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This half marathon started out as a crazy idea from one person, who, supported by another person, managed to convince me it was possible... and the effect was like dominos. Many others who weren't entirely convinced it was possible joined the crew and the result has been incredible.

Likewise, your contribution - in the form of a donation of any amount, advice, desiring to volunteer at Familia Moja, helping our association here in Geneva (particularly with writing business proposals, calculations etc, that are not my strong point!) and encouragement - ALL will lead to achieving something incredible.

We did it!!!

This morning there were butterflies, nervous laughter and a tingling of excitement as we stood in the crowd waiting for the countdown. While the more experienced went on ahead to make amazing times, especially for the first-timers!, Kylie, Simone and I had the nice idea to try stay just in front of the 2hr purple balloon pace-runner. Well didn't that turn out to be optimistic!! ;-)

It was really hard to try keep a steady pace with all those people and we ended up running faster than we normally would have, and thus got tired quite a bit earlier...eeek!


I can't believe during the trainings I was saying "so, we've done 16km, we'll just need to add on 5km on the day". We'll JUST need to add on 5KM!!! Those last 5km were horrible. The best thing was that it was on a loop so we passed Nanou, Corina, Vlassis, Christian, Anne-Marie and others as they were on their way back and that was super encouraging!

But really, that was so tough. We couldn't have done it without our amazing cheersquad who were the loudest in Geneva for sure and special mention to a couple of my students who made a completely surprise appearance! :-D

Not afraid of hills anymore!!

Simone and I passed another milestone today - smashed the milestone, even! :-D We ran around Cologny - and it was OK! For those who don't know - Cologny is an area overlooking the lake and if you want to go on a nice bike ride through the vineyards and fields behind it, you have to go up a BIG, looong hill. I would never in my wildest dreams have considered it before today, and we were both hesitating, but what the heck! Last run, may as well do something crazy and see how it goes.

And all in all, I was a bit disappointed. It seemed a little steeper when I did it on the bike. But I guess that shows how much training actually pays off :-D It makes the impossible, possible!!

Mark my words, do not let your memories of the past determine what is possible for the future!!

So the half-marathon is finally around the corner and it's been quite an adventure. My memories of pain, tears and near-death seem very faint and I'm almost wondering what all the fuss was about. Don't get me wrong, it's still not easy to run that far ;-) but when I think about the night when Vlassis suggested it and how I felt...(nausea!) well it's been a real lesson in realising that the limits we have are often so much in our heads and have nothing to do with what we physically can manage.

Watch this space this weekend!!

Taking it easy

Not much to report. Just went on a lovely easy run last night - although I have to admit, only 4 weeks ago I would have been complaining about how difficult it was.

Let this be inspiration to you all - it is in fact possible to learn to run, learn to enjoy it, and prepare a half marathon in less than 2 months ;-)

Only one or two more runs before the big one!!! :-D :-D :-D

The Geneva countryside on a sunny spring day :-)

What another fantastic Sunday run!!

Today we were almost all together. And we were accompanied by Helen on the bike who proved to have a real gift for preparing the refreshments along the way :-D She'd line them up along the path and then pick them up wherever we left them - great technique! ;-)

I really felt like running through some fields and trying to make it out to the countryside a little so we made our way through Jonction and the back of Carouge (where we got well and truly lost - well I got lost and the rest followed!) but we were saved by Vlassis' iphone, which got us back on track to Vessy through some lovely fields - and a very big hill! :-( Then up through bout-du-monde to the Parc La Grange where we cooled down amongst the flowers overlooking the beautiful Lake Geneva.

Everyone ran so well!! I can't believe we're actually ready to run this thing!!

Wednesday 21st April - The (ridiculous) injury

Did I pull a hamstring? ...twist my ankle? ...hurt my knees?

No, no, no. I managed to tear my upper abdominal muscles!! How ridiculous! Although it has turned out to be a rather practical injury for running purposes as I can't feel it while I run.

So how did this happen?

Corina and I went along again to the exercises with the Geneva Runners and I'd been feeling more than just a little sore after the exercises we did last Wednesday - I'd never had muscle pain that intense before, which surprised me a little -but I wasn't prepared for what happened next.

