Running for My Life Day 238

With 3 days to go before my maiden triathlon event in Kericho, I did the most intensive session I never had since I began running 237 days ago. By the time I was done, my legs were shaking, I couldn't carry the bike past the two flights of stairs to the house, the palms of my hands were hurting and I was super thirsty.

I wasn’t able to drink water since I am yet to master handling a bike on top speed with one hand while drinking water from a bottle. Doing without water is something I have been working after I arrived 47 minutes late for the Lukenya Trails Matathon.

Because I was so late, a friend had sacrificed her spot in the marathon after I had failed to pay the entry fee I decided not to drink water throughout the 21K run. I still have the bottle to date and have it as a reminder that I should continue the believing and working hard. I drink lots of water both before and after my training sessions. As a result, I am able to go for long distances without water.

Tying the Loose Ends

I am yet to secure my spot in the event, hire a tent, buy a bus ticket to and from Kericho, take care of my food as well as buy all the required biking equipment. I hope to get everything by Thursday so I can take part in this event. My desire is to get enough resources so my wife can travel and cheer me from the crowd. That would crown it all for me.

My wife is my central support system in my work as a mentor of boys in juvenile prison. I don’t know who else would have agreed to marry a jobless man whose passion is reaching out to juvenile prisoners. Without her support, I wouldn’t have achieved half of what I have achieved as a man and full time volunteer.

Though I need a total of US$ 250 for this event, I won’t let the lack of it deter me from my dreams and goals. Two days is a long time. Who knows what might happen today? Nothing stops me from dreaming everything is possible and that there will come a time I won’t have to worry about tying the loose ends.

Counting My Blessings

I am thankful for the great support and sponsorship that (Michael Maranga Owora and) Team Tri Fit has offered me in terms of buying me running shoes and providing a bike for my training and the event. I am also ever so thankful to John Wollwerth for giving me biking lessons from the comfort of his rocking chair and on Facebook.

Last but not least, to Cynthia James Love, my wife and Sophie Kutiti for being on my cheering squad. Above all else, for always being there through the laughter, joy, tears and pain that comes with not having enough. #ItsDoneinJesusName #TheMakingofMakingof JimButtons #LifesongKenya #RunningforMyLife

Today's Milestones

Running distance: 15K

Biking distance: 18.76K

Total time: 3 hrs 44 mins 10 secs

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