Ndakaini Marathon – Strategy fails from the start
I have been asking myself some ten questions about Ndakaini Marathon 2013, held today, September 14, 2013. The main issue is on my failed strategy on this maiden run during the 10th edition of the event.
1. Why did I decide to run the Ndakaini in 2013?
A – I have had excuses for the last nine years. I finally ran short of excuses. The main excuse was provision of transport to the venue, which the organizers solved by providing a bus from Nairobi city centre to Ndakaini and back. The initial plan was to have the bus leave at 7.00am, I remember the lady at registration desk at Sarit confirming this, after I paid her the 500/= registration fees and an additional 600/= for transport. However, an sms two days to the event changed the time to 6.00am reporting and 6.20am departure. I was in town by 6.15am, missed the first bus that was filled as I got in, and finally left the city at 6.45am with the second bus. Another two buses were on queue at Reinsurrance Plaza, even as we left in a 'Double M' branded bus. The journey to Thika took about 50minutes, with an equal amount of time being taken to reach Ndakaini. I came back with the same bus, leaving Ndakaini at 2.30pm and getting to Nairobi at 4.30pm. Another reason is the conservation bit. The Ndakaini dam supplies most of the water used in the city of Nairobi, over 60km away. Conserving this resource assures the future of Nairobi, the largest city in East Africa.
2. How was the run?
A – This was the most difficult run ever. I had early already declared the UNEP marathon held in February 2013 as the toughest, but that title has now changed hands, maybe forever. This was the toughest run ever! I would do a 42km at Nairobi anytime than face the course that is Ndakaini. The run started at 8.32am, according to my chronometer. This was after I had run an initial 1km from Nairobi Water Treatment plant Ndakaini, where we had parked, to the starting point, at Ndakaini market. We faced the first hill on the first minute of the run back to Nairobi Water. From there, we rushed downwards in twenty strides to face the second hill. After that hill, we were facing the next and the next and the next. How I managed a 1.44 finish time still amazes me. How the mens winner took it in 1.04.47 (and 1.14.35 for the ladies champ) is sheer genius. I had given up after third hill and thought I would be in for an over 2-hour run.
3. Describe the Ndakaini course.
A – Simple, a 21km uphill run, with over ten hills, one after another.
4. What kept me going
A – I had assumed the hilly run would be akin the ones I face during practice – 5 minute hill runs, followed by some 5-minute flat ground before facing another hill. During practice, it is only the Kanyariri-Gitaru route, a 18km circuit, that comes close to challenging this scheme. This one gives you 9km or uphill, then 9km of downhill. Therefore, after the second Ndakaini hill, I hoped for some flat ground to regain by breadth, since I had given it my all, ready for some rest. This turned out to be false. Immediately after this second hill, a third one was introduced out of nowhere. I convinced myself to survive the third (and hopefully last), then recover on the flat or downhill. This did not happen. After the third hill, a forth one came out of the bend and I could see athletes up there on the other side of the road. I gave up, shattered the strategy, threw it down the stream that I crossed toward the forth hill and decide to ‘run for survival’. I decided not to even worry about how long it would take. That is what kept me going – just run to survive the otherwise imminent humiliation by this hilly course. That meant not stopping for a walk, however slow my uphill run was. My survival instinct kept me going hill after hill until the finish line.
5. Describe the finish
A – The finish was confusing. We reached the starting point, assuming it was the finish line, with all the decorations and all. However, the official urged us on, stating that the finish line is ahead. Remember that we started on a hill and hence the finish kilometer turned out to be the same hill. This was the most painful kilometer ever, ending at the Ndakaini Primary School. At the finish line, we were asked to queue so that our names and runner numbers can be recorded again. (Why do they insist on recording names once more, when they already have the registration records?) We were supposed to be given position numbers. This did not happen as they were finished before we arrived. Apart from that, there was no much event at the finish line.
6. How was my hydration
A – Unfortunately, I failed to take much water during the course. The trick of taking water requires a general flat terrain, where you can reduced your pace, recover your breath and take a sip. For this course, it was impossible to take water. The breathing was on the high and a sip would have result to chocking or would necessitate a complete stop. The first time I took proper water was at the finish line, where I drained one litre of water in one go – strictly speaking, in three installment of 300ml, 500ml and 300ml. I did not feel any relief and picked the next double of 300ml, though I took this more slowly.
7. Anything eventful
A – It was quite something stumbling upon Catherine Ndereba, one of the finest marathoners that Kenya has ever produced. Her achievements and records are so big that I was in total awe as I saw her chatting with fellow athletes at the finish line.
