Simon Njuguna Muchiri 30M

On 13th December, I lined up for the Rurii Marathon 2nd Edition ready to take on the 10 km challenge. I knew it wouldn’t be easy—but I also knew it would be meaningful. When I crossed the finish line, my time read 1 hour 10 minutes, translating to an average pace of 7:00 minutes per kilometre. This race gave me a chance to reflect on how far I’ve come. Previously, at the Mau Marathon, I ran 4 km in 47 minutes, an average pace of 11:45 min/km. On paper, the Rurii race was longer and tougher, yet I felt better—both mentally and physically. That contrast alone confirmed that progress isn’t just measured by distance or speed, but by how your body and mind respond under pressure. What truly set the Rurii Marathon apart was its core theme: mental health. Long-distance running has a way of stripping everything down. As fatigue sets in, the mind becomes the real battleground. Each kilometre demanded focus, self-talk, and emotional control. It was a powerful reminder that mental fitness is just as important as physical strength. Running alongside my Global Fast Fit (GFF) colleagues made the experience even more fulfilling. The shared struggle, encouragement, and unity on the course turned a demanding run into a memorable one. I also have to acknowledge the role of jumping rope in this journey. The consistency and endurance developed through skipping have clearly translated into my running. It has built my cardio capacity and strengthened my mental discipline. Simply put, jumping rope has been good to me. The Rurii Marathon was more than a race—it was a lesson in resilience, community, and mental wellness. One step at a time, the journey continues

When I graduated from campus four years ago, I walked out of the gates with a fresh degree in Procurement and Logistics Management and a heart full of ambition. Like many graduates, I imagined jumping straight into a career that matched my specialization. Life, however, had different plans. I eventually found myself working with Global Fast Fit-a space centred around health, fitness, community, and impact. It was a world far from what I had pictured for myself academically. Over time, I settled into the rhythm of the work, slowly convincing myself that my degree would become just another framed document on the wall. Interesting, but irrelevant. I was wrong. Earlier this year, everything shifted. I was asked to take charge of logistics operations for GFF Kenya. The moment the announcement was made, something clicked. Suddenly, concepts I had studied years ago began resurfacing-procurement strategies, supplier management, cost analysis, quality checks, risk handling. It was as if my academic life had been quietly waiting for its cue. And it didn’t stop there. I was soon placed at the helm of one of the most exciting projects I’ve ever handled: the renovation and rebuilding of the GFF Wellness Centre in Lanet. This wasn’t just another building-this would become the national nerve centre for all GFF activities in Kenya. From the very first day on-site, I felt the weight and thrill of responsibility. I inspected materials, negotiated with suppliers, coordinated labour teams, and ensured every step aligned with timelines and budgets. Beyond the technical work, there was the human side-mobilizing nomads, keeping the energy high, and taking ownership of the project. Every task reminded me that skills don’t disappear; they simply wait for the right opportunity to shine. The long days in class, the endless notes, the group assignments-they were not wasted after all. They were preparing me for this moment. Standing on that construction site, hearing the buzz of tools and seeing progress take shape brick by brick, I realized something profound: sometimes your path bends, pauses, or even detours, but it still leads you exactly where your strengths can thrive. Working with Global Fast Fit hasn’t just advanced my career-it has reshaped my purpose. It has taught me that growth isn’t always loud or instant. Sometimes it happens quietly, in the background, until one day you’re finally given the space to rise. And when that moment comes, everything you’ve learned-every skill, every lesson-finally makes sense.