Tell us a little bit about yourself
I am the fourth in a family of six (four boys & two girls), including two lawyers, two doctors, an engineer and sociologist. My dad was a professor and surgeon while my mum is a retired civil servant. My family is a family of runners. My mum runs every day. She is over 70 years but still runs. She has been an inspiration to me. When I was younger, I recall seeing my mum and dad in their all-white sporting gear running together in the University campus where I grew up. I always admired that in them, doing what they enjoyed and keeping fit at the same time. I have been to numerous events where my mum was mistaken as one of my sisters; she looks young and trim as a result of her daily exercise and workouts. My eldest sister won all sporting competitions (especially races) she participated in then in her secondary school. In fact, she was banned from all sporting competitions in her last two years in school to give others a chance of winning in these competitions. As for me, I participated in and won the 5 km race in my JSS3.
How long have you been in the group?
I will be 7 years in the Group by August this year. I am a lawyer with over 15 years’ experience; I joined Transcorp in 2013 as a Legal Manager from Aluko & Oyebode. My legal role was expanded in 2017 to the Legal Manager / Deputy Group Company Secretary. I am currently the acting Group Company Secretary of the Transcorp Group.
Tell us about your recent participation at the Lagos marathon?
The hype was bigger than the event itself. I had heard so many positives about the Lagos Marathon. Especially the 42km race, which is recognised internationally with athletes from all over the world participating in the race. I also heard about the 10km race which was introduced as a family race for Lagos residents and takes place concurrently with the main race. I thought this would be an excellent opportunity for my family to run together (including the kids when they are older).
I prepared aggressively for the 10km race in just one month, losing more than 10kg in the process. During this period, I joined the gym at Heirs Holdings. I followed a personalised and intensive workout plan by the gym instructor, Jason. My workout sessions at the gym started early in the morning at 6am on a daily basis. I also ran with my wife around our estate on weekends. The balance between my workout sessions and my work was seamless as I completed each session before 7am so I had one hour before official work hours started. These workout sessions energised me for my work for the day.
However, after all the prepping, I was left disappointed on the day of the race. The organisers could not manage the crowd of runners that came for the race. To make matters worse, about 30 minutes before the race started, they informed us that we needed to queue for a compulsory wrist band to take part in the competition. This caused a stampede and chaos with many runners not able to get the wrist bands for the race (including my wife and me).
In fact, my wife and I were still in the queue for the wrist band when we heard the race had started. We eventually joined the race about 20 minutes after it had started without the wrist band. My wife finished the race in 53 minutes breaking the female record of 1hr. 08mins for the previous year’s 10km race but the organiser refused to recognise her as she did not have the wrist band. So, there is room for improvement in the organisation of the 10km race.
Why and how did you get into running?
I started participating in competitions from my Junior Secondary School (JSS). I got involved in the 5 km competition as a representative of my dormitory (Unity House). I did not win my first race which took place in my JSS2. On the day of the 5 km race, as the race started, I stumbled and fell amid the crowd of runners. I was new in the school at the time as it was my first term after changing school. I could have given up as a result of my stumble, but it was not the way I was brought up. I was taught as a kid never to give up, keep pushing until I accomplish what I set my mind on. So, I got up and completed the race. This motivated me to win the race the following year.
What does it feel like to race on track?
I feel alive and free as if I am the only person in the world. The only thing that matters is the track and me. All my senses are focused on the track blocking out every other thing.
What benefits, physical, emotional or social do you derive from being physically active?
- I am energised to carry out my daily activities
- I am sharper in my thoughts and more focused
- My attention to details is heightened
- I accomplish my task faster
- I am less tense and more sociable
What advice do you have for millennials or people in middle age who just want to take up the sport?
Don’t think about it; just do it, you will never regret it as it is the best decision you will make for your health.
How do you find time to prioritise fitness?
Simple, I make it the very first thing I do upon waking up, so it fits into my daily rituals.
How do you convince your wife to get on the track with you?
Actually, it is the other way around. She wins all the races she competes in, including the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) 5km Corporate Challenge (Female Category) which she completed in 24 mins. Considering her finishing time of 53mins in the 2020 10km Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, she stood a high chance of winning the race but for the challenges described above.
What do you think young, Nigerian professionals should prioritise now in terms of health?
Young Nigerian professionals (like me) should prioritise daily exercise to keep fit and healthy. It is not too early to exercise. It is no brainer if you consider the benefits that come with regular exercise, as discussed above.
Any final comments on how to stay safe and active while social distancing? And during the Coronavirus pandemic?
Self-isolation at home is critical. While at it, you can tune in to any of the online workout sessions to keep active and fit. Stay safe by following all the guidelines by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and those of the Federal and State governments/health agencies. The virus does not spread on its own. We act as its agent to spread it. So, stay at home and prevent the spread.
I remember when I was a soldier! That was the song we sang in those days. The song made me remember when I was a runner. Short distances though. 100 meters champion. Prize winner in hop-step-and-jump. All those are long forgotten now. How I wish Chike’s story will draw me out again. Indeed, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.