. It was a run filled with joy, trust, and an incredible atmosphere of shared purpose and camaraderie.

    I had the privilege of participating in this event several times, and the memories of those runs are still vivid. We started from Poland one year, and from Germany the next, with the bridge marking the boundary between the two countries. The Germans always welcomed us with warmth, and we reciprocated with the same spirit, inviting them to join us for the run on the Polish side. It was like meeting old friends, even though we hadn’t seen each other since the previous year.

    There was something magical about running through two countries. Every step taken on Polish soil, followed by the transition across the bridge to German ground, carried with it a sense of unity and togetherness. The course, though not particularly long, was full of excitement, and the opportunity to run alongside international participants was something truly special. Though this event has since disappeared from the calendar, replaced by some form of a Polish-German race, the spirit of the Transborder Run still lives on in the hearts of those who once took part.

    Today, one could say that the „Transborder Run” still exists in some form, but in reality, while its continuation is theoretical, it is no longer the same. The specific atmosphere that once defined this race, the energy exchange and joy experienced on both sides of the border, is no longer there.

    PS: I remember one time when I missed the bus that was supposed to take us to the start in Germany. It was pretty stressful, but I decided not to wait and drove there myself. As it turned out, I wasn’t the only one who was late! On the way back, I had to get off the bus 6 kilometers before my car, so I added a few kilometers on foot and then returned to the car. Thankfully, I wasn’t alone — a friend of mine, who had also missed the bus, joined me, so I gave him a lift. It was one of those funny moments that, despite the chaos, only enrich the memories of such races.

  • Autumn memories from the Teacher’s Day Run

    Today we celebrated the Teacher’s Day run, which takes place every year on October 14th. The morning was cool but bright, the kind of air that carries both the chill of approaching winter and the soft warmth of autumn light. We gathered in the town park, one of the most beautiful spots around, where the trees were already turning shades of gold, copper, and red. Fallen leaves covered the paths like a soft carpet, and as we ran, they rustled under our feet, mixing the rhythm of our breath with the quiet whisper of the season.

    After the run, we stayed for a while, just walking slowly and talking. The whole park looked like a painting, calm ponds reflecting the trees, families strolling, and that peaceful joy that only early autumn can bring. There was something nostalgic in the air, and I couldn’t help thinking about the years that have passed since school and how much those days still mean to me.

    P.S. I still remember all my teachers so clearly, even though I finished my studies more than 15 years ago. Each of them left a small mark on who I became. And of course, I remember our winter adventures back in college.

  • There was a race: From Metropolis Marathon to Today

    There are some races that stay with you not only because of the finish line but because of the journey, the challenges, and the unexpected twists that make them unforgettable. One such race for me was the Marathon Metropolii, a unique event that originally involved running from Bydgoszcz to Toruń or vice versa. It was an ambitious and grueling race that tested our endurance, but over time, it has evolved into what is now simply known as the Toruń Marathon. Despite the changes, the memories from that time remain vivid in my mind, especially the one race that will forever be etched in my memory.

    I’ll never forget the day I ran the Marathon Metropolii, when the weather decided to greet us with a brutal heatwave. The temperature soared, and we found ourselves running under the intense sun, with only the intermittent sprinklers along the route to offer any relief. We dashed through these makeshift showers, hoping for a moment of coolness, but the heat was relentless, and it made every step feel heavier than the last.

    I had asked my parents to join me that day, and I’m so glad I did. Their support was crucial, providing me with water, encouragement, and the strength to keep pushing forward. However, when I crossed the finish line, I felt like I had nothing left to give. My body was drained, and I was in what felt like the worst shape I’d ever been in after a race. It wasn’t until I sat down and started to feel dizzy that I realized how much I had overdone it. After a quick check-up at the medical tent and a couple of IV drips, I began to recover, but it was clear that I had pushed myself too far.

