Six months later…

Six months later…

Today has many significant events worth remembering.  It is 9-11.  Yes, the date in 2001 when terrorists attached the twin towers buildings in the US and brought them down, causing death to 2,996 people and damage to property.  Thereafter, the terrorists affiliated to the event have continued to attack, damage and kill people in different places in the world, especially on or around this date.

It is also on 3-11, six months ago, when the World Health Organization, WHO, declared that a new virus, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus version 2 of 2019 (SARS-CoV-2-2019) as a global pandemic.  The disease caused by this virus came to be known as Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19).  The virus and disease originated from a food market in China’s Wuhan City in Hubei province in December 2019.  The virus then started spreading from China to the rest of the world… one country at a time.

On that date that WHO was declaring ‘the thing’ aka TT as a pandemic, the world had recorded 123,416* infections and 4,641 deaths.  Those 124 thousand infections were distributed in regions as follows Americas had 1010, South-East Asia 189, with 22,320 in Europe, 9966 in Eastern Mediterranean, 71 in Africa and 89,860 in Western Pacific.  The deaths were distributed worldwide as 28 in Americas, 1002 in Europe, 2 is SE Asia, 364 in E-Med, 0 in Africa and 3238 in W-Pacific.

In the same month of March when WHO was declaring that pandemic, and in response to this pandemic did Kenya also initiate a dusk to dawn curfew and lockdown of four regions, including the cities of Nairobi and Mombasa.  On that 3-11 date, when WHO was declaring the worldwide pandemic, Kenya had 0 cases of Corona virus.  

The new virus was spreading through breathing in respiratory droplets (cough, sneeze) from an infected person.  The infected people exhibited symptoms such as fever, dry cough and tiredness as common ones, with some reporting loss of smell and taste.  The virus incubation period was determined as 14-days, leading to such a duration of isolation after travel to a hot zone or self-isolation when one suspected that they had the infection.  

However, only a few of those with the disease required hospitalization, and most would just suffer the discomfort of the infection symptoms and get well without the need for medication.  Getting rid of the virus from their body in two or so weeks.  At the period of disease, those ailing are advised to take lots of rest, avoid interactions with other people, be on a balanced and healthy diet.  Visiting the hospital should be the last resort, when home rest is not helping at all.  

It was therefore a virus that was serious and not serious at the same time.  Serious because it was new, with many unknowns and spreading exponentially, but not serious due to the low mortality and hospitalization rates.  

Unfortunately, some of those who needed hospitalization would turn out to be surely badly off, with respiratory failure and hence needed assistance to breath by use of ventilators.  This need for ventilators posed a new medical challenge since this required a higher level of hospitalization facilities with associated equipment and expertise costs.  This is where the disease was considered a serious thing.  Lack of such intervention would surely mean death.  This is serious I tell you.

Six months later and the world is different.  There are no more social gatherings or any grouping of more than ten.  Bars and night clubs are closed.  Hotels and restaurants are mostly operating take away service or minimal occupancy with short operating hours.  Night life ended, as most countries have night curfews from nine.  People have to put on face masks when in any public place, including while using public or private transport.  

Temperature checks and handwashing or hand-sanitization at entrance to public spaces such as supermarkets, public transport systems and office blocks has become the new norm.  Humanity have to keep a distance of at least one-metre from each other wherever they are, be it while using vehicles or while being served in a supermarket.  This restriction on number of people at any gathering has meant that sports and social events are now cancelled for the year.  

All marathon events are not possible this year.  The organizers of the Stanchart Nairobi International marathon that was to be held on Sunday, October 25, 2020 have already communicated the cancellation. The event is now pushed to next year and is scheduled for Sunday, October 31, 2021.  However, this remains a tentative date, meaning that the possibility of another postponement exists.  That is how badly things have gone.  Ndakaini marathon that should have been held tomorrow, Saturday, September 12 is off.  The Mater Heart run of May was cancelled (read the list of marathons on this earlier blog, where anything scheduled since April 1 has been cancelled)

Our own monthly ‘international’ marathons remain cancelled since March.  I do not see possibility of holding any such event this year.  Nonetheless, individual runs are ongoing just like the one I did this lunch hour, despite them being lonely, boring and non-motivating.  I was on the same route from Eldy town to the 8km junction at Kipkenyo, then back same route then added a twist on the 15k mark leading to a finish on the 22.32km mark.  That was a 1hr 52min 46sec run.  I was glad that I was not rained on, for the first time in many runs.  The last time I took this selfsame route was on Monday.  The rain hit me through the last five minutes of that run.  Today I was lucky, was I not?

But not being rained on did not prevent the world from the reality of Corona virus as we mark the 6-month anniversary of the declaration of the pandemic.  While the total cases were only 124,116* on 3-11, when TT was declared a pandemic, the infections now stand at 27,972,386* with 905,413 deaths.  The infections per region (and fatalities) being 14.4M in Americas (0.5M), 5.1M in SE Asia (89k), 4.6M in Europe (0.2M), 2M in E-Med (54k), 1.1M in Africa (23k) and 0.5M in W-Pacific (11k).  The infection numbers have multiplied 226 times in that 6-month period.

Good news is that the fatality rate for TT remains relatively low at 3.2% world average.  Nonetheless, loss of life remains a serious thing and we do hope that this COVID thing shall be defeated soon.  Several vaccine initiatives are at advanced stages of development, while Russia already has a vaccine available for its masses.  It is now just a matter of time before TT is defeated.  Let us enjoy the secluded moments while they last.  We shall be soon back in the midst of big crowds… laughing out loud in crowded eateries…. while looking back at how 2020 was a totally messed up year.  

Enjoy the moments while they last.