As Corina and I launched into our first "leap-frog" type jump of the evening, I felt an excruciating tearing sensation along near where my diaphragm is - I kid you not - I've never heard of that happening to anyone before either! Anyway after a good 10 mins of deep breathing until the nausea left, Corina (who had her own painful experience) and I decided to just stick to a light jog.

Funnily enough running doesn't hurt (thank goodness - what a lame reason that'd be not to be able to run!) but getting in and out of bed is near impossible. And when I try roll over in my sleep I wake myself up from the pain!!! And don't get me started on coughing and sneezing (in the height of hayfever season!) Oh, the pain! Yeah, go on, you can laugh. I have been ;-)

OK, I think I'm actually starting to enjoy this running craziness...

WE DID IT!! ALL OF US!!

16km from Geneva to Hermance and in less than 1h30mins. I wouldn't have believed it except that both Sim and Will had those fancy devices that calculate your speed, distance, etc.

The runners (Corina, Simone, Will, Marie, Scotti and I) were accompanied on bikes by our ever-faithful cheerleading team (Sylvie, Carlos, Hakan, Alison and little Charlotte), who provided us with the necessary bananas and fluids to keep us going.

Sim had a cold, so special mention for her. And Scotti and Corina, who charged ahead - wow!

As for me, it actually felt pretty good. I'd been dreading this day but again, I guess the regular training and the "altitude training" has done the trick. I don't suffer during the first 5km anymore... it kind of all feels the same, all the way through. Well, the hills engendered the usual groans, and those last 3 kms did feel A LOT longer but all in all, I imagined finishing this half marathon without stopping for the first time.

I even found myself grinning at the thought of May 9. Yes, I admit it! I'm actually looking forward to it!! I thought I'd never see the day.

NEXT STEP: stop running like a duck ;-) Someone, I think it was Will, had the guts to let me know that my "technique" was a little odd and that I tend to splay my feet out when I run - and looking at the video footage, it's pretty bad *winces*

I have to get some grace back into these feet, or I won't run out of embarrassment!!

A tough workout!

I've joined the Geneva Runners group who run every Monday/Wednesday and Saturday and they've started a technique and training exercises session on Wednesdays, the first of which was last night. Ouf! Some of those exercises were really tough but it was brilliant to be in a group of 30 or so people, most of whom were struggling to complete the strange leap-frog or abdominal exercises we were shown how to do. Being part of a group is really helpful and inspiring!

It was the first time to see Vlassis and Corina too which was really cool. Looking forward to a really big run on the weekend! Simone has had the idea to run to Hermance, which is a medieval village along the lake. It's about 15km and there's a biiiiiiiiig hill. But I'm looking forward to the challenge.

Yes, yes, it's starting to happen. I'm actually beginning to enjoy myself ;-)

So how was the first run back in Geneva, you ask...?

It was AWESOME! Training in the mud and at an altitude of 1657m has had it's effect. I ran for an hour and it was pure joy - no burning and fatigued muscles, no breathing difficulties, no imagining my gravestone and lamenting the fact I haven't written my will.

Let's pray the effects continue up until the 9th May!!

It's great the botanical gardens are open til 7:30 now - had a nice little run around there with Kylie, who informed me what the rest of the team have been up to while I was away. Kylie, Corina, Vlassis, Simone - nice effort guys! Looking forward to seeing you all soon!

They run too fast!

I went for my last run last night in Mang'u. I always find Wednesday's run difficult... it's too close to the last one! But it was a glorious one nonetheless.

I reckon if I stayed a few more months the villagers would be lining the route and I'd have a marathon atmosphere every time I ran. So cool! Record crowds last night. In front of the little shop that each little settlement has, there were at least a dozen adults and kids waiting to slap hands with the "Mzungu" girl as she passed. I wish I'd had my camera on me but Rasto was up ahead with it waiting to surprise me around every corner.

I cannot believe the speed with which Timothy and the boys run. They just took off!! I was trying to keep my rhythm and thinking they'll get tired and slow down. But no, for the remaining 40 minutes of the run I didn't see them again.

Rasto (the eldest boy) was really sad when I said goodbye and asked "Who's going to train us now?". I just cracked up and told him he didn't need me, I needed him! Can you believe these poor children asked me when we prepared for the first run two weeks ago if I was preparing for the Olympics!!! LOL!! I'm sure they're capable of running the half marathon at the same speed as Nanou ;-)

So I had a lovely evening last night with the kids. They're such a bright and happy bunch. All the staff at FMCC are doing an amazing job looking after them. I've been really touched.


