Talk the walk

I found myself in a situation this weekend, a flu from the devil himself . I lost all my senses and had dozens of medication. Hardest time, sigh! Hate, hate, hate ..... Can I emphasize it anymore! Now mostly I would settle for vegetation mode. Sit in, movies, mushrooms or chicken soup and a box of Kleenex. However I wasn't gonna sulk, not to say I don't love it, its therapeutic. With a few weeks to my race, its not top of my priority.

My goal was to get a clue of the 10 kilometers I signed up for. I did have to do a lot of resting since I fell ill, actually too much for my liking and I wasn't gonna let it drag over to a long weekend. So since I couldn't run, walking was the only option plus it helps clear my head.

I set out, on not my usual early morning, the weather was fine, not raining. I can't even say I was unwell, my energy levels were way on top. I was excited. I didn't have any time expectations, it took me two almost hours to complete and considering I took photos and made new friends, it wasn't too bad. I also got to listen to all the songs on my phone :-)

Below an overload of pictures ....

This boards kept me in check 

1 km was easy peasy I must admit, I had a runner and a biker pass by, I was happy I wasn't the only one hanging out alone because all morning was couples parade, cute though.

I got to this pretty part of the reserve, where there were swings and a slide .... the kid in me was all jumpy. 

                                                                      

3.5 km to go !!!!

It is interesting that everyone was either riding bicycles, others walking puppies, picnicking. Actually I only came across couples walking, which made me remember my mum backed out on me that morning.

I really need to get a bike 

All this boards were too helpful , it felt like I was playing a treasure hunt. But after a while I got to the waterfalls which were too beautiful. The weather though was chilly and my persistent cough and sneeze were back.

I followed a route from The waterfalls that led to a couple of caves, oops !  The howling voices got my heartbeat pounding I just wanted to be out of there.

     

cute steps   

cave 1

Cave 2

I was happy to be out of there literally and craving ice cream. The rest of the trek was great nothing conspicuous to report. I got to see a couple of cheeky monkeys who wouldn't pose for my camera (shy I guess) others were too fast for life. I was reading trees hahaha I know crazy but it was just in line with being an environmentalist for the day and I love reading.

what pose is this  ?

I was almost 6 kilometers in, trying to locate a lake which I later found out had dried up when I found a toilet. I didn't need a bathroom break but I found a nursery where they plant tree seedlings. I need to get into the farming thing too. I know a friend who would love this trees.

I made a few friends here and we used a different route to get to the exit. I couldn't take as many pictures because they kept with the questions which I was very happy to answer plus I didn't want to scare them off. The way back had quite a number of tunnels with safari ants. Also the forest was thick and breezy which cooled me off.

I got to the end, happy I conquered 10 km and set to run come next weekend. I'm ready to feel better and run, also need to get a puppy, *insert cutest puppy face ever* , we just wont name him roger, right ???

Too serious !!!

Cheers

Martie 

Chasing the sun

6am sunrise!!!

Vacation is over! Or rather it was a couple of weeks ago, but I still haven't let that sink in quite yet. I have procrastinated training for all sorts of reason, other times I did a noncommittal run just for the sake. I guess am lazy or bored plus I really miss my workout buddy :'(

This week it dawned on me that the marathon is just a couple of days away, so I really need to put more effort. Also am encouraged that my friends are catching up really well on this fitness movement. (I just had to say it, lol) Physically, my body is adapting better than I expected. Mentally, I have to admit am a little bit scared.

My mum called me an adult the other day. This coming from a lady who has always seen me as her little girl. I can take in. She said I was the kid who wouldn't wake herself up, or went back to sleep even when dressed in school uniform, sleep addict. I don't know how it happened but my morning alarm got nothing on me! So for commitment am all in!

I love my morning routine, clean fresh air, new scenes and the fact that I have some new friends. (wazaaaah). However, I'm still not doing it all right, I don't know what my running pace is, or how many miles I accomplish each morning. I have just being going along. I saw this phone the other day and it caught my eye. So now you know what to get for my Birthday !!! Thanks

Samsung Galaxy S5 Fitness features :-)

I still haven't seen the Abs form, that makes me nervous.I really don't know what to think.  Of course this is post - long runs, planks, squats, sit ups etc. I have found that a burpee is the hardest exercise to coordinate and considering I multitask very well, am surprised and devastated mostly. My body is going to have a rough couple of months if I have to reach my goal. I don't know about you, but my Christmas countdown starts in October. I just find that these months go by so fast with the holidays and birthdays and then My birthday, sigh!

