In January I went out to Iten and became friends with a group of complete strangers, all with a common interest in running. Most were there for a Kenyan running experience, and 3 of us were there on a Coaching course. 

We got the chance to run most mornings with the others, though, and usually consisted of an 8k,10k or 12k run, depending on what group you’d like to run with. Paces ranged from 8 -10 minutes per mile (5 – 6.15ish per km for those that prefer), and we had 3 lovely pacers (Beatrice, Sarah and Josea) that turned out for us at 6.20am every morning to lead the groups. We’d meet up by the famous “Home of Champions ” sign at sunrise and all be on our merry way within a matter of minutes. 

My expectations of running in Iten were long stretches of tarmac banked by the rocky Orange coloured paths. What I didn’t expect though (naively so) was the beautiful trails and forests we ran through and around. It was so green and picturesque. We ran through small villages and busy allotments, passing children on their way to school. They were so polite, always had a smile on their face and would shout “hello”, “how are you”, “what is your name”. They would more likely than not run alongside us for a couple of minutes, uniforms on, woolly hats and gloves to protect them from the cold (15-18 degrees) ….rucksacks bouncing away on their backs before deciding they would stop now and leave us to it. Maybe they felt sorry for us as we struggled to comfortably breath and didn’t want to embarrass us! Maybe they realised if they carried on, they’d be at school too early. Whatever it was, it was joyful to see them every day. 

I don’t think I can forget a boy of approximately 6 years old walking his little sister, who was probably not even 3, alongside the main road. Hand in hand, they strolled along, taking everything in without what seemed like a care in the world. My fatherly instincts kicked in, and I felt for them. I couldn’t stop thinking about them and had to ask Josea if they’d be ok. He assured me, “All will be fine; children are very safe and not to worry”. I tried hard not to, but I can still see their little faces now! Poles apart from my little world back home.

We’d get back to our accommodation around 7.45am and get showered before breakfast. The other guys would go out on arranged talks and visits, while Paul, Aisling, and I would have to go to class! We’d break for lunch at 12.30pm and go back until around 4pm before having the evening to ourselves. Lunch and dinner were pretty good. Lots of rice, lentils and veg style stuff with chapati on offer most days. The occasional meat dish was served alongside the regular staples. Could not grumble, that’s for sure. (Although I probably did around day 10 )

Running at altitude was tough. We’d been warned about it and that we’d need to run roughly 45-60 seconds slower than we normally would. I’ve always been pretty good at being sensible, but a few won’t mind me saying they definitely went too hard on that first afternoon. After a few days you felt better on the flats and the downhills but on the uphill sections (of which there are many) it never got easy. There were plenty of us walking on some of the longer/steeper hills, myself included, only to then be humbled by the Kenyan runners or the elites that were out there training. They would glide past effortlessly. It was so cool. You would often get overtaken by packs of runners and, for those few seconds, would consider joining in before having a quiet word with yourself. “Leave it, Raff, you’ll embarrass them”.