*All the data used in this article are from who.int

WWB, the coach, Eldy Kenya, Sep. 11, 2020

Reviewing 2015, with a Certificate

Reviewing 2015, with a Certificate

The certificates are out – 1.36.46 is the official time for my 21km run at Nairobi Marathon 2015 held in October.  The gadget had given me a 1.36.55.  That means that I can now trust the gadget for my runs going forward.  It reminds me of the run in that I recently had with a local school administration.  We had gone for a fund raiser, where we were urged to donate, “kwa moyo mchungufu”.  By that time, a 30k-per-student had been imposed as ‘compulsory-voluntary’ contribution for school building projects.  Another voluntary contribution of a ‘one-off’ 35k that every student ‘must’ pay was included in the fee structure for 2016.  I do not mind building schools, or any other development project for that matter.  It is the trickery they use to get the fund raising going that gets to me.  Why can’t they just be forthright and state that, “the budget for construction of a new block is this much and we need to get the money from the students” – straight!

Straight
Talking about straight, the year is coming to an end and I need to set the record straight as far as my 2015 runs are concerned.  Let me revisit the first lady’s marathon in March – Sunday, the eighth to be precise.  A good run, good weather, but no certificates were forthcoming for so long that I gave up on ever getting one.  My only regret is their ‘strong’ promise of certs immediately after the run.  I can swear that the organizers swore to have the certs ready after the run – why promise what you cannot deliver?.  But the run is for a very worthy cause, hence their breaking of promise is not a big deal.  I also cringe to see a select team of runners parading medals, yet all ordinary runners know that there were no medals on offer!  Liars!  My run time then was a 1.34 to 1.36 range.  Read the blog story as to why I am convinced of this range.  

(Oooppsss!  Spoke too soon!  I have just input my runner no. 1008 on the organizer’s website now, and to my surprise, my certificate is available with an official time of 1.35.04.  I also observe that the next edition (3rd ed.) of the run has already been fixed for Sunday, March 6, 2016.  It is now the time to give it a ‘come-baby-come’, sorry, ‘come-marathon-come’ shout out!)

Then came the Mater Heart Run on Saturday, May 23.  The run that ‘pretends’ to be 10km, yet I know better.  Since when did I run a 10k in 36minutes?  I know that I am fast, but that is stretching it.  Let me honest – that run is 8k or thereabout.  10k – no way!  This is not competitive – just a family fun run to partner with the Mater Hospital as they fund-raise for their corrective heart surgery programme for the young ones.  I finished the run ready to run, but it was all over.  I got a blank cert!  So that I can do the honours!  However, it has no provision for the run duration.  A simple, ‘Certificate of Participation – This is to confirm that _____ participated in the Mater Heart Run held on Saturday, 23rd May 2015 at Nyayo National Stadium, signed For The Mater Heart Run. Thank you’.  It is still blank!

Medals
The next competitive run was the 12th edition of Ndakaini half marathon, held on 12th September.  I know the run edition and the date due to the rhyme in numbers.  I was doing a third attempt… and the run did not disappoint.  It lived up to its expectations as ‘the toughest marathon on planet earth’.  The hills!  Nonetheless, I had a very good run, with the gadget giving me a 1.48.25.  This is the other run where you do not get a cert.  Just forget it.  I had initiated communicate with the organizers about my last two certs, but the email trail grew cold when they promised to ‘get back to me soon’ and never did, despite three reminders.  Just like FLM of March, you do not get a finisher’s medal.  That is why I call it a run with nothing to show.

I cannot believe that I have to do another ‘Oooppsss’!  I am surprised to see that the certs for 2014 and 2015 are on the organizer's website.  I know I have visited that site many times, hence this must be a recent development – and development it is!

The 2014 run cert is elaborate: 
11th UAP Ndakaini Half Marathon held on 13th September 2014
Distance covered – 21km
Overall position – 248
Time – 01.46.36.56

The 2015 cert is...
12th UAP Ndakaini Half Marathon held on 12th September 2015
Distance covered – 21km
signed

Is this a joke or what!  Where is the position?  Where is the time!?  At least the main search page gives me position ‘X’ with a time of ‘0.00.00’ – the fastest run ever, a flash!

And... I am also used to having a rainbow of spelling for my name – the two Ndakaini certs have 4 different names.  

The winner
Finally, the Nairobi International marathon, one of the best organized marathons in this country – they have everything going for them.  In the 13th edition, my 9th participation, I still managed to bag a medal and a certificate – the only run that gives me something to show!  The October run was quite good, apart from the impostor who wanted to claim silver in the 42km run, only to be discovered at the nick of time.  It is his confession that gave him in, otherwise the other ‘evidence’ could not hold.  They accused him of ‘not being sweaty’ after such a long run.  He was also accused of ‘shoes not being dusty’! (surely)!  However, his own confession that he was in financial distress and needed a quick 0.65M to sort his issues out is what saved the day.  Though the winner of the men’s event pounded the tarmac for 2.13.25, while his women’s even counterpart did the distance in 2.29.32, the impostor just sprinted behind the winner from outside the stadium and wanted to claim silver.  The real silver winner would not take that!

It is time to do strategy 2016 – where I had been ‘forced’ to ‘move over’ to the next run, so that I can ‘create space’ for those who want to give the 21km a try.

Barack Wamkaya Wanjawa, Nairobi, Kenya, November 19, 2015

Nairobi International Marathon 2012

Nairobi International Marathon 2012

The event
The Nairobi International Marathon, 2012 edition takes place on Sunday, October 28, 2012 at Nairobi's Nyayo stadium from 7.00am.

Registrations are open at the organizer's website - nairobimarathon

Registration fees remain KShs.1,000.00 for single participation in any of the run categories.  Registration points are all Stanchart banks countrywide and major supermarkets in Nairobi.