“Can we take a photo with you?,” my colleague Harry asked her. (Harry is in my marathoners team and is expecting a challenge between our institutional teams soon, just before we participate in the Nairobi International marathon on Sunday, October 27, 2013. He also faced a failed strategy when he was forced to run with an injury. He was the only other colleagues, apart from Moses, who is not quite in the team, who made it to Ndakaini.)
To our surprise, she responded, “Of course. Where do we stand?”
And just as simple as that, we were having a photo moment with the best of the best. I was amazed at her simplicity and down-to-earth nature despite big achievements. But do not let this fool you. Sample her accolades: A record 4-time Boston marathon winner, Two time marathon gold winner at World Championships, Two times marathon silver at Olympics, Two time Chicago marathon winner with one of them being World record. Need I say more!
8. Whether I intend to participate in Ndakaini again
A – My sanity tells me a big NO. However, five hours after the run, I find myself formulating new strategies to conquer this run. That means that I shall go against my sanity and participate one more time, preferably next year, of course, with a new strategy, since the current one failed just at the starting line.
9. Would you advise the team to participate?
A – Sure, but with the following humble advise: you need to ensure that you can do at least 4 hill runs, each 10minutes long, before you decide to take the challenge. Each of the Ndakaini runs – 5k, 10k and 21k have the inevitable continuous hills. I would also advise a maiden 10km run, to sample the terrain, before graduating to the double-torture that is the 21km run. You also need a strong spirit, yes strong spirit, not just mere physical strength. Add to that a cool head, since being emotional would definitely get you out of the run. Finally, in terms of logistics, you need to have private means of transport, since public transport cannot get you there in good time, unless you travel a day before the event.
10. Impressions of Ndakaini marathon
A – I was quite impressed with the organization of the event. Water was available in 300ml bottles at all designated points, generally on 5km intervals. We were also pleasantly surprised to have four sponge stations, fully stocked with quite some cool watered sponges. This was my first time running on a course where sponges are provided. I know they were meant to cool the body but am not sure if it did, simply because my mind had generally switched off. However, I know for sure that these enabled me have a cool head, which in turn helped me finish the run. Whether we shall ever get certificates of participation is another thing altogether. Am now used to running without confirmation, after all, am still waiting for the Sotokoto one, three months down the line. Come to think of it, even the UNEP marathon organizers are still withholding our certs.
In conclusion, make no mistake about it, Ndakaini marathon is actually and truly the "Toughest marathon in the world"
Barack W. Wanjawa, Nairobi, Kenya, Saturday, September 14, 2013
I have been asking myself some ten questions about Ndakaini Marathon 2013, held today, September 14, 2013. The main issue is on my failed strategy on this maiden run during the 10th edition of the event.
1. Why did I decide to run the Ndakaini in 2013?
A – I have had excuses for the last nine years. I finally ran short of excuses. The main excuse was provision of transport to the venue, which the organizers solved by providing a bus from Nairobi city centre to Ndakaini and back. The initial plan was to have the bus leave at 7.00am, I remember the lady at registration desk at Sarit confirming this, after I paid her the 500/= registration fees and an additional 600/= for transport. However, an sms two days to the event changed the time to 6.00am reporting and 6.20am departure. I was in town by 6.15am, missed the first bus that was filled as I got in, and finally left the city at 6.45am with the second bus. Another two buses were on queue at Reinsurrance Plaza, even as we left in a 'Double M' branded bus. The journey to Thika took about 50minutes, with an equal amount of time being taken to reach Ndakaini. I came back with the same bus, leaving Ndakaini at 2.30pm and getting to Nairobi at 4.30pm. Another reason is the conservation bit. The Ndakaini dam supplies most of the water used in the city of Nairobi, over 60km away. Conserving this resource assures the future of Nairobi, the largest city in East Africa.
2. How was the run?
A – This was the most difficult run ever. I had early already declared the UNEP marathon held in February 2013 as the toughest, but that title has now changed hands, maybe forever. This was the toughest run ever! I would do a 42km at Nairobi anytime than face the course that is Ndakaini. The run started at 8.32am, according to my chronometer. This was after I had run an initial 1km from Nairobi Water Treatment plant Ndakaini, where we had parked, to the starting point, at Ndakaini market. We faced the first hill on the first minute of the run back to Nairobi Water. From there, we rushed downwards in twenty strides to face the second hill. After that hill, we were facing the next and the next and the next. How I managed a 1.44 finish time still amazes me. How the mens winner took it in 1.04.47 (and 1.14.35 for the ladies champ) is sheer genius. I had given up after third hill and thought I would be in for an over 2-hour run.
3. Describe the Ndakaini course.
A – Simple, a 21km uphill run, with over ten hills, one after another.
