Out and Back: Different World

The 2nd annual Fall Classic 10k was this morning and earlier this week, our friend and the race director sent out an email to a few folks asking if anyone would be willing to put up a few out of town racers on Friday night before the event. Sure, why not, I would hope someone would do the same for us and it's always cool to meet another runner. When she called and said that we were the only people who had replied and that the out of towners were actually 5 Kenyan pro runners, I couldn't wait. Made sure they were ok with the country and two dogs and got approval from Dave, who of course was all about it as well, and we were on for an international sleepover.

They made dinner. Not sure what it was called but it was tasty, full of carbs, and definitely got me thinking that I would surely PR at the race having soaked up all of their fast food and energy. Things we learned or noticed:

- not cool with dogs. Apparently they only use dogs as guard animals in Kenya. Weren't too thrilled when Bender started growling at them.

- Main languages in Kenya are Swahili and one of 41 local dialects though they learn English really early on and most of their high school classes are taught in english. These guys didn't speak much and most of the conversation involved tons of hand gestures and awkward grins. They were great about it though and hopefully didn't mind all of our questions!

- All four of them (their coach made the 5th) came from one of three elite running tribes and now live in NC to train and run professionally, sending home most of their race winnings.

- Fairly shy and reserved. Maybe because we were total strangers but I definitely noted a lack of eye contact from the two women.

- Washed their hands in the dirty water soaking the pots and pans. Good lesson here that maybe we don't need to waste as much as we think we do.

- Really in to my Garmin watch, especially the women. Wanted to learn about the settings and features. I had to explain to them that the 8 minute pace from my race was perfectly fine when they started giggling. I seriously almost gave it to them right then and there. If it hadn't been a gift (thanks, hubs) I probably would have.

I didn't PR but I had a great race and loved hanging out with them for the night and morning. Crazy cool experience. Despite a late departure, flat tire, soaking wet roads, and tons of leaves making the course risky for someone at my pace, let alone someone who seemed to elevate as they ran, they took 1 and 2 in the mens race and 2 and 3 in the womens. He won with a 4:58 average. Insanity.