    What followed, though, was the real challenge. Just a few days later, I had university exams. The blisters and bruises from the race made it impossible to wear regular shoes, so I showed up to my exams in flip-flops, hoping the professors would understand. I can’t say it was the most comfortable exam experience, but it added a strange twist to my memories of that race—one that mixed physical exhaustion with mental pressure.

    Looking back, the Marathon Metropolii, which eventually became the Toruń Marathon, is more than just a race. It’s a symbol of perseverance, of pushing through the toughest of conditions, and of the unpredictable nature of life. The marathon’s transformation from a Bydgoszcz-Toruń relay to a Toruń-based race mirrors how life evolves, often in ways we don’t expect, but the spirit of the challenge remains the same.

    That day in Toruń, in all its heat and exhaustion, will always be a part of my story—a reminder of how far we can go when we push ourselves to the limit, even when the journey is tougher than we could have imagined.

    PS: Two days later, I had exams at university. I could barely walk, and I couldn’t even put on my regular shoes due to the blisters. It was a curious feeling when the examiners noticed that my dress shoes had cut-out heels to relieve the pain. I’m sure they were wondering what kind of „professional” showed up to an exam looking like that, but hey, that was part of the adventure!

  • Crossing borders, keeping traditions.

    This year I had the chance to take part again in the Polish–German Friends Run, an annual event that always feels more like a joyful reunion than just a sporting challenge. The run starts in Poland and finishes across the border in Germany, symbolizing not only physical endurance but also friendship and connection between our two countries. As always, familiar faces greeted me at the start line. Many of us have been coming year after year, so the run has become a tradition—a rhythm of friendship, laughter, and shared effort. This time, a bigger group than usual arrived, which gave the event fresh energy. It was exciting to see new people joining our circle, adding to the mix of old companions who already know each other so well. After crossing the finish line, we wanted to continue the tradition of a good old barbecue. The smell of grilled food, laughter, and stories shared around the fire are as much a part of the event as the run itself. Unfortunately, the weather had other plans. Rain started falling, and we had to improvise. Even so, the spirit wasn’t broken. People huddled together, shared food in a more modest way, and still managed to enjoy each other’s company.

    That’s what makes this run so special: no matter the weather, no matter the obstacles, it’s always about the people. The same faces return every year, building bonds that go beyond borders. And every time, new friendships are added to the circle. For me, this year’s Friends Run was not only about finishing the route but also about cherishing that feeling of togetherness that never fades. P.S. I remember that this race used to be held twice a year—first starting in Poland and then in Germany. It was a really good idea, even if the tradition wasn’t fully continued. Still, the event as it is now remains something special.

  • Approach of autumn and the rhythm of life

    The time of autumn races is approaching, bringing both excitement and a lot of preparation. The calendar is filling up with dates, events, and deadlines, and there seems to be more on my plate every day. Thankfully, my wife is helping me — handling all of this alone would be unbearably boring!

    At home, the rhythm of life shifts. The garden needs to be prepared for winter — harvesting the last vegetables, protecting delicate plants, and making sure everything survives the cold months. The house also demands attention: cleaning, organizing, and rotating clothes through every wardrobe like a big fan, making sure everything is ready for the season.

    Between autumn and winter, there is a special kind of nervous excitement that I enjoy. It’s that mix of anticipation and preparation, the feeling that something is about to change while everything is still in motion. We always make time to go out and do some sport. That fills me with energy and helps me face all the tasks ahead. Family is, of course, a central priority. Caring for loved ones and thinking about the smaller brothers around us — pets, birds, and wildlife — reminds me that everyone deserves support to survive a good winter.

    This season is a gentle (chaotic?) reminder to juggle work, family, and fun — though honestly, my wife does most of it while I like to think I’m helping. With her energy, a dash of humor, some sport to recharge, and careful wardrobe rotations, we somehow survive the autumn whirlwind and slide into winter feeling ready, slightly triumphant, and surprisingly alive.