4. What kept me going
A – I had assumed the hilly run would be akin the ones I face during practice – 5 minute hill runs, followed by some 5-minute flat ground before facing another hill. During practice, it is only the Kanyariri-Gitaru route, a 18km circuit, that comes close to challenging this scheme. This one gives you 9km or uphill, then 9km of downhill. Therefore, after the second Ndakaini hill, I hoped for some flat ground to regain by breadth, since I had given it my all, ready for some rest. This turned out to be false. Immediately after this second hill, a third one was introduced out of nowhere. I convinced myself to survive the third (and hopefully last), then recover on the flat or downhill. This did not happen. After the third hill, a forth one came out of the bend and I could see athletes up there on the other side of the road. I gave up, shattered the strategy, threw it down the stream that I crossed toward the forth hill and decide to ‘run for survival’. I decided not to even worry about how long it would take. That is what kept me going – just run to survive the otherwise imminent humiliation by this hilly course. That meant not stopping for a walk, however slow my uphill run was. My survival instinct kept me going hill after hill until the finish line.
5. Describe the finish
A – The finish was confusing. We reached the starting point, assuming it was the finish line, with all the decorations and all. However, the official urged us on, stating that the finish line is ahead. Remember that we started on a hill and hence the finish kilometer turned out to be the same hill. This was the most painful kilometer ever, ending at the Ndakaini Primary School. At the finish line, we were asked to queue so that our names and runner numbers can be recorded again. (Why do they insist on recording names once more, when they already have the registration records?) We were supposed to be given position numbers. This did not happen as they were finished before we arrived. Apart from that, there was no much event at the finish line.
6. How was my hydration
A – Unfortunately, I failed to take much water during the course. The trick of taking water requires a general flat terrain, where you can reduced your pace, recover your breath and take a sip. For this course, it was impossible to take water. The breathing was on the high and a sip would have result to chocking or would necessitate a complete stop. The first time I took proper water was at the finish line, where I drained one litre of water in one go – strictly speaking, in three installment of 300ml, 500ml and 300ml. I did not feel any relief and picked the next double of 300ml, though I took this more slowly.
7. Anything eventful
A – It was quite something stumbling upon Catherine Ndereba, one of the finest marathoners that Kenya has ever produced. Her achievements and records are so big that I was in total awe as I saw her chatting with fellow athletes at the finish line.
“Can we take a photo with you?,” my colleague Harry asked her. (Harry is in my marathoners team and is expecting a challenge between our institutional teams soon, just before we participate in the Nairobi International marathon on Sunday, October 27, 2013. He also faced a failed strategy when he was forced to run with an injury. He was the only other colleagues, apart from Moses, who is not quite in the team, who made it to Ndakaini.)
To our surprise, she responded, “Of course. Where do we stand?”
And just as simple as that, we were having a photo moment with the best of the best. I was amazed at her simplicity and down-to-earth nature despite big achievements. But do not let this fool you. Sample her accolades: A record 4-time Boston marathon winner, Two time marathon gold winner at World Championships, Two times marathon silver at Olympics, Two time Chicago marathon winner with one of them being World record. Need I say more!
8. Whether I intend to participate in Ndakaini again
A – My sanity tells me a big NO. However, five hours after the run, I find myself formulating new strategies to conquer this run. That means that I shall go against my sanity and participate one more time, preferably next year, of course, with a new strategy, since the current one failed just at the starting line.
9. Would you advise the team to participate?
A – Sure, but with the following humble advise: you need to ensure that you can do at least 4 hill runs, each 10minutes long, before you decide to take the challenge. Each of the Ndakaini runs – 5k, 10k and 21k have the inevitable continuous hills. I would also advise a maiden 10km run, to sample the terrain, before graduating to the double-torture that is the 21km run. You also need a strong spirit, yes strong spirit, not just mere physical strength. Add to that a cool head, since being emotional would definitely get you out of the run. Finally, in terms of logistics, you need to have private means of transport, since public transport cannot get you there in good time, unless you travel a day before the event.
10. Impressions of Ndakaini marathon
A – I was quite impressed with the organization of the event. Water was available in 300ml bottles at all designated points, generally on 5km intervals. We were also pleasantly surprised to have four sponge stations, fully stocked with quite some cool watered sponges. This was my first time running on a course where sponges are provided. I know they were meant to cool the body but am not sure if it did, simply because my mind had generally switched off. However, I know for sure that these enabled me have a cool head, which in turn helped me finish the run. Whether we shall ever get certificates of participation is another thing altogether. Am now used to running without confirmation, after all, am still waiting for the Sotokoto one, three months down the line. Come to think of it, even the UNEP marathon organizers are still withholding our certs.
In conclusion, make no mistake about it, Ndakaini marathon is actually and truly the "Toughest marathon in the world"
Barack W. Wanjawa, Nairobi, Kenya, Saturday, September 14, 2013