The first edition of this run was held in 2003.  As we participate in the magical 10th edition, you need to consider your preparedness.  The various runs need different training regimes.  Whether seasoned or first timer - training is a must.  The duration and intensity of the training varies though, depending on the run category and whether you have done a similar run before.

Run categories
The various run categories in the 2012 edition are:
a) 42km full marathon - to start at 7.00am (6.30am assembly)
b) 21km half marathon - to start at 7.30am (7.00am assembly)
c) 10km run - to start at 8.50am (7.30am assembly)
d) 4km family fun run - to start at 9.20am (8.00am assembly)

I participated in my first run at this event in 2007, doing the 21km run in my debut.  I followed it with three consecutive 42km runs.  Last year, at the height of terrorism threat in Nairobi, I was persuaded to skip the run altogether.  Even the sponsor pulled out in the last minute.  However, this did not stop me from participating in the 21km run, albeit without the participation of my team.

This year am keen to do another 21km.  I have not trained much, with a series of events in the year conspiring to keep me out of the running routes.  Nonetheless, I have a 8-week window of opportunity to train, participate and post good time in this year's event.

Training schedule
The 8-week training schedule (21km run) is shown below:
(Note week 1 starts Sunday, Sep. 2, 2012, while week 8 starts Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012)
Week 1 - Monday, Wednesday, Friday runs (45min to 1hr each run)
Week 2 - Monday, Wednesday, Friday runs (45min to 1hr each run)
Week 3 - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, weekend runs (45min to 1hr each run, weekend run 1hr30min)
Week 4 - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, weekend runs (45min to 1hr each run, weekend run 1hr30min)
Week 5 - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, weekend runs (45min to 1hr each run, weekend run 1hr30min)
Week 6 - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, weekend runs (45min to 1hr each run, weekend run 1hr30min)
Week 7 - Monday, Wednesday, Friday runs (45min to 1hr each run)
Week 8 - week of rest, 3 walks, each 30 minutes (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
Week 9 - Sunday, October 28, 2012 - run day

Important note - carry along some water, and take at least 500ml for any run over 1hr.  Consume about 250ml extra for any additional half hour or part thereof.

The same schedule can be adopted for a 10km run, with a little flexibility.  A 42km event needs a much longer preparation.  However, if you are participating in this, just to 'finish the run', then the above schedule can help you out.  Ensure that you do one 2hr30min to 3hr run at least in Week 5 or 6.  However, expect to finish the run, with some difficulty, about 5hrs later.

Ten reasons
Why bother with this (or any other run):
- running, a form of physical exercise is good for your health
- these runs, and the preps enables you to take a break out of your busy schedule, hence helpful in giving you a balance in work and play
- the runs help you see and experience the outdoors (and there are many things at the outdoors - read my previous experiences from earlier posts)
- on the event day, you get to see one of the largest crowds gathered for a good cause
- the Nairobi International marathon is for a good cause.  The proceeds help those who can not afford expensive eye surgeries at various hospitals in Kenya (Kapsabet, Kapenguria, Iten, Kikuyu, Kwale, Sabatia, Tenwek).  For this initiative, KShs.17M was raised during the 2011 event
- the sense of achievement after the run is just too great to miss
- legs (and usually the whole body) aches for a few days after the event.  This is good for the body - a one off strain/stress to improve its immunity
- it gives you an opportunity to meet friends
- there are good photography moments
- you get an excuse to run alongside the greatest runners in Kenya and the world

Registrations close Sunday, October 21, 2012, with online registrations closing on October 24.

See you all on Sunday, October 28, 2012 at the 21km starting line.

2011 Nairobi International Marathon – good weather, half run

2011 Nairobi International Marathon – good weather, half run

It started on FB
On FB I had let the secret out thus, “The most secure marathon ever, has just ended. The 2011 Nairobi International Marathon ended at Nyayo National stadium a few hours ago.  Security was tight, towards paranoia. A chopper hovered overhead during the first three critical hours.  Mens 42km run was won in 2.10.54, while the ladies event was won in 2.30.17.  The half marathon run was won in 1.01.31 and 1.12.10 in the mens and womens events respectively.  I managed 1.32.45 in the half marathon, being a break from the 42k that I had done three years in a row prior to this. Good weather throughout the morning - cloudy, no sun, no cold - just perfect.  Water was available at all water stations... but there were no distance markers (again).”

That generally summarized the run of the day.

Early morning
When I arrived at the venue at 6.30am, the warm-ups for the 42km full marathon were ongoing.  This year, I had made a conscious decision to do a half-marathon.  I had not practiced much.  I believe that my body was just tired.  I did not do any distance more 21km during my year’s training.  I was therefore glad, albeit reluctantly, to take a rest.  I say reluctantly, since the 21k distance, that I should do in about 90minutes seemed short, compared to the longer run that was now in my system.  When doing a 42k, the 21k mark is ‘just the beginning’ of the run.  My body was kind of tuned to this state of mind.

All the runs started on time.  At exactly 7.00am the 42km full marathon for gents and ladies started at the main Uhuru highway road section, between the Nyayo stadium and Nakumatt supermarket.  Security was unusually tight.  Unlike last year, athletes had to display their run numbers to be allowed entry into the stadium compound!  Even to access the washrooms in that compound.  There was an increase in the number of uniformed security personnel and official vehicles at the venue.  This however did not dampen the usual pomp and fanfare that goes on during this event.  The runners were as excited as never before.  A police helicopter hovered overhead, from around 6.50am.  With every pass, the athletes waved at it and cheered.  An armed sharpshooter sat on the open side door of the chopper, aiming something that looked like a rifle barrel to the sea of humanities beneath.  It kept circling the venue, each of its circuits taking about ten minutes.  Even this did not stop the runners from making a joke out of it.