Aside from the bicycle am going to get as my gift for running the marathon, my mum will do a walk, my brother 21km run (jealous much) and my sister will laugh at me the whole time. She thinks I run funny, not true. Each day am figuring out new horizons, I feel good, accomplished. Am not out to become some bad ass athlete. My motivation mainly is me, I love that I challenge myself each new dawn. I'm figuring out what my body can do, handle or how hard I can push it. I'm healthier,  and happier.

selfie-ing !!

It is so awkward that I have been saying a 5km marathon, I went to register on the website only to find that 5km is a family fun race. The will be a 42km full marathon and 21km half marathon, my legs are not up to the challenge as of yet. I settled for the 10 Km road race hopefully I get to finish, yikes! If you want in go to the website http://www.nairobimarathon.com/ would be fun having as many of you there as possible.

Also, unrelated, today morning I said goodbye to my sneaks.They were a present from my cucu (grandma) a couple of years ago. 

Thank you for taking me miles :-*

Love

Ivanress

On Death

This weekend has been a sad one. I read columns, people recollecting stories of lost loved ones. I saw photos, footage of people who died. I heard eulogies of the departed souls. I went to watch a play that was in memory of an actor who passed on. I accompanied my mother to a wake. This was the hardest part, I was afraid I would burst in tears. I didn't believe I was strong enough. I would've never gone through with it was it not for her persistence.

Until you loose someone quite close to you, it is difficult to say you understand death. Death is cruel and harsh. No one is fully able to understand the pain. The only way its better is if no one died. Everyone of us will die one day, so let no one fool you. But some of them leave us too fast, the vacuum too big. For this reason, we have always prayed for them. We ask God to give the peaceful rest. With the knowledge that it was His will and that He gives His strength and power that we may endure everything.

At the wake I sat at the back of the room, we had a mini service. Somewhere through, a few close people were asked to give their condolence speeches. Some, were really heartfelt , simple, yet very beautiful. But others were insensitive, depressing even. I was mad, angry, devastated. I can personally confess that am not the best with words in such situations. You must at least put yourself in ones shoes and such isn't easy.

A young girl lost her mother, only child, single mom. On the occasion, she left home for work as usual. Unfortunately there was a chase between police and some criminals and a stray bullet hit her directly on her heart. On hearing this story, I just thought hey maybe she was just at the wrong place at the wrong time. Death was too early. Since we received the news I have had a stomach ache. Tears threatening my eyes. A day hasn't passed that I haven't  thought of that young girl. My heart breaks for her.

Grief and mourning was the order of the day. You think its over, then with the stories shared comes running streams of tears. You try to understand and its worse, so your left with just being positive.

Someone wrote on the condolence book, ' We loved you but God loved you more'.
How offensive!!!!! I almost cancelled this, I thought of tearing the page or crossing it over.

Another, said, ' The Lord gives and He takes.'
How? How do you make a young girl think so ill of God ? Do you think she will love God for taking away the mother! On the contrary she will hate Him for taking away her only parent. I seriously considered giving a lecture of what people should say at funerals.

God loves us, and it was His will that we live forever. Sin separated us from that plan. Our loved ones do not die because God has plucked His finest from His garden. It is the work of the devil, he plans to separate us from the love of God. Give thanks for everyday that your alive.
Death is an enemy, It doesn't care about your family, career, loved ones or you. It is a thief, It doesn't give TIME, leaves you lonely and most importantly sad. It will remain as it is A THIEF !!!!


It is well .....

Ivanress

Faith

A couple of nights ago, a restaurant at the corner of the street. I ordered my usual glass of wine, we sit with a friend discussing schedules, myself about my missed morning jogs, him how he wished his days began at noon on the couch. Making light conversations is never a hobby of mine, but the jazz band playing most of my favorite songs kept me well glued. The plan was for me to have a drink alone but that was before I ran into him and my alone time robbed. We talk about ourselves, we are each sharing embarrassing stories, he smiles, laughs and I cant help it too. I looked around and realize it wasn't so bad. He doesn't realize how delighted I am that he is here, even though awkward company it saved me from the loneliness.

As I began to want to leave, we had company. I'm automatically scared in situations like this. Don't get me wrong am very social but I am in spirit an introvert. My first reaction was I needed to leave before it got too late (or rather more awkward). A few pleasantries first, then the most peculiar thing happened. I was introduced as the girlfriend! For a minute I was confused, a tension wave overtook me. He then noticed I was standing there, tongue tied and held out his hand for me. At the back of my head I was certain this was a bad joke. It had only been a couple of months knowing each other, I don't move fast ever. I very politely sat next to him ensuring some distance between us. There are the tensions that render you silent, this was one of them.

