The outcome of the elections in Germany, Willpower’s home turf, was not surprising — but no less alarming. When half of the Bundestag is made up of far-right, reactionary, backward-looking, and populist forces, it signals nothing good for the future of this country.

Germany is only one piece of a larger puzzle. What we are witnessing — a dramatic shift to the right — is not an isolated event. It is happening across the Western world, while full-blown repressive autocracies elsewhere tighten their grip.

What is emerging is a system fueled by fear, one that devalues and marginalizes the vulnerable while giving free rein to hate and agitation. Online. In parliament. And in the streets.

What does this mean for us and our everyday lives? More than we might want to admit. Even those who are not directly affected by discrimination can feel how poisoned the air has become. The hatred is unbearable and anyone could be next.

Breathe deeply.

Maybe that sounds naive, but we still believe that one voice can inspire another. That one act of courage can ignite resistance. That silence is complicity.

We can no longer stand by as divisions deepen, as history repeats itself, as those in power rewrite the rules to serve only themselves, their thirst for power, and their obscene wealth.

Let’s stand together — louder, bolder, steadfast. Even when it feels like we are in the minority. We are not.

It is the time to be visible. As runners. As humans. Not just for ourselves, but for those who are pushed to the margins, silenced, and oppressed.

This is in our DNA. This is what we run for.