Chopper
“The enemy’s strategy would be to take out the sharpshooter,” an athlete amongst the crowd of those doing warm-ups said.
“Chances are that the enemy would be taken out first,” another responded, amidst hearty laughter.
The usual jostling towards the starting line started just after the 42km run was gunned-off (that is what happened, a gun was fired to start the run – there was no flag).  By the 7.30am starting time, the 21km crowd had virtually pushed out the human shield cordoning their advance.  I started my timer at the sound of the gun.  Later on, I compared the lead car’s large LCD display time and it was exactly like my own.  I had managed to sync my timer to the official one.  The rest of the job was now to put my body to the test.

The weather was very favorable this Sunday morning.  It was cloudy but not cold, nor was it windy.  Just cool and urging us on.  I started slowly and maintained a steady pace by 30minutes, just at the Parliament road section.  Our route was unchanged since last year.  Just a 10km tour of the city via Uhuru highway, with detours on Harambee avenue, Kenyatta avenue and Haile Sellasie avenue, to head back to the Nyayo stadium starting point.  After this, a 10km circuit of the other site of Nyayo stadium on Mombasa road to culminate into a final 1km to the stadium.

Distance marker
I wanted to test my timing at the 10km mark, which should have been about 45minutes, if I was to beat the 1.30.00 that was my target this year.  I had only done one 21k before, that was in 2007.  That was my very first competitive run, happening just two months since I joined the team.  I did this one in 1.43.02.  I was hoping to shave 13min from this last run.  I was on the lookout for the 10km mark, but by the time I was doing the extreme turn on Mombasa road, there was no 10km mark yet.  My timer was on 1.05.00.  Could I be doing a 10km in over an hour?

Finally, I saw the notice ‘2km more – 21km and 42km runners’.  This sign was just before the flyover next to the Nyayo stadium roundabout.  This sobered my mind that was wondering on various issues as I did the run.  So the organizers, for yet another year, forgot to install the distance markers, which they had promised on the runners guide that they shall position every 5km.

Gold
I was not as tired as previous years when I finished the run at the running track in the stadium.  I stopped my timer at 1.32.45.  I was ushered outside the stadium to the ‘watering’ tent, where I took four 250ml bottles of water and just down them one after another.  By the time I reached the next tent, marked ‘Finishers medals – 21km’, I was completely quenched and feeling quite normal.  I had the lower part of the runners number, which I had handwritten, with my name and contacts, torn out.  In exchange I was given a ‘golden’ medal with inscription – ‘Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon 21km finisher’.  On the reverse side – ‘Standard Chartered bank 100 years in Kenya 2011’.  I was not expecting a certificate.  These are now processed by an online system about one week after the run.

As we celebrated the good run with three other colleagues, a far cry from the over forty that makes the team each year, we could not help but wonder what the insecurity fuss was all about.  After all, marathoners mean no harm and no one can surely mean them harm.

WWB – Nairobi, October 30, 2011

Nairobi Marathon 2010 - the week in contrast

Marathon 2010 – the week in contrast
November 6, 2010

Too close
Here I was, standing just a few metres from the most powerful man in the country. The national anthem, which had played so many times in my lifetime, was on. The brass band had over-done themselves on this tune. Their sound was coming from my immediate left, the man of the moment just straight ahead, while we were on a tent just opposite the main dais. The weather was still, with no sunshine. In fact, it started drizzling as the Agricultural secretary was giving his remarks. Those on my immediate front row, being exposes to the drizzles, started dragging their seats backwards, causing a momentary commotion. The many men in dark suits were in chagrin – but on this day they must have been sufficiently philanthropic, since they did not make any attempt to move towards our tent.

But where was such a weather when we needed it last Sunday? On this thirty-first day of October, I had woken up at 5am and took breakfast, whose paraphernalia had been set the previous night. (On the same prep day Saturday, I had spend the whole day virtually in bed – a prerequisite rest before the full 42km run that I was to participate in). After breakfast, I dressed up in the running gear, which consisted a polyster T-shirt branded '24-hour Banking' on the front side. Just below these words, was affixed my race number 459. I had already written my details on the lower part of the number, just below the perforation. The back side of the shirt must have been branded 'Run for Sight' – but I did not have eyes behind me, so I would have to read someone else's or ask someone to read it for me. I had the blue running shorts and brown sports shoes. The timing chip was this time round affixed behind the run number and was disposable. (Previously, we were provided with white disc shaped timers that we affixed on the running shoes. These would be handed back at the finishing line).

Early morning
I left the house at 5.30am for the 15minutes walk to the assembly point at the workplace. The departure time was to be strictly 6.00am. At the main gate, I found the bus ready. I had spend the last three days of the working week reminding the driver of the importance of this day. On Friday he had reconfirmed that he would be at the compound by 5.45am. We had already purchased some bottled water and energy drinks, which we now loaded onto the bus as we awaited the departure time. True to threat, at exactly 6.00am, the bus left the compound. By this time, two athletes who had confirmed use of bus had not yet arrived – but an agreement is an agreement.

The Ngong road was unusually free from its characteristic traffic jam that persists almost 24-hours daily. By 6.30am we were already at the KNH-Mbagathi road junction. We took Mbagathi road towards Langata road, with the intention of joining Langata road to the Nyayo stadium venue of the event. At the junction, however, we found the road towards the stadium already closed. The time was just about 6.40am. The alternative route would take us through some side roads to finally get us near the stadium. This is where I alighted and started my jog towards the stadium. I knew that my race was about to start and could not risk any more time in the bus. The rest remained in the bus to navigate through the now jammed alternative route.