I'm shrinking in my chair, very uncomfortable but mostly lost. Boyfriend, I smile at the thought of it. I notice everyone at the table is looking at me, I must have been thinking so hard I wasn't listening. I felt his cold hand against my skin, my fake boyfriend, bringing me back to earth. All of a sudden enter carefree me, I figured this cuts both ways and I for one having been an actresses it couldn't be as hard. I continued with the evening, good conversations were certainly there that I almost forgot to go home.We had such such an amazing time, the word had to be repeated twice. And part of me was glad.

 I passed for a fake girlfriend.

For whatever reason I continued to think about it, how natural it was. I had a half smile and almost cried. We had hugged goodbye, I didn't know whether we had broken up. I felt a great sense of shame. I'm not so proud I led a couple of people to believe I was someone I was not. But there was something else: One of the effects of acting like your dating is that you end up feeling like it! You become gullible. I don't think its the best feeling, in fact I hate that it leaves you feeling dependent.

I spent a great deal of time in the bathroom that night, I thought about the uncertainty of a man coming into my life. I missed getting to know someone, comparing it to my experience for the night. I realized I had been going through motions of everyday life, how easy is normalcy. Ha! But then again, isn't that how the dating game is, making one feel alive, wanted, excited.So waiting for the right guy is normal ...... boring yet. Even still, we anticipate the moment and even though we don't find them, we keep  faith. Everyone has a potential to be.

A few minutes after I got into bed, my phone beeped. " I liked tonight!" . Almost too quickly, I replied .... it was nice.

Winese :-)

A mini Vacation

 We met on the first day of high school; Her big browned eyed girl and me wearing an oversize skirt. I remember meeting her and thinking  too pretty, we cant be friends .We told strangers we were step sisters, we planned a future together. Our relationship thereafter  has spanned till to date. Technically we are better than best friends, I learnt a whole lot from her than I can give credit for.

I remember Thursday as a joke, I was asked to ask my boss to take the afternoon off, pack a few clothes ready for a trip. Somehow I lightened up immediately, normally I would think of a thousand and one reasons why not to go. You see one individual so passionate for sticking within her comfort zone is definitely me but I decided to bend some rules for the day.

We set off early evening

Kodak moments 

I was so delighted my cheeks still hurt so much from all the smiling and laughing. Love and genuine care doesn't necessarily come wrapped in gifts, what it does is instill power to see others on a more personal level and spread cheer in their lives like a virus.

The first destination was to buy a goat for the ceremony, it was my girlfriends  post birthday celebration. We later drove through too many potholes to the beautiful campsite (Olorgesailie) which I didn't get to fully explore till the next morning and was freaking hot too.

Olorgesailie Campsite

Beautiful Bandas 

The first night was spent around a bonfire, with lots to eat and drink, the plan was to stay in the open air, till the crack of dawn but I was the last person standing at 4 am (ok lol with 5 other people too). I highly recommend games with this kind of things, no matter what trip you are on spice up with crazy games for some wicked fun. Aside from the fire there was a full moon which lit up the place.

Hi friend :-)

Dinner

Full moon

Bonfire

3 am selfies

In the morning we set off for Magadi, it was really scenic. I'm an outdoor kind of person and I couldn't have asked for better weather. I was so excited to as we drove, the breeze was to die for and cooled me off from the boiling temperatures (40 degrees or so). We stopped over at a maasai village to catch some bitings and drinks as it was a long drive.

Beautiful weather

Wooow!!! First green I saw in a while

Awesome

We finally got to Magadi, after two hours lets just say I was beyond thrilled I had to take a selfie.

Hello Magadi

Lake Magadi and Flamingos

Yes I may have gotten a little carried away, I took too many photos my camera battery was exhausted and there were too many to choose from. The weather in Magadi was up by 20 degrees first stop was to take a swim at the sports club, and catch cold drinks. Later our hosts and friends of friends showed up and soon there was a huge party crowd that couldn't be controlled.

The sunset was bliss

What I liked most was that some friendships were created others deepened. So much bonding was done and I had the most fun and endless memories of the days and nights am overwhelmed just thinking about it. I am so glad I allowed myself to experience a carefree weekend even though it felt like one long day.It was such a spontaneous and random treat and I may have gotten a little stupid but I was on top of the world (princess kind of)

Ok bye

Saturday night/Sunday morning, its still unclear. The last people standing , of course I was one of them, set off for the hot springs. They were really hot and nice, natural spa ...... I was to say the least fascinated. The water was salty and used the mud at the bottom as face masks. We had another bonfire there and late night chats. I almost saw the sunrise but my eyes were too heavy all I was craving was sleep and more sleep.

