The Nickname That Stuck

I did not pick the name "Rookie"-the boys gave it to me. I was the first guy in my year to break into the main squad, and that made stand out. From then on, it stuck. Even when I'd be playing for seasons, I was still a "Rookie". At first it felt like a joke, but after a while, it became who I was. Rookie was not just a name, it was a story.

Wearing Jersey 7

I donned jersey number 7-If you know rugby, you know what that means-pure chaos (Ask Dr James Muchiri, He also wore jersey 7 but for a different team way earlier).Flankers don't get the glory of tries or fancy kicks. We live in the breakdown, in the rucks and in the dirt. My job was simple: tackle, contest, slow the opponents down and make life  easier for my teammate. It was not pretty, but that's why i loved it.

Tackler First, Ball Carrier Second

I will be honest- I wasn't much of a ball carrier. If you wanted to smash through defenders, I wasn't your man. But tackling? That was my bread and butter. I made myself as the guy you would hit get up. clean and hard tackles was my contribution.

My Debut: JKUAT Cougars

I will never forget my first game for Wasps. It was against JKUAT Cougars, and man, my nerves were all over the place. But once the whistle went, instinct took over. It was a close one - We edged it 21-20 in their home turf. Walking off the field, sweaty and bruised, I felt I belonged there.

Six Seasons In The Championship And One Varsity League

I played a six full seasons in the championship and one varsity league. On paper, my record does not look like much: one try. Just one. But the real story is in the countless tackles and turnovers. That's what being a flanker is about- Dirty work nobody notices but everybody needs.

The Toughest Rivals: MMUST Rugby

If there is one team that owned us, it was MMUST. I never beat them- not once. They were physical, fast and just ruthless. Every game against them felt like going to war. Both home and away, it was the same old story. To this day, when I hear "MMUST", I just shake my head. The best results against them was 20-17 in their favour at the Wasps Nest  and the worst was 43-0 in their home ground. Those matches hurt, but they made me tougher

Discipline And Control

One thing I am proud of is never getting a yellow card. Not one sin bin in my whole career. For a guy who lived in the thick of tackles, that's no small thing. I always tried to stay disciplined.

The One Try vs Kitale RFC

That one try I scored came against Kitale RFC. I still remember it because it felt like all the years of sweat  had finally paid off in a moment of glory. It wasn't fancy, it wasn't long range- but it was mine.

The Final Whistle: Mean Machines

My last game was against Mean Machines. It was ugly, low scoring and physical-just the way rugby can be. We lost 5-3, and the results cut deep. Not just because of the clavicle injury that  I got when a mole collapsed on me and ended my 15s career, but because that meant Egerton Wasps were relegated to the nationwide league. It was so heartbreaking.

Lessons From The Game

Looking back, rugby game me everything. It toughened me up, taught me teamwork and showed me the value of discipline. I started as "Rookie", but that name became more than just a laugh. It was my journey-From the first nervous game to the last painful one, with all the hits , tackles, heartbreaks and memories in between. 

Do I Still Enjoy Rugby?

Yes i do. Rugby is addictive. I am a big fan of the mighty Springboks

Nakuru City, the heart of Kenya's Rift Valley, is more than just a geographical landmark-It also adds up as a cultural, economical and ecological hub that blends in natural beauty with rapid urban growth and is considered the fastest growing city in East and Central Africa as per UN Habitat report 2013

1.A CITY BORN OF NATURE: Nakuru is the home of Nakuru National Park, which is the home of Lake Nakuru which is the breeding ground of the white and pink flamingos. Additionally, the park is home to several wild animals like lions, rhinos, giraffes just to mention but afew. The park attracts visitors from all over the world who come to see the wonders of Nakuru.

2.CULTURAL DIVERSITY: Nakuru, initially inhabited by the Maasai community, who named it "dusty place" is home to a bunch of other communities from the Kenya. This makes Nakuru one of the most diverse urban space in Kenya.

3.ECONOMIC GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY: Nakuru's status as a city has sparked rapid growth in terms of infrastucture. With better ammenities, Nakuru attracts investors locally and internationally and thus making it the commercial hub of the Rift Valley. Additionally, assured security attracts so many investors and business men. 

4.AGRICULTURE: Nakuru is home of abundance. It is a producer of all food produces thus bringing food security in this region. From fresh, fruits, vegetables, animal products. in simple words, Nakuru is the " Land of milk and honey".

