Limba Mupetami
When he is not representing the City of Windhoek, Harold Bolla Akwenye is running the city. However, many do not know much about the sheer determination it takes to wake up, lace up and hit the streets to keep fit and healthy.
Akwenye, who is the spokesperson of the City of Windhoek, has served his passion for long-distance running for almost a decade.
His love for running started in high school, where he was a fierce 800 and 1 500metre (m) contender.
This publication caught up with Akwenye from the Windhoek City Runners Club, also known as the Movement, to get a sense of how his running is going, and what drives him to take part in so many marathons.
Why and when did you start running? What is the inspiration behind it?
I started running in high school. I specialised in the 800m and 1 500m. I remember representing Namibia at a race meeting in Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) during my high school years.
But life caught up. I went to university, and later started working. I then had to take a break from running. My brother, Amos Shiyuka, somehow resurrected the old me about six years ago when he asked me to join him for a run around the block to stay healthy and relieve stress. From there on, I never looked back.
My inspiration for running came from watching the incredible endurance and determination of marathon runners, which motivated me to push my own limits.
2. How many marathons have you taken part in so far?
To date, I have participated in various local marathons as well as ultra-marathons, namely Comrades and Two Oceans, each one offering its own unique challenges and rewards.
3. How do you stay motivated when you do not want to run?
On days when motivation is low, I remind myself of the sense of accomplishment I feel after a good run. I also set small, achievable goals, and listen to my favorite music or podcasts to keep myself going. But the best of them all is when I run with my favourite running group, called the Movement. It’s a bunch of awesome guys that push each other to the limits. My improvement is dedicated to them.
4. Do you have a ‘go to’ pre-marathon meal?
My go-to pre-marathon meal is a bowl of oatmeal with bananas and honey, accompanied by a piece of toast with peanut butter. It provides the perfect balance of carbohydrates and protein for sustained energy.
5. What’s your favourite post-race treat?
After a race, I love indulging in a big, juicy burger with a side of sweet potato fries, followed by a 500gramme medium stake. It’s a satisfying way to replenish my energy, and reward myself for the hard work. Given that I lose weight easily with my running, even though I don’t drink alcohol, I make sure I forcefully drink a glass of beer to regain those lost carbohydrates.
6. What was your best running experience?
My best running experience was finishing the Comrades marathon as a novice last year in a time of 8:29.15 seconds. It was indeed an astonishing run, and I’ve outdone myself. The support from the crowd, and the feeling of crossing the finish line, carrying a Namibian flag, was incredibly exhilarating and unforgettable.
6. What was your longest run, and how did you do it?
My longest run was 87 kilometres during the Comrades Ultra Marathon from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. I prepared by following a rigorous training plan, staying hydrated, and maintaining a positive mindset throughout the race. That race was so grueling at times. In my life, I have never conversed with the Almighty God as much as I did on that race. God surely ran some parts of that race for me.
7. What do you not like about running?
One aspect I find challenging is dealing with injuries. They can be frustrating and demotivating, but I’ve learned to listen to my body, and take the necessary time to recover. Moreover, when you have a partner who is not supportive, especially when you go for big runs.
8. What was your worst running experience?
My worst running experience was during my Two Oceans Ultra marathon when I hit the cramps, and my hamstring came as early as 25km. I struggled to climb Chapman’s Peak Drive, finishing the race in a respectable time of 4:59 minutes. The weather was unexpectedly harsh, and I struggled to keep going. However, the experience taught me a lot about mental resilience and the importance of proper preparation. But I redeemed myself this year by bettering my time with twenty minutes.
9. What do you hope to achieve from running?
I hope to continue pushing my limits, achieving personal bests, and inspiring others to take up running. Ultimately, I aim to complete a marathon in Europe and the USA.
10. Top ‘newbie’ marathon runner tip?
My top tip for new marathon runners is to start slow, and build momentum. Rome was never built in one day. Push every day, and make sure you run with experienced runners who can give you guidance.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na