4 am , face mask

We had to leave and head home the next day but if it were up to me we should have been there a week or even a month. I wanted us to explore more and cross over to Tanzania. I fell in love with beautiful town more than I could have ever imagined. Leaving the very big vacation house was bitter sweet. The sun was too hot part of my skin got darker, am glad I got no sunburns. We were all so worn out, the Psyche was on the lower side of the scale.

Goodbye

Anyway to top it off, it was an absolutely awesome trip and I couldn't have spent it with a more amazing crew. It has the most favourable of memories , and I learnt the best of lessons, Go hard with the people that matter. I'm happy to have been part of it.

From a cheerful heart,

Ivanress

Gleeful

I am wicked happy,

Lots of very happy,

*insert cheesy smile*

My face though :-)

 This month has all makings of being fantastic. Its safe to say am at the best peak of my journey, Self actualization. Probably in my post awkward girl phase :-). I figure the timing might be off but am sort of loving the fun but not so much the pain.

The countdown to my first marathon began with an intense gym workout, the kind that you wake up the next morning feeling disastrously sore. I was afraid I wouldn't make it out of the house for days but a very very long hot bath soothed me just right. In high school I'd sign up for this kinda stuff for the free glucose, I would've never gone through with it for free, But I didn't  finished not even a single race. My mum thinks running is torture, I'd probably believe if it were an year ago but what do I know I've only been doing this 1 or so months and I hear your supposed to do a couple of years before you can speak.   

My ribs hurt so badly after that laugh :-(

There many things we do in life that makes us happy (ice-cream), others more than just happy. Its not everyday you get to do something that makes you more than just happy with an added bonus of helping the society. So I'm officially major excited to be doing this.

The day I first went on board was horrible. I set off that day with that one song I couldn't get out of my head the whole week. It turned out there plenty of morning runners which came as a rude shock, on the other hand it was a good relief. After minutes of small pace jogs (because my friends always say I run funnily *sneers*) I had reached my limit and was feeling sickly. I had to sit down and almost throw up. I had to learn the most valuable lesson yet the hard way .You can not run on an empty stomach. By the time I got home my mind was made up that it wasn't meant for me.

Foodie :-)

All gone

Apparently there is weight gain in keeping fit (hard earned gym muscle). I try not to weigh myself ..... Rewind an year plus back, I'm at a hospital and my sister is taking too long. A nurse approaches me and whether she could conduct a couple of health tests, my reaction, "yeah okay, whatever! I couldn't believe my weight after all the walking, swimming and cutting back on food .... anyway she explained that my bones were healthy, at least that's what I gathered. I vowed never to measure but come in gym trainer with stern face I had to obey.

Heaven alright!

It makes me sad that I always said I would join a dance class in vain. Though am not the dancing type, I recently realized that its such a perfect workout. I laugh about it now thinking about it, some of those moves I had to do were so hilarious I thought we were auditioning for dirty dancing. So my next project is to get my self  in a dance class. In my defense for all those 20 something years without dancing, rock music!

Each day am figuring myself out the more, I haven't looked and felt as fit as I do now in uh, oh three years, yikes! Well, its been a long time coming. Change - good change is coming and I am falling in love with it by the day.

I love that I take walks with my mum on weekends. I love how she makes me laugh, how she knows me too well. I love that am not a quiet daughter and that she always loves me.
I love sweaty hugs, and love hugs too. I love that a hug allows you to hear someone breath and touch them. More so feel their heart beating.
I love a good Run. I love how the wind blows against you, love how people stare at you some even say hello. I love that my whole body is heated up and craving for an ice bath. I love seeing the distance, how far away my two feet can take me.
I love early mornings, the Sun, the chirping birds, the break of dawn. I love clean, fresh air. I love a new day, new possibilities, new challenges, new drive. They say even the darkest nights will end and the sun will rise.
I love the Moon, Oh how I love the moon. I could stare at it all night. Looking at it puts me in a good mood, its exciting for no cause and makes me smile.
I love coffee, coffee everyday!
I love books. Book Loving is one of my favorite hobby. I love how everyone complains that am drawn away because am too lost in a book. I love how some books endings leave the characters lives going on in your mind.
I love my friends, new friends, old long time ones, the ones I hope to meet, the ones we have fallen off. There is never any that I don't appreciate. Always and forever.
I love a glass of wine, any day.

I love nuts too

From a Happy place .....

Ivanress (Miss)