Fat Boy Run

Every Friday at 5:30, for several years now, Chevron employees flock to the beach for the weekly Fat Boy Run. There are a couple options: you may either run from the Chevron camp to the beach (about 5-6 miles) or you may ride a bus to the beach and get dropped off there. Ultimately, the final destination for all is a nice homey bar on the sand. Those who opt for the bus are dropped off directly at the bar and can choose to run back and forth from there. Yesterday was my first time to attend this event, and being so I decided the first time I should just take the bus. Ideally I'd like to build up the running the whole way at some point, but I figured I'd start with baby steps. The ride to the beach was very fascinating. It was only a 10-15 minute drive, but along the way we passed through several villages/markets I hadn't yet seen. Some were even situated right up close to the sand. It still amazes me every time I see these unique villages. It's just so different than anything I'm used to seeing in America and it gets me every time. I seriously had to pause for a minute yesterday just to ask myself, "Am I really here right now?" Every time I go out it's so surreal and I feel incredibly blessed to be experiencing this part of the world that so many may never get to. Don't think at all that I'm taking this opportunity for granted. It's also just such a vivid reminder of how lucky I am to have been born where I was and live the life I am. Truly, truly thankful.

Anyways, once we got to the beach a couple of us decided to go for a run. There were a few others that came along just for the fun and camaraderie, not the exercise, so they planted themselves at a table and ordered a few beers. For the other 3 of us, off we went down the sand. Basically, you just run until you feel like you've hit a good halfway point and then turn around and head back. There were three of us in this group: myself, my friend Kate, and another guy who is apparently a personal trainer and was in it for some real exercise. We hung together the whole time, but it ended up being a solid 40 minute run in the sand. The third guy was pushing us the whole way and, honestly, I'm glad he was there because if it was just me I probably would have cut the run shorter by a good 10-15 minutes. It was a great workout, and running in the sand obviously intensifies it as well. By the time we got back, the group of about 5 that had run from camp was arriving at the same time. We all did some cool down stretches together (because this is still Chevron and safety comes first) and finally, exhausted, went and settled in for a couple beers.

This turned out to be, without a doubt, my favorite experience here so far. Yesterday was a smaller group than usual because tons of people are out on vacation this week because of holidays, but a great time was still had by all. We sat around watching the sunset and the waves crash into the shore and, truthfully, I felt like I could have been on any beach in the world. Yes, it's very polluted and there's trash everywhere; if you turn around you see the tattered villages and makeshift lean-to's, but when you're looking out at the sun setting over the water there is still an amazing tranquility. Once the sun was set we started a bonfire and sat around drinking beer and eating the local food. I tried some beef suya (which is very spicy and delicious) and grilled chicken that was cooked right there in front of us and washed it down with a cold Star, the local Nigerian beer. I got to know more of my coworkers that were there and we were even joined by some locals who have gotten to know the group over the years since we're there every Friday. I can't express enough how much I enjoyed this. Not only did I get a solid workout in (my calves are burning today), but I got to watch the sunset, drink some beer, eat Nigerian food, sit around a bonfire, and mingle with coworkers and locals. I decided this will definitely be a staple in my weekly routine here. The Fat Boy Run occurs every single Friday, rain or shine. It hasn't missed a week in years and I don't intend to miss one over the next six months unless I'm physically unable. I'm already looking forward to next week.
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I will go ahead and apologize for the lack of pictures I've taken since I've been here. I'm really bad about snapping pictures, but am trying to get better. I would have loved to get some of the beach and sunset last night, but wasn't bright enough to bring a camera along with me. I will start taking more from here on out and put them up as I go. I know these stories I tell would be illustrated much better with accompanying photos, so I will try to improve. That is my goal.

Random sidenote about two things I've learned this week. 1. The Texas A&M vs. Ole Miss game is on live TV here tonight. I don't know how or why, but I am so dang excited. It starts at 1:30 AM, but you best believe I'm getting up, or staying up, to watch it. 2. Don't watch The Food Network while in Nigeria. They show too much delicious-looking food and you have no access to anything remotely similar. It's just torture.

Until next time...