To be honest, ever since I was a little child (and let me tell you it was not yesterday…) I have been dazzled and mesmerized by those who are capable of almost impossible achievements, achievements seemingly beyond human prowess. Be it physical or spiritual activities, those who somehow excel beyond the average, those will always be and are examples, role models to others. This is what happened to me too when I few years ago I met Matyi Szarvas in Békéscsaba. Even his invitation surprised me. He asked me to join a club called GOALS-FAITH-WILLPOWER that h had created for his students as the principle of the largest school in Békéscsaba. He had asked me. Someone who was only beginning to comprehend what he was already a master of. But he had really piqued my curiosity – a community club like this for kids. What a brilliant idea! I was greatly affected by his infinitely humble and empathic attitude, right from the first moment on. He told me so naturally about his goals concerning his work as principle, as an athlete and as a private individual. He told me stories about avalanches, amazing peaks and heights, his daily training routine, the miles he had covered. Back then, nearing the age of fifty, I was seriously entertaining the thought to completing the 42 kilometre run upon turning 50. Having met Matyi (hearing his stories about running) was the last straw that pushed me towards a thorough and meticulous preparation for the 42 kilometre distance – an excruciatingly long distance for an amateur, I must say, completing it in the year 2000. And where does this stand compared to what Matyi has achieved by completing the National Blue Trail Hike Run, amongst other things. 2540 km! I believe for us, amateurs it is almost an incomprehensible achievement to have completed such a run without even one day of rest. Twice! The person capable of such things is capable of ANYTHING in the son called real world too. And Matyi Szarvas is the living proof of this. My dearest Matyi! Thank you for helping your – now already a grandfather – meteorologist friend in keeping healthy and fit by inspiring me to do regular exercise. I wish you to always be on the BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE!!!
With friendly hugs
Lajos Németh
meteorologist