Average Rob (Robert Van Impe), a Belgian YouTuber known for his diverse achievements, is undertaking the Marathon des Sables with his brother, Arno the Kid. Despite only six months of preparation and facing injuries, they aim to complete the 250km race across the Moroccan desert.
Their training was hampered by injuries; Arno injured his knee, and Rob suffered a stress fracture. Their focus shifted to core strength and heat acclimatization, acknowledging the extreme heat as the biggest challenge. Mentally, they rely on their resilience and perseverance, viewing the Marathon des Sables as 80% mental fortitude.
Rob's motivation stems from internal resistance to challenges and inspiration from Tom Waes's 'Tomtesteron' series, which showcased the possibility of achieving extraordinary feats despite lacking a specific athletic background. He aims to demonstrate that dreams are not limited and humans are capable of more than they think.
Becoming a father has significantly impacted Rob's approach to challenges. He acknowledges the risks involved in pushing his physical limits and has promised his girlfriend he will prioritize his safety and well-being. Fatherhood has increased his fear of death and sharpened his priorities, leading him to be more cautious and to better balance work and family life.
Rob's career includes creating a successful beer brand, a viral song ('On met la patate') with Omdat Het Kan, and organizing the Turbo Cross event, which experienced overwhelming success. He continues to pursue collaborations and projects, aiming to maintain relevance, although he acknowledges the need for better self-care and a healthy work-life balance. His and his brother's future goals include participation in the 2028 Olympic Games.