Running in the Wild

The Lewa Marathon !!!!! - well half a least.....

 

Generally speaking,the Lewa Marathon sells out on the day slots are made available. More like a Rolling Stones concert than a running event, I was lucky to get my spot out of the 1200 available!!!!  I'd lusted after the opportunity though tragically missed out in previous years due to security issues and competing duties. So - ticket in hand and a bit of training I was ready and clearly pleased to be there!!!!!

I was interested in running for two reasons. Firstly, the opportunity to run with the greatest running athletes in the world; and the Kenyans didn't disappoint. They are fast. Fucking fast, but with a grace and fluidity of movement that almost defies physics. Four of those who ran the full marathon passed me well before my anemic wounded animal - like finish of just a half that distance.

The other reason was to run in an African  National park across the Savannah virtually unchanged for millennium with animals looking on as we passed. The 250 square kilometer Lewa conservancy is an excellent example of a well managed resource. It's home to 12% of the remaining Eastern Black Rhino population and holds the largest population of Grevy's Zebras. The Marathon brings much needed resources to the task of protecting these amazing animals and this amazing place. Human-kind has been running here since the dawn of time persistence hunting wild animals by chasing until they are exhausted and can be taken. Or more simply put, running after them til they give up. Not so tricky, but effective. (Mostly now I suspect they just go to the market ... but I would like to imagine they do :)

The dangerous animals are moved out to a safe distance in the weeks before making the event relatively safe. The big five are all there - Elephants Rhino Leopards Buffalo and Lions but we didn't see any of those scary guys as we ran through the heat across the sweet smelling Savannah. The race organizers did a great job.... very well organized.

Long shadows in the early morning light as racers prepare - the distant Acacia trees undeniably and unmistakably Africa.

Though the race started at 7am ..... it was hot almost immediately and as we challenged each long hill and looked ahead to an almost endless landscape it was not without some humility. I took time to look around and enjoy, keeping my pace slow and a smile on my face. While I've ran a few races in the past, this was not so much a race as an opportunity to commune with nature in an intense and intimate fasion.

The best moment (other than finally finishing) came as I rounded a bend on an uphill section of the trail. There  - looking at me from only a few meters distance was a giraffe. He or she was spectacularly beautiful against a blue sky and tan grasslands rolling off into the distance. His beauty was as unmistakable as what he was obliviously thinking. He stood there .. legs spread out to the sides and head cocked quizzically to one side clearly thinking. What the Fuck!!"" Why on earth would these creatures be running - there's no lion chasing them  I can see?? No fire in the distance...crazy...madness!!!

I've been accused of being a bit too organized at times.. I disagree! Above - a simple training plan and outcome graph. :)

You call that running????

A word of thanks to my good friend Leah who came along to support. It was terrific to have her along on the trip and share the responsibilities of camping and getting organized. Leah is one of the nicest people I have met since arriving in Africa, her wicked sense of humor and strong sense of friendship and loyalty is enviable.

She is an accomplished National level athlete who represents her country with distinction and honor. I am pleased to be counted among her friends. Thanks again Leah!!

Going to the farm!!

  

 

 

Henry and Leah inspect wild berries!

Caro goes Bananas as usual

On the way back from the Lewa Marathon, we stopped at Henry and Caro's farm near Mount Kenya. I know this fine couple from my work with MSF and have nothing but the highest regard for them both. I readily accepted the invitation to the farm to see what they had going on. I'm not sure if it's Caro's dancing or constant smile that makes her so nice to be around. Regardless, she is as pleasant as Henry is relaxed and easygoing. Henry is not only a farmer but a DJ of enviable skill... Dj Dj Dj!!!!





I learned that the risks with farming are considerable. The Macadamia nut trees planted today will not payoff for at least 5 years...and by then the market ,may may change...or the trees my not do well...or the weather can change. My goodness! So many possibilities for failure.

But they are doing great - it's a real "salad"of crops including avocados mangoes, bananas and all kinds of other stuff. I was surprised at the low prices received for crops. It's clearly not an easy business but I have no doubt they will be as successful with this venture as they are with their respective duties with MSF.

Avocados anyone!!!!

Thanks for reading....Layno!!!