I joined the big crowd that was at the 42km assembly point on Mombasa road, just after the area marked '42km elite runners'. The elites were behind the starting line. At this early time of the morning, the weather was unpredictable. It was cool as any typical morning, but lacked insight into what it would bring forth in the next few hours. At 6.55am the horn sounded and the wheel chair race started, about twenty metres from where I was standing. This marked the start of movement of all athletes towards the starting line. The announcer requested athletes to keep still, but the mass of humanity pressed forward to the starting point. A restraining human shield of about twenty security guards lined up across the road, attempted to push athletes back. Only the easing of pressure from the runners enabled their shield to remain intact, otherwise their efforts were nothing compared to the thousands eager to start the run.

Starting out
At exactly 7.00am there was sound of gun shot – this is what marked the beginning of the run. My first thoughts as I started off easily were the rationale behind having a gun start such important events. Aren't guns symbolism for death and murder? But I let this line of thought slip through, as I headed for the railway flyover towards the Uhuru park circuit. Later I would get back to Uhuru highway from the park, run to University way roundabout, then Kenyatta avenue tour back to the Uhuru highway. We did a short tour of Parliament road, then another tour of Haile Sellasie avenue. Each of these city street tours got us back to Uhuru highway.

I was back to the stadium at about 7.45am. I expected to have covered about 10km by this time. We were just using the same route of last year, which I was now very farmiliar with. The part of the run that I hate is the two circuits on Mombasa road, each about 16km. I was at the extreme end of the course on the first circuit at about 8.20am. Then all of a sudden, the sun was switched on!

One week later, here I am enjoying this fine weather. After the initial drizzles, the weather has improved quite suddenly. In a blink, the showers are off and a mild but warm sunshine has emerged overhead. It is now about one o'clock. “May I now take this opportunity to invite His Excellency the President to address you. Welcome Mr. President,” the Minister for Livestock Development declares.

There is applause, while those on the main podium and the next ones to the left and right stand up. The big group on our tent stays put. The rest resume their seats when the president starts his speech. The good weather provides perfect atmosphere for photography. While our research activities is receiving accolades from the highest quarters, our armature photography is being put to the test, as we click away. But the thought of last weekend's run could just not go away...

The sun
When the sun started heating me after 8.20am, I decided to put on the cap that I was all along just carrying on my hand. The run back to the stadium for the second circuit was uneventful. I met with the 21km runners on my side of the road, and saw the others on the opposite side. Someone shouts, “Prezi,” on the opposite side of the road. I recognize a familiar cap. I raise my own cap in acknowledgment. As we face the second circuit at the Nyayo stadium roundabout, there is a sign that reads '42km first round, turn right'. I am full of envy for the 21km runners who are on a compulsory '21km turn left to stadium'.

The second circuit was memorable for the intensive sun. It was the hottest day in my run history at the Nairobi event! I severally had to pour the bottled water on my head to keep me going. The organizers compensated for this by making sure that water was available at all water points in the course of both circuits – something that they neglected last year (though the weather favoured them then). I ensured that I picked a 250ml water bottle at each water point since the start of the run at the city tour circuit. (I recall a fellow athlete warning me not to 'take water' during my run. I looked at him and knew that he was running for the first time at a stretch more that 10km). In fact I had to start picking two water bottles at each point as I was getting back to the finish on the second circuit. I took some and washed myself in the rest. It was hot, I told you!

Every year the organizers fail in this particular area, and this year was no exception – the distance markers! There was none, apart from one that indicated '35km' somewhere on Mombasa road. When I saw it on the first circuit, after about 90minutes of run, I was about so celebrate breaking of a record, since that would mean finishing the run in about 2hrs! But I had studied the map and knew that it was a two-circuit run. I now realize that the marker was even misplaced, based on the timing that I finally did. I was embarrassed to see a lot of distance markers laying in a pile at the extreme end of the run circuit on Mombasa road!!

Good times
While David Barmasai, 893, was finishing the run in 2.10.31 followed by Philemon Gitia in 2.11.10 and Vincent Sittuk in 2.12.09, the ladies champs were just behind them. Hellen Kiprop lead their pack in 2.31.11, while Leah Malot and Frashiah Nyambura followed in 2.33.41 and 2.35.09. The course records of 2.10.12 and 2.28.07 respectively were still intact. I had seen these athletes heading to the finish line while I was on the second circuit. I was not bothered though. I was ready to finish the run in whatever time this year. A 3.30hr would make me happy, but any finish time was good enough. I was doing the third consecutive 42km with varied past results – both of which were under 3.30hr. My inaugural run in '08 was done in 3.26.27 on a cool Nairobi morning. My best time was achieved last year when I did a 3.07.51 run – but at the expense of almost not making it for another run. When I finally reached the stadium for the finish, my time was reading 3.26.00 as I finalized the last 400m inside the stadium. The final drive to the finish line was achieved due to the cheers from colleagues at the terraces. But where were the photographers to capture this big moment?

It is not long since about seven football fans died at this same stadium following a stampede when one of the gates was broken down. This event led to the closure of the stadium for all events. There was even fear that the marathon may be canceled or relocated to a different venue. Being allowed to use the venue came at a price – no one was allowed in the main field. After finishing the run, all were being directed outside the stadium, then to the terraces. After my run, I picked a medal at the tents outside the stadium, then walked to the assembly point where other colleagues were. I noticed that the medal did not indicate the run date or year! It simply had inscription 'Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon 42km finisher'. The lace however indicated 'Nairobi Marathon 2010'. (The medals upto 2008 indicated the date of run and run series on the medal itself. I know that recycling is a worldwide phenomena, but surely, not the medals!). We hardly managed any photos before we were on our way out. The usual entertainment, taking a walk in the field, medical camps, food stations, drink vendors, photography at the finishers podium and the traditional group photo at the finish line were all left to nostalgia – the stadium was just closed!

