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Sweat glands running dry, lactic acid building real fast, muscles tensed and aching, heart rate at 198 beats per minute and still the finish line was still a long way off…
These were the conditions at which we subjected our bodies to as we ran the Nike Run to the Beat marathon. Seriously, who thought this was a good idea?! Well…we did when we signed up for it, all excited and full of energy, our minds already picturing the cheers and the music, and the hills and corners we would climb to accomplish the goal. And so, we began training.
“OK, time to go home”, I said to Remi as we drove into the car park in the early hours of Sunday morning, the race day. I just needed a few hours of sleep, that’s all. We had about 2hrs 45mins before the race began at 0945hrs. So we slept for about 30mins, though most of it was used for conversations. The remaining hours were used for toilet breaks, munching fruit, stretching and generally feeling good.
Then it was time to race. We covered ourselves and everyone running in the Blood of Jesus, took some shine pictures, stored our belongings, and placed timers on our trainers and headed for the start-line. Talk about a long queue. Many running for various charities, others for their lost family members and we – for Remi’s birthday (didn’t I mention that at the beginning?),
Ok, fine, shish – SIDE STORY
It was Remi’s birthday on the 25th September and the day before, we surprised her with a little treat.
As we don’t want her eating heavily before the race, we made sure the food was light and allowed her only a tiny piece of cake (don’t worry, it was sponge cake). Hey, just because we’re running doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate. We thank God for wonderful new beginnings in her life and hope to celebrate more with pounded yam and egusi soup, teehee.
And we’re back. Now where was I? Oh yeah – we also ran for God, A Day in God’s Will and for another (which we won’t mention for now). As we inched towards the starting line, our blood was already in boiling mode. And *BAM!*, we were off. 1 mile, 2, 3…and we were still strong, with everyone wishing Remi ‘happy birthday’ (She had her birthday tag on her back). When we got to the 4th mile mark, our legs were hitting some serious brick wall, yet we continued. At the 6th mile my knee began to ache real bad from the injury I had sustained before training but I pressed on (good thing I wore a knee strap). Remi cheered me on (thank God for her), which helped a lot. We stopped, walked fast, and then resumed running. We still hadn’t hit the 7th mile mark and my knee couldn’t take it anymore, so I slowed to a fast walk whilst my partner ran on ahead (I didn’t want to slow her down). From a distance, you could gain confidence just by watching her. I bet she must have been speaking to those tiny legs of hers, “don’t give in” or “C’mon legs, just a few miles left”. I had to resume running despite the pain. Walking fast just wouldn’t cut it anymore as it reduces my chance of running again to finish the race.
We crossed the finish line with cheers from the fans and I got to tell you, a banana never tasted so good! I passed out later on the couch waiting for Mamas 6-course meal while my partner went for her birthday dinner. Splendid day. We don’t just speak fit temple, WE ARE FIT TEMPLES
Happy birthday, Remi Banjo from your wonderful team! Congratulations to every runner who took part in the marathon.
Stay sweet y’all and don’t forget to vote for us for the Christian New Media Awards – (see side bar)
Benjamin
ADIGW
p.s – Did I mention a pregnant woman took part in the race and finished as well, so no excuses for anyone taking part next time!
Oh my days… YOU GUYS..!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH..
Thank you… *seriously blushing here*
We look kinda cool after the though.
Thanks Ben for running with me. Thank you Yinka & Doose for cheering us on too…
I had a fab day.
Love you guys.. *mwah*
Remi
Birthday girl