Film director and producer Judy Nyawira achieved a significant milestone in February by running her first-ever marathon.
The mother of one, along with her friends, embarked on a road trip to Tanzania to participate in the much-hyped Kilimanjaro International Marathon. She attempted the 21km race, completing it in 2 hours and 51 minutes.
Speaking on her YouTube channel on March 30, Judy reflected on her experience, describing it as a deeply fulfilling journey.
“I want to do this recap to share some of the lessons I learned while running the Kili Marathon.”
For the cinematographer, the race was more than just a physical challenge—it was a test of mental resilience, self-discipline, and personal growth.
1. Fitness Perception vs. Reality
Judy shared an eye-opening realization about fitness and endurance:
“The way we perceive fitness on social media is very different from reality. You might expect the fittest-looking person to be ahead in a marathon, but surprisingly, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, the person you least expect to finish strong is the one leading, while the seemingly ‘perfect’ runner struggles behind. It’s a reminder that appearances can be deceiving.”
She advised anyone planning to run a marathon to focus on endurance rather than just physical appearance:
“Kimbia laps mtaa (run laps in your neighborhood) because a marathon is all about endurance.”
2. Running a Marathon is a Personal Battle
Judy recalled starting the race with a friend, but soon realizing that marathons are deeply personal challenges:
“For the first 7 kilometers, I was running with Mama T. But then I quickly realized—yes, we came here as friends, and we wanted to finish together, but in a marathon, there is no friendship. Everyone has their own pace and experience. We just meet at the finish line.”
She likened this lesson to life itself:
“Life works the same way. Even within a close-knit squad, we all move at different paces. Today, your bestie might be 1,000 steps ahead, but who knows what tomorrow holds? Everyone has their own path.”
3. The Importance of Pouring Into Oneself
Judy also reflected on the importance of self-care and doing things purely for personal fulfillment.
“When I told Baba Mumbus I had signed up for this marathon, he was shocked. He was like, ‘You’re leaving Kenya just to go run in Tanzania? 21 kilometers is no joke!’ Then he asked why I was doing it, and I told him—because this is my definition of fun. He laughed and said, ‘Babe, your definition of fun is very weird.’”
She emphasized the need to do things purely for oneself, beyond the roles and responsibilities that define us:
“I truly believe that to be a wholesome individual—to be genuinely happy—you need to be a little selfish. Not in a bad way, but in a way that allows you to do things just for you, even if others don’t understand. For me, running this marathon was filling my cup—and from the overflow, I can pour into the lives of those around me.”
By maureen waruinge