The Helix
On this Friday when the final anthem was played and the president departed, we were left with the opportunity to visit the commemorative plaque that he had just unveiled. There were so many colleague photographers to capture the moment. The red carpet, the podium, the presidential dais, the helix (this DNA structure was actually what the day was all about. The structure stands about two meter tall). Beneath the helix, was the plaque that read “BecA Hub was officially opened by HE The President of The Republic of Kenya on 5-Nov-2010”.

Last Sunday night I slept tired, with arching legs and forced to wake up to a work day. One week later, am waking up late, rested and feeling good. It is not a work day and I can still afford another rest day tomorrow. Last Sunday, someone shouted 'prezi' while I was on the track. One week later, it is mentioned in whispers with lots of caution. Last Sunday, I could only guess my final run time. One week later, my final time is published at the marathon website as 3.27.14. The events of yesterday a real contrast to those of last Sunday.

WWB, Nairobi, Kenya, November 6, 2010

Nairobi Sotokoto Marathon II comes with new surprises

Nairobi Sotokoto Marathon II comes with new surprises
May 23, 2010
Nairobi, Kenya


Finishing the second edition of Sotokoto marathon on a new route, with two circuits, in 1.38.50, was a pointer to something wrong with the route or the distance. The last such event on the previous route was conquered in 1.32.55. I noticed the discrepancy when I finished the first circuit in 0.50, instead of 0.45 or thereabout. And as is turning to be a tradition, there was nothing to show for it – no medal, no participation certificate and no official time! We were basically on our own!

When I retired home to rest, I had resolved to give this event no accolades and was ready to have it skip the blog. I was in fact mood-less, having walked from Uhuru Gardens to town after public service vehicles (matatus) doubled fares claiming the roads were closed, yet at this time of the day at 12.30pm, the roads were already open to traffic that was flowing as usual. This added another 8km on my bill. I was not yet over the doubling of fares in the morning as I was heading to Uhuru Gardens. I paid this first fare, grudgingly and with lots of protest. Though I was forced to do this due to my hurry to reach the starting point before time – this being just less than an hour away. My Sotokoto II experience was therefore not worth a big shout.

Missed calls
The phone must have been ringing for ages when I woke up at about 7.00pm. I found about ten missed calls from a familiar number. To settle with the caller, I decided to find out what could the matter be.
“Dad, I have been calling you! I wanted to know your marathon experience!”
“Can someone just sleep in peace!,” is what my mind said, though I answered, “Am tired and asleep, get me tomorrow.” I told the ten year old girl.
“Without your experience am not going to school tomorrow!”
“What?”
“Yes, we have to narrate our dad's day out and if I do not have a story then am not going to school”
Talk about blackmail, on phone!

Glass of water
I was still drowsy but managed to take a glassful of water. (I make it a habit to have water at hand after such runs. The current 3l bottle was about three-quarter downed since I arrived home from the marathon at 2.00pm.)
“Okay, pull the map of Nairobi from your Geography book and I shall narrate as you appreciate the type of run that we had.”
I had some clatter on the other side of the line, then, “I have it”
I asked that the phone be put on speaker for ease of following up the map while listening.

The route
I had informed the princess to put marker points at Uhuru Gardens, Mbagathi roundabout and Nyayo stadium. I explained that the route was generally from Uhuru Gardens through Langata road to Mbagathi roundabout. From there we had about 500m run on Mbagathi road, then back to the roundabout and proceeded towards Nyayo stadium, which we circled using Aerodromes road, Mombasa road and back to Langata road. This route took us back to Uhuru Gardens – our starting point.
As I took a sip of water, I heard the other end of the phone claim that, “That was not so bad – seems straight and not very far.”
“Not so fast,” I cautioned her. “What I forgot to mention was that this route was to be repeated!”

The two circuit route confused both pros and armatures - with the winner confessing that when they faced the second circuit, some members of the leading pack seem to have been in surprise, having expected to be on their way to the finish line. In fact, the website of a popular media house (and the only one) covering the event went ahead and published this... “The 2010 Sotokoto Safari Marathon was a full 42km event after organizers and Athletics Kenya (AK) upgraded it from the 21km distance covered in its inaugural edition last year.” I told you the two circuits had more than met the legs!

Cheating
The run started at exactly 9.00am. I met the leading pack of runners as I did the first circuit just at the Madaraka flyover. I was heading to the stadium while they were on Langata road heading back to the Uhuru Gardens starting point. I was trailing them on the second circuit, where I met them at the Mbagathi roundabout as they headed to the finish line while I still had the Nyayo stadium stretch to do before heading for Uhuru Gardens to finish the run.

One shortcoming that I noted was the lack of confirmation that all runners were doing the two circuits. Unfortunately, most runners who finished the first circuit in over 1.20 just headed for the finish line without attempting the second circuit. (and were ranked as having posted such god times). I had reservations about this two-circuit thing (without timing chips) from the word go – and now I was being proved right. But it seemed that the organizers were only interested in the top 10. These are the ones whom they timed, whom they rewarded and whom they made mention of.

The good and the bad
“So what were the major milestones this year, compared to last?”
I explained that the route was completely closed to traffic during the three hour of closure as promised. This assured safety of the runners. Water was also supplied in plenty during the two circuits on the route and at the finish line, where each finisher was being given three water bottles and subsequent doses of three, if needed. Finishing at the Uhuru Gardens also sounded 'safer' than the finish point inside the national park last time. The running pack also included a cap (for the first time), while the quality of their T-shirts has always been good.

Parading a solar car and using it throughout the route (to prove that it worked) was quite a techonological showcase that rhymed well with the conservation theme.