I let the girls braid my hair and I gave them some gifts: sweets, dictionaries and English workbooks, which they pored over with much more enthusiasm than my students! ;-) I was really really sad to say goodbye. Time went by way too fast. And sad to leave the village too. It's so fresh, peaceful and wholesome compared to Nairobi.

But that's life :-) Stay tuned for a last update from Nairobi before I come home.

First run in the sun!

Oh what a glorious sensation to know when your feet hit the ground it will be solid and stable. Less risk of sprained ankles and ruined socks (try as I may, I cannot get the red clay out of several pairs of my socks and I've rubbed the skin off my fingers trying to wash them!)
It rained very little yesterday and was sunny all afternoon so by the evening the ground was dry and perfect for running.

We had an unexpected addition to our little running group yesterday - the housekeeper Timothy. He's a little guy with a huge smile and he looks after the laundry, garbage and handyman needs of the centre, as well as being the male presence and role model for the kids.

I was putting on my shoes back at home when he asked me, "You go running now?"

When I replied "Yes" he threw up his hands with a little "Woohoo" and a giggle and ran off in his gumboots, leaving me more than a little puzzled. By the time I got to the Centre he had his "running" shoes on and had gathered the group ready to go. I couldn't stop laughing.

I wanted to try running barefoot like the kids but Wambui said she wouldn't let me go if I didn't have shoes on - and as usual there's no arguing with Wambui. I can tell you Familia Moja has come so far in so little time because of her stubborn determination to get what she wants - and in many cases she has achieved the impossible. Although, I have to admit she didn't have to try very hard to convince me to keep my shoes on ;-)

The villagers in each little settlement we go through are really warming up now. The kids generally spot me first and as they shout "mzungu, mzungu" (white person) I generally get a half a dozen people out on whom I practice my kikuyu greeting "Uhuruaku" and slap their hands.

I've gotten a couple of marriage proposals too so far. The other day I was asked how many cows my father was asking for. The man said he knew Australia has a good beef industry so my father must want some nice cows for me :-)

Anyhow, I felt a lot stronger yesterday - we went a lot faster and I'm even looking forward to my run on Wednesday. I've realised I'm actually going to miss running here a lot.

It's so beautiful running past fields of maize, coffee trees, banana trees - all the brightest shades of green you can imagine contrasting with the red mud!

Wednesday's run

We managed to avoid the rain this time - but still couldn't avoid the mud - it's like nothing I've ever seen before!! I'll get some photos up as soon as I can!

We were a group of nine this time and I'm impressed that the girls from Monday wanted to do it again! I'm also amazed I still haven't twisted my ankle, or fallen flat on my face.

The people in the little villages we pass are already getting the hang of it: I got lots more laughter this time and a couple of groups shouting "Faster faster. You need to catch up" (to Rastos who is my hero at the moment. That boy is a gold medal athlete in the making ;-)

It also gets a great laugh that I'm trying to speak as much of my limited (but growing) Kikuyu (the local language) to the villagers I pass - some of whom laugh like crazy, and others just stare blankly as if they can't believe what they've just heard.

Made my way to Nairobi on Thursday as we've been having bad electricity shortages and I can't get my work done. So forgive me if I don't get my scheduled Friday or Saturday run in this week. It's a bit crazy at the moment!

But it's great to see FMCC "in the flesh" and talk with all those involved about the projects that this half marathon is going to support. I'm very very excited!

Hopefully be in touch again soon! Happy Easter everyone :-D

First run in Kenya!!

OK so I'm going to do 2 blogs in one actually as I didn't manage to do last Saturday's before I left, so...

Saturday 27th March
Corina and Kylie joined me to meet the Geneva Runners crew down at Bains des Paquis. I was SO not in the mood for a run, having lots to do to prepare my trip to Kenya and we all said afterwards how great it was to be doing this in a group as I'm not sure we'd be making all this progress on our own. We did 10kms but we also did hills (one of which I had to walk up a couple of weeks ago cos I couldn't do it :-D ) and sprinted at the end, which absolutely killed me. But I think Kylie has a gift for sprinting, WOW! And Corina too :-D

Really great run girls: I was really proud!!

