BexGracious

July 2026 here we come!

Friends, a little confession:
While I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how naturally running has come back to me… I can safely say my self-confidence has not. 😅

I don’t really feel like snapping pics of myself lately — my face feels extra chubbs, I’m overly aware of how I look while running, and honestly? I’m terrified to run in just a crop top or sports bra in the summer heat. Ugh. The worst feeling.

And then there’s the confidence to actually start from scratch again — to celebrate my 3K runs, to share the small stuff, to be proud of the progress. Believe it or not, that takes a kind of confidence I didn’t realize I was missing.

But here we are…building the confidence as we build the fitness. And that’s okay. 💛

Random story:

Two weeks ago at church, I was listening to a few people share their testimonies and found myself thinking, surely this can’t be my story - this can’t be it.
And in that moment, I felt God say, “Girl, I’m just getting started.”

While I’m running, I’m healing.
While I’m healing, I’m sharing.
And while I’m sharing - I hope I’m encouraging someone else the same way I’ve been so deeply encouraged over the last few weeks. ❤️‍🔥

So, watch this space.
He (and I) are only getting started. 💪🏼

One thing you might not know about me is that exactly three years ago, I was admitted to a psychiatric clinic for severe depression. It was one of the hardest seasons of my life — I couldn’t believe I was there.
And now? I can’t believe I’m here. 🩵

I won’t go into all the details of how I ended up there, but I do want to encourage you — if you’re in a low right now, please know that it’s okay to ask for help (and to receive it). You are loved. You are worthy. And you are not alone, no matter how much it might feel that way.

My life didn’t magically turn into sunshine and roses after leaving the clinic — honestly, it got harder. I faced so many challenges I never thought I’d have to face. But I learned how to cope, how to keep pressing forward, and how to believe that better days would come.

Today, I’m so deeply grateful.
Grateful to have the mental strength to move my body again.
Grateful to live in this beautiful city.
Grateful to be forming meaningful connections and slowly building a life that feels like mine. 🌿

A verse that was spoken over me recently has stayed close to my heart:

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
— John 10:10

Here’s to a life of abundance!
a life where we face our lonely battles together,
and move our bodies to celebrate their strength, not punish them.

I can’t wait to experience the next three years — whatever they may hold. 💫

WHERE HAVE I BEEN?! 🫠

Well... here’s the update (and hopefully a little encouragement for you too 💬)

You might be wondering where on earth I’ve been the last 3 months — and why it’s taken me so long to get back into running again. The short version? Life happened. The long version? Keep reading 👇

As many of you know, I trained long and hard for the Knysna Half. I set a goal — and I achieved it. That might not seem like a big deal to everyone, but for me, it was huge.
With ADHD, I’m really good at starting things with a bang… and losing steam halfway through. It’s a pattern that’s brought a lot of shame over the years. So the fact that I followed through — even with a very unimpressive pace and a tough last few kilometres — the win was massive.

But then, a few days after that finish line, life hit me really hard.
My relationship ended — which was especially hard because so much of it was rooted in running together.
I moved house (which was weirdly triggering — post-divorce stuff I guess - a story for another time).
I also came off a lot of medication I’d been on for years (praise Jesus!) and have been learning how to navigate life without it. Except my ADHD meds — those are staying because, well, employment matters 😂

Through all of this, I hit a serious mental block. Just thinking about running made me feel sick.
The idea of lacing up again? No thanks.

But this evening - as I was preparing for another walk instead of a run…I remembered how much joy running brought me.
How it helped me feel proud of myself.
How it let me reconnect with God, nature, and my own mind.

So — here I am. Starting fresh.

Documenting it one step at a time as we work towards Bay to Bay 2026 (real and raw as always)

And if you’ve read this far, here’s what I really want to say:
✨ It’s never too late to start over.
✨ You are allowed to begin again.
✨ You can do hard things.

Don’t let the fear of “falling behind” stop you from showing up. Start fresh — even if you have to start every freakin’ week. You’ve got this.

Let’s train 🩵🏃‍♀️

🌲 Knysna Forest Half Marathon - DONE! 🌲

And just like that... the race I’ve been training, prepping, and posting about is officially in the bag! 💪💚

The Knysna Forest Half Marathon was nothing like I imagined. I had this dream of flying through the course, maybe even snagging a bit of beginner’s luck and a killer time. But let me tell you — those hills had other plans 😅

I aimed for a sub-3 hour finish… but the forest said “not today!” and I came in 9 minutes over. Between the numb legs, frozen fingers, and seeing a few actual stars in the last few km, it was a real test of grit.

BUT — it was also incredible. The atmosphere, the people, the magic of that forest… It’s something I’ll never forget.

Huge shoutout to for running alongside me every step of the way, pushing me when I wanted to give up. And to my amazing friends, family, and all of YOU here cheering me on — I felt every bit of that love. 🫶

This was the hardest thing I’ve ever done… and I wouldn’t change a single second of it. Because no matter the time, “to finish is to win.” 🏅

Now, time to rest these legs… and then it’s Gun Run prep time! 👟

Yes!🏃‍♀️👏

Seventeen days. That’s all that’s left before I take on the Knysna Forest Half Marathon — my very first 21.1km. And while these bloody knees (yes, literally bloody 😅) need to hurry up and heal, my heart is so ready to see this through.

The truth is, I’ve been feeling a little wobbly lately. A bit nervous, a bit discouraged. So I did what I always do when I need a reminder of my strength — I looked back.

And wow.

No, I didn’t lose the 15kg I wanted to.
But I did learn how to run 15km.

No, I didn’t magically transform into the fittest, fastest version of myself.
But I did earn the title runner — through early mornings, sore muscles, and perseverance.

I may not have become everything I thought I would this year...
But I’ve gained something far more powerful: patience, grit, and a deep respect for discipline. Oh, and a humble lesson on how quickly fitness can sneak away when you stop chasing it (oops 😅).

But here’s what I do know: I’m capable. And I’m so up for this challenge.

Yes, I have a goal time. But honestly? I just want to cross that finish line — whether it’s at my best pace or my slowest ever. I just want to finish, with my best human beside me and my beautiful friends cheering me on from the sidelines - since they will already be finished their race 😉

17 more days until I prove to little Bex that she really can do anything she sets her mind to.

Let’s go. 💛🏃‍♀️🌲
My energy moment.

I had high hopes for this run - since my dad (the mayor) opened the race and publicly (and proudly ♥️) announced I was running the 10km, I really felt like I had something to prove.

Instead “the mayors daughter” fell bloody hard at 3km and someone even called an ambulance to come and pick me up 🚑🤣

I loved this race - the part that I got to run. And I was super proud to be running in the beautiful 🌈 🌊

Not everything went to plan. Bruised knees (and a bruised ego) but still smiling.

Well done to and for running like champs today! So much love for this place and these people. 🥰

BRING ON KNYSNA! 22 Days to go!