“... and the bad!”
“Hey you are finishing my airtime!”
“Just in summary”
“There was no giant timer for the leading pack – this was a major omission! Especially being an international event.”
I further narrated the disadvantages of two circuit runs when there is lack of enforcement. Other issues that need improvement:
- there were no distance markers on the route
- the need to provide the finishers with some form of certificates
- the need to come up with some method of timing (the timing chip idea can work)
- better methods of registration (most registration centres were not working or claimed to lack registration materials)
- lack of running kits at all registration centres! These kits were availed on the last day at the KWS headquarters secretariat offices. You can imagine the inconvenience that was caused. It took me about six failed trips to Uhuru Gardens, AK offices, Nyayo stadium offices and KWS headquarters to get the kit. In fact I managed to get the kit less than 24-hours before the run!

The results
“I saw you on TV. You were having a blue short and white T-shirt. Your number was six-something”
“Oh! You did! I was actually on that attire. My race number was 626, though my finishing position of 351. Last time I finished 333, but I know the new route has issues that Google Earth shall sort out tomorrow”
“Google what?”
“Sorry, I shall be confirming the route distance using my internet map. I tend to think that it was longer than 21km. My step counter indicated the distance as 22.31km.”

I was tempted to inform her further that last year's winner clocked 1.02 on the previous route while the current champion (Geoffrey Kiprono Kimutai) did 1.07.55 followed by last years winner (David Tarus) with 1.08.21. This should be proof that this route was about 6-minutes longer (even for the champ). The ladies winner was Hellen Jelagat with 1.17.52, coincidentally followed by last years winner (Irene Jerotich) with 1.19.22, who conquered last year's course in 1.11. The top three winners took home US$15,000, US$7,500 and US$5,000 respectively. The price money however rolled down the top ten with 3k, 1.5k, 1k, 500, 250, 150 and 100 bucks being handed over to the rest of the team.

I however left out these details as they would just confuse her class during her narration next day.

I heard beeps on the line as it went dead. I thought that calling at 3/= a minute was cheap, but after 20minutes, cheap is expensive.


WWB, Nairobi, May 23, 2010

Nairobi International Marathon 2009 - conquered in record time but...

Sunday, October 25, 2009 - Nairobi, Kenya

Was I ready?
I had not practised for one week. In fact the previous weekend I had travelled to the lake side city for a holiday, and came back to Nairobi on Wednesday with a bad cold. I could not therefore do the last three practice sessions for weekend, Monday and Wednesday. On Friday before the big day our team usually does a lap of honour - a 3km group run to get to know the team members and have a pre-run photography. My departmental colleague and I failed to get the team on the route since we left the compound late. My cold was still nagging and the mid-day draught was not helping either.

When the alarm woke me up at 4.30am on Sunday, I was not sure whether I should take on the challenge of the long run or just retire with the excuse of having a cold. I could hardly talk since I had lost my voice. However, the one-year of practice kept nagging me to just do it, though I started doubting if I would achieve my pre-race ambition of running within 1hr of the champion and improving on my last year's run time of 3:26:27.

Travelling to the venue
After a light breakfast, I left my residence while the morning was still. I was the only person on the road at this time of the morning. I arrived at the main gate to find two colleagues already there, and the minutes that followed saw other team members arrive at the assembly point. At 6.00am the bus left for the Nyayo Stadium - the venue of the race. The mood in the bus was somber - we just kept to ourselves with little talk. Even at this early time in the morning, we found most roads leading to the venue already closed.

We alighted at Nairobi West shopping centre and walked across Langata road to the stadium, where many athletes had already gathered despite this being just 6.30am, with the first event set to start at seven.

We had two members on the 42km run, and so after depositing our luggage at our designated cheering point at the upper terrace of the stadium, just next to the VIP stand, the two of us headed to the 42km assembly point. We found a big crowd there and were just in time to sing the national anthem then start on the warm ups.

The starting point
Athletes started pushing towards the starting line, though they were being reminded to stay at the assembly point (50m away). No one seemed to move behind, despite the first event being the wheel chair race. By some luck, the late coming wheel chair race participants were let through the thick gathering of runners, as they moved to the front line to start their race.

At 7.00am the horn sounded and the wheel chair race began. The 42km runners jostled to the starting point, despite being reminded that they had ten more minutes. The pushing continued and the officials threatened to cancel the race. We knew they would do no such thing and so the athletes keep piling pressure on the front runners, with the crowd almost overwhelming the security personnel who had formed a human shield at the starting point.

The run begins
The horn sounded a second time and the 42km run began. I was somewhere in the last grouping even as the run started slowly due to the many runners who had filled up the road with no space to overtake. Two hundred meters later, we were faced with the railway flyover which is a gentle hilly section that saw many runners drop behind. I maintained a consistent pace and hence kept overtaking the masses as I went along. I got to a group that had my pace on the section Uhuru highway to University way and back. I stayed with them until the Parliament road loop, when I outpaced them. At the Railway station U-turn, I overtook a few runners, but one expressed his disgust and sprinted past me. He kept ahead of me while looking behind every now and then to make sure that I did not catch up. However, at the railway flyover, another gentle hilly section, he was kind of surprised that the hill could be that demanding, since he suddenly just dropped pace then dropped out. What happened to the 'run your own run' principle that we have been taught at training? I kept my steady pace upto the stadium. By this time the 21km run had started and I could see the runners on the opposite side of the road taking the same course.

Distance markers
By the stadium, I knew that I should have done 10km, and was eagerly awaiting the 10km marker, since my timer was showing 42min - which was quite fast for this distance. I run for over 75minutes and was a the first U-turn at the end of our course without seeing the 10km marker. My study of the map had indicated that this turn should be at the 18km mark.

On my way back to the stadium before taking the same route back for the second circuit, I overtook few of my 21km run colleagues, while those on the opposite side of the road acknowledged me. The weather was perfect for the run - cool, a little bit cold and no sunshine.

The second circuit
As I took the second circuit on Mombasa road, it started drizzling and before long we had light rains. The tarmac become wet and my clothes got soaked. For a moment I thought that the run shall be cancelled if the rains persisted. However, I knew that the first person, whom I saw on the opposite side of the road, was surely heading for the finish line.

