What is your Why? is a story series by Kenya’s active community of runners, cyclists, hikers, triathletes and gym-goers on why they do what they do in their own words.
There aren’t many spaces online where one can read or tell their stories of fitness & wellness, yet these stories matter as much as any others. Not just as a way of self-reflection, but also as sparks of inspiration to millions out there who still believe that running, cycling, hiking, or any other form of physical exercise is just too hard/boring or any other negative superlative you can think of.
This week’s feature is Charley Kamau, aka Charley Blackman.
Charley, a Community Associate at Food 4 Education, an NGO that deals with School feeding programs, has been in active sports all his life. He grew up playing Football from as young as Under 7, serving the game as a player and an admin. Then, in 2015, he quit.
Three years later, in late 2019, he sank into depression. He remembers that as one of the lowest moments in his life.
“I started recreational running in 2022, got influenced by my friends from the football world. They form a big percentage of the Karura Running Club.” He told me
“After a lot of back and forth, I finally committed to active running last year and started participating in Marathons”
Charley Kamau aka Blackman, a footballer turned runner and a member of Karura Running Club
Last year, he did his first Half Marathon. He tells me a full marathon is not beyond the stars he is shooting for. Running is super addictive and very fulfilling, he admits. Beyond the dopamine high, running keeps him sane from PTSD and makes him whole in a way he can’t describe.
“I fell in love with running less than 3 years ago. I wish I had started in my formative years.” He laughs.
“In which other ways has being active come through for you?” I ask.
“I make all my crucial decisions on the trails. It’s enough therapy. A fit body contains a happy soul.” He quips.
Fitness means a lot to Charley. Yet, like everyone, staying consistent is always a challenge. Family obligations, responsibilities, and work might demand more time and input than one can imagine. Sometimes, he tells me, one can easily find oneself losing track of working out or even just staying active. Finding a striking balance is a superpower and the ultimate solution for staying consistent in all spheres and seasons of life, he cautions.
“I love it here.” He proclaims.
Charley found his way back to his first love, Football. Running for him and his teammates on the pitch and running mates on the roads and trails has become another way to “Love it here” even more.
Follow Charley as he continues to share her fitness journey on;
Ig: blackmancharley
Facebook: charley.blackman.9
Want to tell your Why story? Here’s how this works: you fill out this form with some prompt questions to tell me about your fitness & wellness story. The form also has a photo submission feature for our fitness quotes. If you haven’t been featured on our quotes before, we’ll do that alongside your story. If you have already been featured in the past, you may still submit another photo for the future.