But running is a big thing in Kenya, particularly long distance where the Kalenjin tribe dominate the international marathon scene, in a fierce competition with neighbouring Ethiopia. The kids do plenty of cross country and track events at school, alongside some hugely impressive (and ever so slightly intimidating) junior athletes. And Tim runs a few times most weeks, including regular weekend runs with a friend of ours that tend to end over leisurely coffee and chatting about events of the week - healthy body, healthy mind stuff.
So when Tim entered the Nairobi half marathon this year, I slightly reluctantly agreed that I'd do the 4km family fun run with the kids. And I even went for a couple of gentle jogs to get prepared - that did tail off when I discovered "sweaty" yoga but that's a whole separate blog. Then last weekend, having inherited a fourth child so both her parents could do some serious running, we all warmed up first thing and headed into town early on Sunday morning to join in, raising money for preventable blindness as we did.
We weren't alone. Over 20,000 other runners of all ages were there. I discovered that the family run was actually 5km and that it was as much of a walk than a run for most - which suited katie and her friend even if i was, a little to my surprise, disappointed not to see how far I could last. Jamie was determined to run properly and was completely thrilled to romp home as the second fastest white boy (behind his best friend and 14 Kenyan lads).The course is a loop and when I was at about the 1.5km mark I spotted him coming in the other direction at a real pace. A very proud mum and dad (when we caught up with him later by a pool after his own impressive 21kms).
I'm not sure I'm yet inspired to try this more regularly but it was a good family morning out. And gave us all an excuse for a big lunch and an afternoon of massages and tv. I might be persuaded again next year......
Anne
