Kimbia Kenya: when running is a human adventure
6
days of pure struggle is what Kimbia Kenya brought me but I don’t
regret any second of it. This 100k, 5 days 20km stages race was supposed
to be “easy” and used as a training for Gran Canaria 125km offering both running in attitude, hot weather and little rest.
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As it happened it wasn't that easy but we've learned and as a result grown so much from a human and solidarity perspective to the point that sitting at a desk has now become the real struggle...
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short: This adventure was staged around 2 main lakes: Elementaita and
Nakuru which are part of the world patrimonial national parks as well
as ancient volcanoes: Mont Suswa and Eburru. |
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| We ran alongside zebras, buffalos, giraffes, ostriches and many birds such as flamingos, herons and pelicans. |
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| We ran on infinite straight lines, |
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| through villages, volcanic lands and breathtaking scenery! |
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| Some
days felt easier than others according to individual preferences. I
struggled on each flat parts and thrived when we had hills! For others
it was the other way around. The temperature and dust took out a few runners, getting up super early was key! |
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| We
stayed above 1800m sea level and went up to 2500m, where air is thin
and a bump looks like an atrocious punishing hill. At least we
never encountered a mosquito at this attitude and your head always felt light headed! |
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| The most challenging part was to not be able to recover between each stage as for
each afternoon we visited a school to provide school furniture, sport
equipments and clothing as well as sharing songs and games. | | |
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| Even rest day was not one as we learnt how to make of Chapati and Masai Lamb curry in a Masai Village as well as sharing life stories with Masai families!But
it was all worth it as each school visits brought hope to the kids and
opened our heart to the wonders of giving for nothing in return |
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| We met some wonderful people with great community spirit |
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| and made friends for life! |
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| Would
I do it again: YES! The scenery is unbelievable, the people are amazing
and the weather is to die for. The only thing I would love to change if
I had tons of money and a bit of power would be to make clean water available for all and clean streets! |
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So ready for Trans Gran Canaria? I can safely say hell no! I haven't been able to run without pain for more than 20k depening on the terrain and doctor said not to even think about it....the Beast as become a Sciatica with damages to both end of the sciatic nerve...But heho! how far do you think I can go by "graciously" run like a giraffe and get sorted later? can't be that mad right?
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