Ran with the Lusaka Hash House Harriers on Saturday on their inaugural annual rehydration run. Point of the run was to enjoy traditional international alcoholic beverages at the five check points along the way. Checkpoint 1 - Germany (Jaegermeister), 2 - England (Pimms), 3 - South Africa (Brandy and Coke), 4 - USA (Beer), 5 - Scotland (Scotch). Thankfully hardest part of the run was first leg as despite 'feeling' that I could run faster and longer after each checkpoint, reality triumphed over alcohol infused hope.
This is the first time I ran though the 'real' Lusaka (as opposed to ex-pat land). The locals were bemused at seeing a bunch of (mainly) whites running through their streets (well, mud paths). Some children ran with us in bare feet laughing and whooping at us. People came out on their doorsteps to see this weird sight. Must be hard to comprehend running for fun when you don't own a car or even a bike and walking/running is part of your everyday routine.
This is the first time I've lived in a culture where being plump is a sign of health and wealth. I don't know how you would communicate the concept of diet and exercise to much of the population here. You can map the economic development of a country according to food consumption: scarcity, plenty, gluttony!
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