The rains subsided as I did the U-turn at the extreme end of course on Mombasa road. I then had to do about 8km to the finish line. My body settled on some pace and I kept going without noticing much on my surroundings. I remember making the last turn on Langata road towards Nyayo stadium. I remember getting to the stadium gate... and that is all that I remember.

Give him salt
How I did the last lap inside the stadium to the finish line remains a story that I was told. I found myself at the first aid tent with a voice saying, "Sit him and give him the ORS". Someone supported me to a sitting position, from my lying position, and handed me a 200ml tub of the salty solution, which I drained in one swig. I could now recognize the lady who added, "I told you he will be fine"

"Give him another," she commanded. And so I downed another saline, after which I stood up to find a colleague waiting on me. I was now full of energy as I walked to the medals table outside the stadium, where I handed over my timing chip and got the 42km finisher medal. I then walked back to our stand in the stadium to acknowledge cheers from colleagues - who congratulated me for a good run. There was no way of knowing my run time (or even if I finished the run). Certificates were not being given out for this year's event, since they were to be got online in the new week. I do not remember stopping my timer, which however had been stopped at 3.13.02 with the pedometer reading 41.74km.

Record breaking
When I finally got my online certificate, I was in surprise that runner no. 790 had clocked 3.07.51. I had surely over-pushed myself on this one! The winner of the event, who was runner no. 709, clocked 2.10.12, being the best time ever recorded at the Nairobi event on the new course. (The women's event was won in 2.28.57, with 1.01.44 and 1.12.18 being the men and women winning times in the 21km run)

So runner 790 managed to challenge runner 709 in the hour - achieving his pre-run ambition. I took the bus ride back to my place for a shower then bed rest, even as the winner took off with KShs.1.5M (US$20,000) and another KShs.0.25M (US$3,400) bonus for the course record.

The 2009 event shall be remembered as the rainy run where the organizers failed to have a single distance marker on any route, though they improved on provision of water, which was availed in all, but one point.

Next year am being pushed to break the 3.00hr record, though I do not know if I can take it - but let the people decide.


WWB, Nairobi, Kenya, November 2009

Nairobi International Marathon 2009 - Finally!


On Sunday, October 25, 2009, we shall run the Nairobi International Marathon.

a) This is your checklist to determine how ready you are:

1. Your race category – know it now. You must have made your choice, either of 10k, 21k or 42k. (Your decision determines your training regime - I provided you with the training schedule in June!)
2. Running shoes – you must have them ready now, and practice in them. Last minute buys usually hurt (the feet and the pocket)
3. Practice for the race category – your preparation shall be based on your race category. September marks the peak in training. This means being on the road ideally thrice during weekdays plus one long weekend runs. If you can not manage the rigors, at least run once a week.
4. Start practicing – if you have never been on the road, this is your time to start.
5. Do not get injured – September is the peak training season, with potential for injury. Injury at such time may dim your hopes for the run or your ambition. Run safe, be cautious and take care (road hazards, physical injury, illness)
6. Stay healthy – eat well (adequate, balanced diet), take plenty of fluids, have adequate rest, seek medical attention for illnesses and injury
7. Write your ambition/goal – Write what your goal for the 2009 Nairobi Marathon is e.g. improvement in time, finishing a particular race, running to the finish line, defeating a friend etc. Give the written note to a friend (or me) to keep till afternoon of Oct. 25. Am sure you shall be saying, "Open the note – I have done it!," on that afternoon

(*My checklist responses - 1.42k, 2.Check, 3.Check, 4.Check, 5.Trying my best, 6.Check, 7.Finish within the hour of the champ.)


b) The details of the 2009 marathon:
The 2009 Nairobi International Marathon was inaugurated in the first week of September - and the countdown in now on.

The theme for 2009 is "run and be a hero in someone's eyes". Note that part of the proceeds from the race are usually used to treat eye ailments in major hospitals in Kenya annually. The sponsor's "seeing is believing" initiative is however global, having been launched in 2003. So far one million sight restorations have been undertaken worldwide since that time!

1. The routes – same as last year’s i.e. Nyayo stadium to city centre streets, back to Nyayo stadium (10km), to Mombasa road and back (21km), repeat Mombasa road loop (42km)
2. Registration period – Sept. 5 to Oct. 24 (subject to first-come-first-registered upto the target number)
3. Registration fee – KShs.1,000/US$50 (kit is expected immediately on registration). Note - there is also a family fun run of 3km, whose registration fee is KShs.500/US$25 and a team challenge for KShs.50,000/US$750
4. Registration method – online (on the sponsor's website), Sponsors bank branches Kenyawide (from 5th Sept), major Nairobi shopping malls (from 25th Sept)
5. Runners kit – bag, T-shirt (sizes L, XL and XXL), guidebook, timing-chip
6. Start time - the wheel chair race starts at 7.00am, followed by the 42km full marathon men and women at 7.05am. The 21km run for men and women starts at 7.25am

c) What to do

1. Start/continue your training routine
2. Register for the event early (recall that it is a first-come-first-registered. Your training shall go to naught if you fail to get a place in the marathon!)
3. On race day be at the stadium early - from past experience the start times are observed to the second

d) Why you should participate in the 2009 Nairobi International Marathon

1. It is for a good cause, being charitable to 'be a hero in someone's eyes'
2. It is a meeting point for friends, family and colleagues
3. It is an opportunity to run a race category of choice
4. There is lots of entertainment at the finishing point in the stadium
5. You get to see the next champion being born (no one wins the Nairobi event twice)
6. You get a medal! (and a certificate)
   
7. The only day when motor vehicles show you respect!
8. WWB shall be there

WWB, Nairobi, Kenya, September 13, 2009