Lewa 2016 in photos

So hitting the road to Lewa was an absolutely exciting moment. After training for the better part of the year, in spite of hurdles [read: injuries], I was ready to give it my best shot. I was excited and nervous all at the same time. Nervous because having taken a break to heal, I knew I wasn’t ready to conquer the hills and distance. But, that wasn’t going to be a deterrent.

We stopped over at Barney’s for lunch. The road from Nanyuki to Lewa has a fabulous scenery.

Inside Lewa Conservancy, seeing the wild as we drove in was incredible. It sure gave the phrase “Running wild” a whole new meaning.

Beautiful landscape.

Made a stop at the registration desk. Great organization! Getting here early meant no queues had formed yet, so we were through within a couple of minutes. Once at the site, we set up camp.

Finally, the big day dawned. We got up before 6am for preps, breakfast etc. Excitement was in the air! It was chilly in the morning, and I was suited up to keep warm. Then we made our way to the starting point, losing my jacket along the way as the sun came up. Did some stretching exercises to warm up my muscles, and there was more excitement as I met some of my running friends at the starting point.

Could not resist photo ops with them :).

…and then the race began, off to a good start. I started well, and unfortunately, I let the excitement get the best of me. I took off at a pace faster than my training pace, and ended up out-pacing myself.

I ran the first 13km well, keeping a steady pace that I knew was way too fast but I kept at it. After the 13km mark I struggled, and keeping my eyes on the goal was what, literally, kept me going.

Seeing the multitude of runners was exciting and encouraging, with hundreds before and behind me. These oranges were sure life savers that added an ‘umph’ to the running.

…and then there was the oldest runner [86 year-old], that I found out ran faster than me LOOL! By the time I was crossing the finish line I could barely walk, let alone run. I received the medal with not even enough energy to stay upright. But, the sense of accomplishment was huge! And that kept me standing, heheheh. I had done it! I had crossed the finish line! And I live to try again next year, hurray!

Meeting my cousin after receiving the medal was an added bonus for sure. And it was great meeting more friends as well who had run the race, including this young man who ran the children’s race.

I am so thankful to my Lord, Jesus, for seeing me through this exciting journey, and I sure will be back next year. Much appreciation to my team [of 1] and cheerleader for great support and for being there – “thank you ;)!” … and to my family and friends who cheered me on throughout the whole process. I would not have come this far without your support – “thank you!”