Monday 29th March
So it's the wet season here in Kenya = mud, mud, and more mud. And very sticky mud too!
I met the kids of Familia Moja today and when Wambui asked who wanted to go for a run the response was "ME, ME, ME" as they all ran to their rooms to change out of their school clothes.

Their enthusiasm was very motivating. (Earlier in the day I was hoping Wambui had forgotten about it but she started nagging me "So, Sandara (my nickname here), when are you going for your run?" I'm telling you - when Wambui has her mind set on something, she does not let go.

So as the storm clouds built up on the horizon, I prepared myself for the inevitable - a 1 hour run in the pouring African rain.

Wambui chose the 5 of oldest kids - one of whom is performing really well at athletics at school. I asked him after "Don't you ever get sore muscles?" And he just looked at me like he didn't know what I was talking about.

Anyway, these kids went running in flip-flops, skate-shoes, or no shoes at all - so impressed!! Although no shoes turned out to be a good idea as Jane was the only one who didn't have to lift 3cm worth of heavy mud every time she took a step! You guessed it, after 20 minutes of running on this already bumpy, muddy terrain, the heavens opened up and poured forth their fury on our poor group - which resulted in much giggling and "I will never forget this day my whole life" being repeated over and over again by the kids - which was more motivation for me than you can imagine.

I personally will never forget the looks on all the people's faces as we ran through their villages in the middle of rural Kenya "What on earth! What is a "mzungu" girl doing, running through our village" :-D

So my shoes still aren't dry - and my socks are a shade of red and will never be white again. But the run is ON today! Woohoo! (They're trying to convince me to go everyday... what do you think?) ;-)

What a nightmare!!

I think that was the 2nd worst run so far. It felt horrible all the way... All those good chemicals that normally get me through were as much on strike as my BA flight to Nairobi this weekend :-(

Legs felt soooooooo heavy.

Ah well, can't celebrate this one I'm afraid, but it's done ;-) a special thank you to Kylie for helping me get through it in the end!

It's so much better to run with friends!

Today I met Kylie and Vlassis down at the Bains des Paquis - the plan being to go to Genève Plage and back. Vlassis seems to have taken on the role of "Media and Promotions Manager" :-D and regularly sprinted off in front to take photos of Kylie and myself and the GORGEOUS sunset this evening.

Kylie panicked a little about me running out of breath as I have become quite chatty while running lately (it keeps my mind off the distance ;-) And I do admit I got less chatty as time went on.


I haven't quite got to the stage of chatting to myself when running alone, but sometimes I do sing a word or two of the song lyrics while listening to my ipod.... to the great amusement of those I run past!
But you know how much I love to sing!! :-D

It's so motivating that so many of you have decided to do this too! I'm looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday for a shorter run and Saturday for the big challenge that Nanou is going to lead us on! :-D

The new shoes that will carry me those 21kms :-D

And they really make a difference! I feel like I'm bouncing along now :)

Yesterday I managed 10km!!

I've realised that the first 5km burn like crazy and that's why I always hated running. But after that things actually get easier!!
My calves have been pretty sore cos they're getting quite a workout but there comes a point where I stop feeling them too! (I think I'm falling in love with endorphins and adrenalin... maybe there is a chance I could get hooked ;-)

Two weeks in...

So this all started two weeks ago. I was musing about what the next fundraising idea for Familia Moja could be when a friend said,
"Well Sandra, the Geneva marathon's coming up. I'm sure if you went for the half marathon, you'd get lots of sponsorship."
"But I don't run!"
"Exactly!"
And when is the half-marathon..? IN TWO MONTHS!!! I was reassured it was possible, if I trained hard. So the challenge was on.

So the first week I managed 2 x 6km... OK, 5.5km, but 6 helped a lot psychologically ;-)

The goal is to run at least three times a week and my initial objective to go up by 2km every week has been somewhat modified due to the fact that I WAS NEARLY DYING last week trying to run 8km :-/ If only I'd known my route would lead me to a super steep hill!! I admit, I walked up the hill.
I'm still not convinced about this whole running thing. Apparently I'll soon be hooked... hmmmm.

So this week I'm trying a different tactic. Am going to do two shorter runs and then the last one of the week will be the biggy!

Wish me luck!