Running with a Kenyan!

We are presently vacationing in Africa, and while here, I planned to run a few times to stay in shape for upcoming races.   There are not obvious places to run, and while in Nairobi, I requested to run at our hotel.  They did not want me out on my own, so one of the employees, a man named Brian, agreed to be my runningmate!  We set out late afternoon and although Brian is pictured here in his work clothes here, he switched to a tee shirt before we left the property.

After traveling for over 24 hours the prior day, my legs needed a shakeout run, but I did not need to die my first day in Africa!  We agreed that a run of between 30-45 minutes would be perfect.  Off we went through the giraffe gates of the property.  Within the first 5-10 minutes my breathing was heavy and I felt so sluggish.  Little did I know that we were running at 5500 feet elevation.  Since my home is at sea level, this is quite a strain on your lungs. Brian was kind enough to allow me several walk breaks during the course of our run.  I found out that he has a wife and two lovely young daughters and has worked at the hotel for just two years.  He loves his work and commutes with his feet, running a 5k each way.  Occasionally, he is able to borrow a bike from a friend to make the commute a bit easier.

We finished up the run in just over 40 minutes and covered about 4 miles.  It was fun to see the residential areas surrounding the hotel and many local people walking to and from the shops or their jobs.  Many people have just their feet for transportation in Africa.

What a lucky day or me, feeding giraffes and running with a Kenyan!

(Pam)