Hi bhebhi! 

A pinch and a punch for the first blog of the month.

If someone asked me to describe myself, somewhere between “published author,” “blogger,” and “lover of things,” I would probably add “runner” to the list. And before anyone questions my credentials, allow me to present my case:

1. I can run a whole kilometre in seven minutes and some change. Make it 6 for the first kilometer!

2. I have completed more than ten races and have the medals to show for it.

3. I recently completed my first-ever 15km race. If that doesn’t earn me the right to put “TOP RUNNER” in my bio, then I honestly don’t know what does.

And if there is one thing that makes me happy, it’s knowing that I completed my first 15km at what has to be one of the most beautiful, inspiring, pinkest events Zimbabwe has ever seen.

Of course I was going to blog about my HerMiles experience…duh!!!

Oh. What. A. Morning.

On 31 May, I joined hundreds of women for the inaugural HerMiles Marathon, making history as part of Zimbabwe’s first-ever women ONLY marathon event. There is something incredibly special about being present for a “first.” You know you’re participating in something that people will talk for a while. Did you see social media streets this week? All pink! 

So let’s take it from the top. I woke up on Sunday at 5 and left around 5:30. Whether I bathed or not is information that adds absolutely no value to this story. 

In my mind, traffic was going to be less chaotic than every other marathon I’ve attended and surprisingly, I was right.

Now before the men attack me, hear me out.

Anything involving men usually comes with a little commotion. I’m joking. Kind of.

There was traffic, but it was organised traffic. Commotion with structure. Panic with direction.

One thing I absolutely loved was the flexible start. Participants could begin anytime between 6:00 and 6:45am. I think, angsakhumbuli guys, and you could choose between the 5km, 10km or 15km routes. 

I wanted a challenge and I went for 15 and it was a good challenge cause I am so used to running 10 km and with most marathons you move from 10 to 21km…no inbetween so HerMiles was the perfect chance to test my legs. They carried me through but it’s been a long week of recovery lol. 

The route! Yoh hay that 15km route was something else? @Hypenation, what were all those uphills? They were definitely the weapon formed against me but they did not prosper 😂

After what seemed like a 100kms I made it to the finish line and me arriving to a cover of sister Bettina by mkomana webhosvo was a highlight. Also shout out to HerMiles because that was probably the closest I’ll ever experience Denilson (bhosvo guy). I hope the guy I share my home WiFi with is reading this. 

Anyway, moving on. 

Chengetayi Mnisi for NoExcuses will forever be goated! She came through with some fitness dance, a perfect way to wind down. The affirmations were actually a perfect reminder that in fact, we are those girls!!!

Can we also talk about the race pack for a second? Because HerMiles absolutely delivered. For the registration fee, it felt like great value for money. We got a cute pink diary, chia seeds, a RedAvo shopping voucher, snacks, a branded string bag and other thoughtful goodies. Even the message included in the pack was a nice touch. A lot of thought had gone into creating an experience, not just a race. 

The whole event was well curated. Never have I ever been so impressed by a marathon. Also, I have genuinely never seen so much pink in my life.

The event was beautiful, vibrant, and full of positive vibes. There was also a cool thing that I need to mention. On registration, we had to select what our miles are for, be it for hope, new beginnings, my family and and and…my miles were for my man. Judge me all you want Felicia but “boys are delicious” jokes again😂

Would I do HerMiles again?

Absolutely. In fact, I see the next edition is already scheduled for October and if every single person reading this blog sends me one dollar, I can quickly register for my entry. Wink wink. 

So here’s to firsts.

My first 15km.

Zimbabwe’s first women-focused marathon.

And hopefully the first of many HerMiles events to come.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be finding creative ways to casually mention my 15km personal best in conversations.

Love & light 🩷