Beyond the finish line: A Prodaptian's journey through running and mountain biking

On the bright, sunny morning of March 22nd, 2024, Martin Ray Kagasi, Lead Operations Manager, Prodapt, put on his smartwatch, strapped on his running shoes, and took to the streets of Nairobi (Kenya) for a run. This wasn’t meant to be any other run. Martin was keen to mark a special occasion by completing a special milestone. He pushed himself to complete 25kms, finally reaching Prodapt’s Nairobi office feeling exhausted and humbled. The 25K was his tribute to 25 years of Prodapt. “It was just awesome.” He experienced a sense of accomplishment, as an athlete and as a proud Prodaptian, and excitement as he joined teammates at the Nairobi office and Prodaptians across the globe in the 25th Anniversary celebrations.

Even though Martin is a marathoner, his first love remains mountain biking. Martin truly enjoys navigating rough terrains, steep inclines, and descents. “The thrill of mountain biking is simply unmatched,” says Martin, who considers Swiss mountain biker Nino Schurter as his biggest inspiration, and Cape Town (South Africa) as his dream biking destination.

Martin shares his journey as an athlete, speaks on why cross-training matters, unique marathon formats like ‘Dusk2Dawn’, and the importance of mental well-being.

Congratulations on your 25K to mark Prodapt’s 25th anniversary!

I cannot express what I felt that day entirely in words. It was the second time in a month that I had run a distance greater than half a marathon. ?I love the feeling of pushing my limits and achieving new personal records. And this was my way of saluting Prodapt’s silver jubilee milestone.

Tell us more about your passion for mountain biking and marathons.

I love mountain biking. I enjoy the trails as they take me away from the busy roads and connect me with nature. Running is additional. I started running recreationally after campus just for fun. Over time, I would occasionally go trail running and sign up for short-distance races. Plus, it's a great way to explore new places and connect with other runners. It also provides a good base for cross-training with my mountain biking.

So, which is your most memorable biking expedition and run?

My most memorable biking tour is the one I did last year in June. My spirit of adventure took me on an 18-day solo bike-packing trip around Lake Victoria. Lake Victoria is shared between Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania and is the largest lake in Africa. My trip took me through three countries and 16 towns, with a total of 1, 660 km covered.

When it comes to runs, the Kilimanjaro Half Marathon for which I went to Tanzania in 2021, is my most memorable one. Running against the majestic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro created a lasting impression. It was one of my most beautiful runs.

I’ve also participated in some unique formats, like the Dusk2Dawn (12-hour night run festival) challenge two months ago. Participants run as many kilometers as they can on a 400M track within the 12-hour window. The first few kilometers went smoothly for me, but as I reached the half-marathon point, fatigue started kicking in. Four hours into the challenge, and with 30kms done, my body wasn’t having it anymore. It was my first time crossing the half marathon threshold and it was a true test of mental and physical endurance for me.

How have you built endurance over the years?

It’s been a gradual process requiring patience, perseverance, and stepping outside my comfort zone. Consistency is the key. I made it a habit to lace up my shoes and hit the tarmac or trails regularly for easy runs. Cross-training and incorporating a variety of activities like cycling into my routine have also helped me build endurance. Setting specific goals has been another important aspect of building endurance and discipline. Whether it's training for a race, increasing mileage, or achieving a personal best, having a clear target to work towards has kept me focused and motivated.

Going ahead, what do you aim to achieve?

As a person working in tech, my goals are centered on professional development and making meaningful contributions to the Connectedness sector. I aim to continually expand my skills through ongoing learning and certification programs, so that I can deliver greater value.

As an athlete, I aim to challenge myself by setting new personal records in various distances. I want to try out a full marathon this year and participate in more running and biking events in and around Kenya.

Running involves a lot, in terms of having the right shoes, right surface, exercise, breathing techniques, etc. Do you think this helps you analyze other things in life and at work better?

Running teaches valuable lessons about discipline and goal setting, which are applicable across various domains. Persistence is what gives me the unwavering determination to push myself beyond limits, overcome obstacles, and achieve my goals even if adversities linger around. It’s the Prodapt value I best relate to.

How has the pursuit of fitness changed over the years?

My thoughts center around the shift towards recognizing and prioritizing mental health alongside physical health. People are increasingly encouraged to speak openly about their mental health struggles and seek support when needed. Moreover, mental health is being integrated into various aspects of life, including workplaces, schools, and communities. This is a positive evolution in our approach to overall well-being.

Your favorite spot in Kenya for a run…

Karura Forest. It’s a large urban forest in the city that offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. It has well-maintained trails and indigenous trees. The trails cater to all levels of runners, from joggers to athletes.