Nakuru City isn't just a place you visit-it's a place that steals your heart. From the pink shimmers of flamingos on Lake Nakuru to the warm smiles of it's people, every moment here feels magical. Come to Nkuru ,and you won;t just see beauty-you will live it, breathe it, and carry it with you long after you leave.

                "Nakuru - Where Nature Meets The Heart"

Exactly one year ago, I achieved something that still feels surreal; I became the world champion of GFF fitness in an astounding time of 2 minutes and 55 seconds . That moment marked the pinnacle of my fitness journey , and little did I know that it would not only change my life but also make an ambassador for GFF Kenya. It's been an incredible year and I want to share how this achievement has shaped me both as an athlete and as a representative of such an inspiring fitness community 

The journey to the championship 

Fitness has always been a significant part of my life , but GFF took things to a whole new level. It wasn't just about being fit; it was about pushing my own limits , challenging my body and mind. I had been working towards this for weeks-perfecting my technique, improving my strength , agility and stamina. However, nothing prepared me for the pressure of the competition itself.

When I stood at the starting position, the nerves hit , but they were quickly replaced by a focused calm. The clock started and everything I had worked for came down to these few minutes . At 2 minutes 55 seconds, I crossed the finish line, not just as the winner of the event but also the first ever to complete GFF under 3 minutes.

The moment I became GFF's Kenya Ambassador 

Becoming the world champion was a dream come true, but what followed was even more incredible. GFF recognized my performance and they offered me the role of an ambassador - a position I never expected, but was honoured to accept.

Being a GFF ambassador has allowed me to inspire others to take on their fitness journey and push themselves in ways they never thought possible . I have had the privilege of speaking at events, engaging with fellow athletes and connecting with people who share the same passion for fitness. As an ambassador, my role is not just representing GFF, but also about motivating others to set ambitious goals , believe in themselves , and realize that they are capable of achieving greatness.

Looking ahead 

One year later, I reflect on how much has changed. The title of former world champion is no longer just a badge of honour ; it's a symbol of everything  I have overcome.

As I look to the future, I am excited for the challenges and growth that lie ahead. I will continue to train, compete and represent GFF in all I do. My journey is far from over. Being the first person to break the 3-minute barrier was only the beginning . There are many more records to be broken, more people to inspire, and more heights to reach and I can't wait to see where this path leads next.

To anyone out there dreaming of greatness , remember; it's not just about how fast you finish, it's about the journey, the effort , and the belief in yourself that will carry you across the finish line, no matter how impossible the goal may seem.

Here's to another year of challenges, growth and victory -a shout out to John Groom and long live Global Fast Fit.

There is something magical about hiking to a crater. It's not just the view ,but the sense  of standing on something ancient forged by the raw forces of nature. Recently , Global Fast Fit Egerton chapter embarked on a hike to Menengai crater . Personally, the hike left me in awe of  the earth's natural beauty .

Our journey began minutes to mid-day with a breeze and smell of pine trees filling the air.  As we started the descent , the landscape started to transform and the rocky path started giving way to the volcanic soils blackened by years of eruptions.

After an 1 hour and 46 minutes of descending down a tough terrain, we got inside the crater. Reaching the crater was a rewarding moment . The expansive view was breathtaking: a large bowl surrounded by steep cliffs. Standing there, I felt a deep connection to the earth, a sense  of wonder of the forces that shaped this landscape. It was a humbling experience -a reminder of the raw power beneath our feet and the serenity that comes when we step into nature's untouched spaces.

A hike to Menengai crater was not only about reaching the destination ; it's about embracing the journey, the challenge and the beauty that nature has to offer.

It goes without saying that good  physical health is important in both children and adults for their overall well-being but we tend to forget about our mental fitness/ mental health.

Mental fitness  means having  the tools and resilience required to maintain a state of positive mental health even when facing challenges in our day to day duties and activities.

There are many ways we can improve our mental health.These include playing games, regular exercising, good eating habits but today i will talk about talking or sharing your problems with someone you trust or a physiotherapist.

Experts say that talking can help provide stress relief and lighten the load of concern someone might be having. Talking can lighten your mood and make you feel happier and even lower your risk  of dementia. During this month of November, Global Fast Fit Kenya will be a partner in the ongoing Men's mental awareness forum starting from 6th-30th November. Global Fast Fit is going beyond physical fitness. it is also encouraging mental fitness. In my own perspective, physical fitness goes hand in hand with mental fitness.

