Personal Running Journeys

I have this friend—let's call him Omondi because that's his name. But you can also call him The Guy Who Talks to Planes. Not metaphorically. I mean, the man speaks hydraulics, breathes avionics, and dreams in engine diagrams. He doesn't just fix planes—he whispers to them. Licensed, certified, and qualified to touch anything that leaves the ground with passengers and prayer.

But that's not why you're here. You're here because Omondi also runs. And not in the "once-around-the-estate-with-my-dog" kind of way. The man eats marathons like mandazis. I introduced him to the Urban Swaras Running Club four years ago and now he's faster than my excuses. He cruises at a pace between 3:50 and 4:10 per kilometre. I know people who can't even think that fast.

"Bro, I'm landing tomorrow night. Let's catch up. A light 10K?"

- The Engineer's casual Friday call

A light 10K. You see what kind of friendship this is?

Anyway, Friday night he lands. Saturday morning, 6:00 AM sharp—before God even finishes his tea—he's at my door. Dressed like someone about to chase gazelles in the savannah. Thank heavens I've been jogging here and there, pretending to be consistent. Also, it helps that Saturday is Long Run Day for Dedanites. (Find us in the book of IG under Coach Dedan Miricho.)

So we lace up and hit the Ngong Forest Sanctuary. Two laps of the 5K route. Trees watching us like old uncles. We finish in one piece—thank you Strava, you digital witness of pain. If it's not on Strava, did you even suffer?

Afterwards, he's like, "Let me know when you want another round."

Fast forward. It's Global Running Day. I check Coach's notes and boom: 10K Time Trial.

Who do I call? The man who converts free time into running sessions.

Happy Global Running Day, fellow runners. May your legs be fast and your GPS accurate.