Reaping The Advantages Of Recreational Running
The other day someone asked me what I gain by waking up early in the AM to just run like a night runner ok morning runner trihihihi well the thing is, my first induction in this running like a mad man business was afew months ago! I had gone out to map the escarpment madness route( another ESCARPMENT MADNESS edition is coming up) I was pushed and did a whole 14K I came back to the base camp crawling, driving back to Nairobi for the first time in years my foot was light on the gas pedal, reason…..my thighs were on fire!
Thereafter I decided to start off running at my own pace every morning. Run fun or leisure, rather than competitive this way I pace up steadily and easily handle without chasing my last breath. (But theres this group of Humans called Wakimbizi! apana refugees) ……….. woi! (Si they can pressurize you for no reason, you wake up on a monday morning at 5AM to do your routine once you are done, you check out the leader board you see a human has clocked 35KM already sasa hii mutu kufika end of week si he/she would have clocked over 150KM of running helter Skelter- Let me use this phrase here, aint used it in over 2 decades.
The thing is, people know they should exercise. Everyone knows you have to take care of your body. Unfortunately, knowing is not enough. You have to get your kerea off the couch and start doing.
Below are just a handful of the benefits that you can gain from recreational running:
- Promotes a healthy lifestyle and can help reduce weight gain.
- Reduces stress and mental fatigue.
- Refreshes both your body and mind.
- Improves endurance, strength, flexibility and tones the body.
- Leads to social benefits with other individuals.
- Boosts body immunity to illness. …
- You can target a run that you can handle.
Running Clubs
Running is easy, fun and free. Actually, The hardest part about running is actually getting started once you get started all you need is motivation. Having a running buddy or joining a running group helps give you the inspiration you need to keep going. There are a good number of running clubs out here depending on your locality- If you’re considering entering the running scene checkout this clubs that came top of my head
- Team Wakimbizi
- Urban Swaras
- Nairobi Hash House Harriers
- Mara Runners Club
- Thompson Falls Athletic Club
- Chepkero Athletic Club
- Karura Forest Runners
PUT YOU BEST FOOT FORWARD
The Bittersweet Escarpment Madness Experience
The paved roads of the usual running spots in the city can become monotonous for experienced runners or even recreational runners, so a growing interest in trail running is not at all suprising. Last weekend we took the ridges and the riftvalley escarpment by surprise!
The saying goes: ‘If you want to run, run a mile. If you want to experience a different life, run a marathon. We say, If you want to talk to your faith, run an Escarpment Madness’. Well, faith(s) were talked to this weekend at the EscarpmentMadness especially the chaps that did 30KM. To put it in perspective, road running is for realists. Run a marathon, a half or a 10k and you’re competing against a clock. You’re trying to get your body to run as efficiently as possible for the shortest amount of time possible. Trail running, however, is something entirely different. 70 plus runners braved the cold weather and afew minutes past 8;00AM madness started.
TESTIMONIALS;
……………………….Had just climbed do Mt. Kilimanjaro then you signed up for the madness. Then you realize there’s no going back… I mean, it’s a Sunday, woke up at 4.30 and I’m at Kinungi 😁😁… But good thing is that there’s nothing as refreshing as conquering a challenge… Especially when you know you ain’t the only one who loves this ‘sport’ called running… And when you know there’s others who signed up for the same race, so the trail won’t be lonely 🙂… Oh, and that huge gratifying medal at the finish line!!