In conclusion, mental health can be challenging to deal with. However, it is not impossible to overcome.  

Choosing the right toothbrush is one of the best decisions you can make for your oral health. Courtesy of Dr Langat, a dentist in Kenya and the Lisam Junior Club visiting dentist, I learnt that toothbrushes are categorised into three and this is one the most ignored specifications yet so important.

The three types of toothbrush bristles are soft, medium and hard. The best way to choose the right toothbrush for you is to ask your dentist or hygienist next time you have your dental appointment.They can guide you based on your oral needs.

The next time you are going to buy your toothbrush, kindly check this bristles specification since it is indicated on the package. Let's maintain a winsome smile 

"Smile, it is the key that fits the lock of everybody's heart".

            -Anthony J.D'Angelo

This year, I have seen so many people smiling, of course genuine smiles. Like they say, smiles are contagious and I have found myself smiling back in one or another.

Two months ago, we visited Riverside Primary school in Nyandarua county, which is in the Central part of Kenya. The school had been chosen as a pioneer of GFF smart and thirteen of it's needy students chosen to be beneficiaries of Global Fast Fit whereby they were to have their school fees and uniform catered for. A meeting between GFF,school representative, the parents and students was set and evidently, you could see their hearts melt as they received the good news. The students received their new pair of uniforms the following week and you could see how happy they were when they changed over from their old pair to a new clad. Big smiles I tell you. Parents were so happy. GFF had given them a glimmer of hope. 

In the recently held Kenya Vs Uganda competitions, I also got a chance to meet a beautiful smile from Simon Mucheru, one the best performers of GFF lite. When GFF held it's first ever event in Kenya on 26th December 2023, the guy could barely run due an accident he had gotten some years back and had to have a femur screw put in his thigh. In the KenyavsUganda rivalry, he one of the forces to recon with. GFF has changed his perspective about running. From limping slow running to being a sprinter. The big guy can now afford a smile.GFF has had an impact on his life.

Last week, GFF helped renovate Lisam Junior Academy where Anita(GFF Kenya mascot) studies. The needy kids were also not left behind. They got their school fees paid for. The school's headteacher could not express how happy she was. The school's transformation was one of the best things I have ever seen. Having been an alumni of that school, I'm so much proud of GFF. Thank you for putting a smile on my face too.

Thank you GFF, thank you John Groom

I recently visited the dentist for the first time since I was born courtesy of Global Fast Fit wellness. I must admit that it was very embarrassing. I don't know who to blame for my ignorance but it's not an excuse. Lucky enough, the jaw smith said I had a good oral hygiene but more needed to be done 

Fast forward, how was the experience? It was among the best experiences I have ever had. Though a bit uncomfortable, it was worth every second spent there.

Dentist's not only solve problems, they also prevent them. When it comes to your oral health, it is important you are proactive in visiting your dentist regularly so that they can curb any arising issues before they become a problem. Life is short, smile while you still have teeth .Dentistry is not expensive .... neglect is!

In conclusion, we should try visit medical specialists for regular check ups in order to monitor our health and maintain a healthy lifestyle. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure.

I recently visited Anthony Muchira's rabbit farm in Njoro, Nakuru Kenya. He is one of our GFF best performing athletes best under 3 minutes 

GFF Kenya was there to document the nutritional value of rabbit meat and to our surprise, rabbit meat is quite beneficial to our bodies. Rabbit meat is an excellent source of proteins amouting to 29.1g/100 grams serving, vitamin B12, low levels of cholesterol and its rich in iron. These components are good for those trying to lose weight, body building or in the fitness sector. In addition, rabbit meat is scrumptious 😋  

 Remember ,"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well"

Yesterday i.e August 6th, I decided to go take a bath at my parents house. After a quick shower, I told my mom how dandruff had affected my scalp. In fact, I was trying to create some small talk with her but it ended up to be a topic on how I didn't know how to bathe and how she wanted to wash me, a grown man. To cut the long story short, it ended up to be a long topic on hygiene and how it goes hand in hand with working out.

I don't know if I deserved the lecture but the talk implanted at the back of my head and everytime I finish a workout, hygiene comes in my mind 

And remember guys, cleanliness is next to godliness..