Raych’s Running Diaries: The 5:24 AM Fall

Today 28 June 2018 at about 5.24am, I fell. I fell like a bag of maize. I was at the 1.5km mark with 8.5km to go. I never saw this fall coming I just fell. My heart fell too and for a moment I wanted to cry, not from the pain of falling but from the helplessness and loss of control that comes with being on the ground after a fall. Kids fall when they play I mean they’re allowed. How could I fall? where was my mind? Why wasn’t I lifting my legs? How could I miss that bump.This is my regular route I know all the bumps, potholes, and ditches. My running partner fell a few weeks ago while we were running alongside each other. She flew past me and my efforts to reach out and hold her were fruitless. Is this how she felt? We had a laugh about it (She tells me that when you fall somewhere it’s a sign you will get a good piece of land there. Real kenyan.) I should have given her a tight hug. Today I wanted to cry.Then I hear soft footsteps behind me and notice some school children running towards me, oh my I can’t stay down, I can’t cry, these kids can’t see my defeated self. Strong girl Rise up I tell myself. I get up and am doing a quick check on myself debating whether to go back home. Then I spot a neighbour’s car and I have a rush of energy like never before I sprint ahead to continue with my run like nothing happened. She drives past me I wave and smile. A hero’s wave. This neighbour is my recruit albeit inconsistent but she tries to join me in my morning runs. Today can’t be the day I confirm to her fears. She will quickly go to the neighbourhood whatsapp group for a good laugh camouflaged as Sympathy. “Told you guys…..running when it’s dark is not good….Rachael alianguka vibaya(had a bad fall) pale kwa bump(at the bump)..wewe Rachael hii Kukimbia usiku wacha(Rachael stop running at night). Next time utapata Simba. Ama Nyoka.(Next time you will get a lion or snake) Enyewe pole Rachael lakini ndiyo maana tuliwacha kukimbia  na wewe…lakini pole.Uko sawa?” I continue with my run and an hour later am back home with “Mickey mouse” wounded palms but having finished the run I started. I call up my small doctors they each pick a hand armed with cotton wool and dettol. Good opportunity to practice our first aid skills. They’re enjoying playing doctor, am in pain but we’re learning and am getting treated. We finish and am told “Mum please be careful next time and open your eyes wide when you run.” Today, I fell but I rose up and moved on,  for me, for those school kids and for my neighbour unknown to them. Our reactions after a setback impact on everyone around us. Be strong not just for you but for those around you. Someone may be looking up to you for strength.