It was gruesome but very satisfying. Thanks to the organizers for keeping us upbeat! Thanks for a great experience. 🙂 M. Orangi
……………………..Escarpment Madness Trail run 2019 was a master shocker to many. It wasn’t the normal trail run many recreational runners are used to due to the several steep hills participants had to literally climb. The chilly weather and great support along the routes by the organizers made the tough rough terrain bearable. This was my toughest run ever and I’m glad I crossed the finish line after 2 hours and 26 minutes having done 20kms.Kudos to the organizers and it’s a route worth trying again! Edwin Odira
…………………It was that day that Imms Wanji suggested that hills would be calling some of us by name but shock on us we were the ones who were humbled and called every one of them by the names bestowed on them by the team at Bucketlist Adventures. I won’t say I didn’t have fun despite the challenge. I did. The support team was the other reason I hacked Stage 3 and 4. One support team member there is no song he didn’t sing from the top of his mind throughout those uphills. Thie Ūkiumaga….Ndaiga uthie Ūkiumaga to Haha ni Gûte into Swahili and back to Tuthie na mbere hanini hanini muthenya uyu niuguthira.
Statements like,”Gutire thina utathiraga ona uyu no uguthira(no problem is permanent even this one will end) made me laugh a good one.It was necessary for that altitude of about 2500+ to be beaten. I was blessed by their company until they allowed me to break away.
No human is limited if we successfully tackled this. The human spirit is amazing and this just gives me the power to believe anything coming after this can never be too tuff. Njoki Kimani
With this experience under participant’s belt, we can be sure a good number is game for another run, you know what? If you really want to connect with your body, nature and your fellow runners, there really is nothing like the Escarpment Madness. So need to try out? Click here for the Escarpment Madness 2.0
ESCARPMENT MADNESS PARTICIPANTS INFORMATION
The information listed on this page is the official participant guide for the Escarpment Madness. Participants at a minimum should familiarize themselves with all of this information prior to the event. Participants should share this information with any friends / family / spectators that plan to join them at the race.
DATE, TIME AND LOCATION
Run2Gether Camp
Fly Over. Off Nairobi Nakuru Highway Google Maps Directions HERE
Start Time: 8:00 AM
PARTICIPANT’S BIB NUMBERS
Your race number must be worn on the front of your body and be clearly visible at all times. Those who register within 2 weeks of the race will have their names custom printed on their race numbers. The Race bibs will be issued from Monday 2nd of September to Friday 6th September at the following location.
Bib Collection Centre: Marvo Group Office, 2nd Floor, Park Suites, Parklands right opposite Parklands Police Station.
Timings: 0900hrs to 1700hrs.
You may also organize for a pickup via courier or Taxify Boda to the above address and contact our team on 0729 995 059. You may also collect your race pack early on the morning of the run.
Google Maps Directions HERE
TRANSPORT
There is a shuttle available from Nairobi. The Pickup points will be at Kencom Bus Stop in CBD and also at Total Gas Station just before ABC Place. The shuttle charges are KES 1000 above your regular ticket fees for the event. The deadline for booking the shuttle is Friday the 6th of September 2019.
SELF DRIVE POINTERS
The Camp is on google maps and 2km off the Nakuru Highway. However, there are multiple rural roads that might be suggested on the ground by google maps. From Nairobi drive on A104 towards Nakuru. Its important to factor in the road construction in your travel schedule so plan to leave early. Drive to Flyover and after the Chicken Inn as you start the Naivasha descent there is a Boda Boda shed say 300m after Chicken Inn. You will take a left here and follow the chalk signs. Otherwise, if you miss the bodaboda shed when you get to the welcome to Nakuru county sign take a left and follow maps/signs to the Run2gether camp(Locals know it as the place wazungu run and can help if you are lost). Google Maps directions for the camp area at the top of this document.
CAMPING AND ACCOMMODATION
There is a good campsite with great facilities at the start line as well as some rooms on offer. You may bring along your kids to enjoy the scenery and camp out. Check with our team to make bookings. The campers will get Dinner and Breakfast organised for them.
MEALS
There will be brunch after the run available at KES 600 as well as assorted drinks on sale.
ORGANIZERS CONTACTS ON THE DAY AS BELOW:-
Chief Race Marshall Munyaka: 0725 157 834
Race Admin Gaston: 0729 995 059 | 0757 628532
