This week on Cats Corner, we had a pleasure of talking to Vincent Mwangi. Vincent shares his remarkable journey into the world of running, shedding some light on what keeps him motivated and inspired.
Hey Vincent, thanks for granting us an opportunity to profile your running story on Cats Corner.
Vincent: Thank you very much for giving me this platform to share my running journey. I hope no one reads it, but if you do… don’t keep it to yourself.
The Journey to Running
Can you tell us when did you first start running and what initially got you into running?
Vincent: My running journey started “by mistake” when someone asked me to fetch them at a conference one evening. The person started walking home and instead of joining, I decided to pull a prank and pretended to be a stalker. The person ran so fast and I chased close behind, ran home using a different route, got home and changed clothes… fast forward, the next weekend saw us attending park runs.
Interesting, so from park runs to joining a running club. When did you join Fat Cats AC, and how would you describe being part of the Fat Cats family?
Vincent: I joined Fat Cats AC in 2018 and I’m proud to be part of a group that is just not a running club but more of a family unit.
Passion and Motivation
What keeps you motivated, and what would you say is your “WHY” in running?
Vincent: The benefits, both physical and mental as well as goals achieved keep me in this journey. Breaking one barrier just shows that we can achieve anything we put our mind into and that, just as in life, keeps me aiming for the next achievement.
How do you stay focused and committed to your running routine?
Vincent: I’ll take this with a pinch of salt. Running comes naturally for me, and I barely stick to any routine or programmes. However, the flip side is that I miss opportunities to do better and that, I have made peace with.
Personal Benefits
What would you say are the biggest benefits of running for you personally?
Vincent: We always aim to live longer yet we forget that the quality of life we live is more important. Running has proved to me that I can improve that quality by merely doing what I love.
Have you experienced any significant changes in your life since you started running?
Vincent: There are so many changes but most important is my health. That came along with a change in eating habits and lifestyle. Running has also brought very important and helpful people in my life.
So, what would you say is your biggest running milestone so far?
Vincent: Conquering the Ultimate Human Race – Comrades Marathon and improving my times although this is on a personal level. In the broad spectrum, it’s the motivation I have given a lot of runners and the hope restored to some who quit the sport and came back because they read my posts. Each step is intentional whether personally or for someone out there who may feel inspired by my journey.
Comrades Marathon Experience
Talking about Comrades Marathons, how many have you participated in so far?
Vincent: The 2024 up run was my 4th Comrades Marathon run.
What would you say is your most memorable experience or challenge you’ve faced during any of your Comrades Marathons?
Vincent: My first one in 2019, where I really had misplaced expectations. Instead of enjoying the race, I went all out chasing time and although it wasn’t too shabby, it was painful. At the finish line, I had two gents from Fat Cats who held me, and I shed tears of joy for just crossing that line knowing I had overcome. In the recent 2024 run, I met a friend of mine who was just about to give up and pull out… we had a minute of composure, and I took her to the finish line in time for that coveted Bill Rowan medal.
Advice for Beginners
What advice would you give to someone who is new to running?
Vincent: Waking up is the first achievement. Dressing and lacing those shoes is another win. Going out for the run is the best feeling ever. Running is challenging and the best feeling is achieved by your mind being stronger than your body at times. It’s your run, enjoy it at your pace. Compete with no one but yourself.
Are there any common mistakes you see beginners make, and how can they avoid them?
The biggest mistake is the question of time. Many say this is my first run and I want to do it in x amount of time. Forget the time, embrace the distance. Enjoy the fresh air, the beautiful scenery, listen to the sound of your feet with each landing. Time will come in automatically when you have put in the work.
Ultimate Goals
What is your ultimate goal in your running journey?
Vincent: To inspire as many people as possible who are struggling with their first step in this beautiful sport and of course smash a few personal records.
Are there any specific races or milestones you are aiming to achieve in the near future?
Vincent: The Washie 100 miler is top of “my to do list” as well as International Races. Running is the universal language of humanity. It knows no race, colour, religion or ethnicity background. Let us come together and use it to restore faith in humanity.
Thank you, Vincent, for sharing your story with us, we are looking forward to cheering you on as you take on these big milestones.
