When I joined a running club, I was kinda scared of associating with the new people. I knew nothing about running shenanigans. I didn’t know the different type of shoes, I had no idea what my pace is and what the hell PR was.
I look back and thank my complete lack of sense of what I was getting myself into because if I would have been thinking too much, I would never have started and fallen in love with this journey. Within my first year of belonging in a running community, I hit many crazy firsts and looking back I’m so glad I blindly did them.
My first group run? 24km trail in Ruiru, pace 9.30/km. By the end of it I was tired, dehydrated, hungry, thirsty and my feet hurt like hell. Read about it here https://lizmokamba.com/2025/02/08/in-the-name-of-hoka-strava-and-garmin-how-i-survived-my-first-group-run/
My first international race? Kilimanjaro, 2024. Packed my bags and hopped on a bus all the way to Tanzania for a half marathon. Hilly course, crazy isukuti culture. Crushed a sub 3(lol) and by the end of it I was very impressed with myself. Now I had a real PR (2hr 58min) to compete against.
My first 30km? New route hence lots of google map reference, new friends who I couldn’t ‘bully’ into remaining behind with me (lol) Pace 9.00/km. By the end of it I was so damn proud of myself I later on hopped into a happy hour dungeon (haha).
My first Mt. Kenya attempt? Got way too drunk off of altitude and had a one-hour nap at shiptons. I refused to play with death at this one (haha). I shall be back. Read about it here https://lizmokamba.com/2025/01/28/for-god-so-loved-the-world-journey-to-point-lenana-first-attempt/
My first ultra? Nyeri county at the foot of Mt. Kenya, a 50 km all uphill course towards Wandare gate, Aberdares. A 1300m elevation gain. Pace 9.46/km. By the end of it, I was so damn proud of myself I didn’t feel what part of my body hurt.
My first 42km? Wanted to find out if I could hack one during a real race (within the timelines and on normal course). I borrowed my good friends’ company and they pushed me through it. My watch did glitch so I don’t have a real PR to work with yet.
My second ultra? 4.00am at my backyard, wanted to play around and find out my 50km PR on a normal(ish) course. Ended up with a 57km in the bag. Pace 8.58/km. It felt easier and more relaxed. A good way to close 2024.
What I’m trying to say is DELULU IS THE SOLULU!
By pushing myself blindly in the above races and many many others both solo and group throughout 2024, I achieved the following;
- Moved my half marathon PR from 2hr 58min to 2hr 34min.
- Improved my easy pace from over 9/km to 7.30/km.
- Improved solo runs from 5km to upto 20km.
- Fell in love with solo unplugged long walks.
- Learnt about body composition and different types of exercises.
- Improved my relationship with food.
- Lost at least 14kgs of body weight.
I never sat down and planned any of this. I went with the flow. I did everything that came my way while enjoying the adventure. When I didn’t reach a goal I set for myself, I moved the goal post and continued doing what I’ve been doing.
I worked on my mindset and made sure to not to associate fitness with pain. Not to make it something I have to do but something I want and like to do. I now associate fitness with a good time with friends, a random roadtrip, a scenic view and insta worthy pictures. The biggest reward? A healthy badass body.
With Love,
Liz
Liz Mokamba 
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