In a few weeks, I will be in Boston along with my fellow AKF Run Team members, running in the Boston Marathon. How did I get to this point?

To tell the truth, I have run the Boston Marathon once before. In fact I met the AKF Run Team at the 2014 Boston Marathon. When I saw the Aga Khan Foundation booth, it reminded me of the Foundation’s work in Kenya where I grew up. Then a few months ago I learned that the Aga Khan Foundation would be a Boston Marathon charity partner again this year, and was accepting applications for runners.

I thought this year, instead of running the marathon again just for fun, I would run for a cause that will help people, especially poor people. Something that will make a difference in people’s lives. So I applied to run and raise funds for the Foundation. I was thrilled when I was accepted!

Last month I visited the Aga Khan Foundation office in Washington, DC to meet my team mates, coach and staff, and learn more about the Foundation’s programs.

Connections to East Africa and Making a Difference

I happened to know of the Foundation’s work in Kenya from its high-quality hospitals and schools. Aga Khan University’s campus in Nairobi and its hospital are famous. The Aga Khan schools in Kenya accept a wide variety of students and graduate outstanding professionals. I also learned of other programs in rural development, microfinance and health that I hadn’t known about before – including a new program on civil society.

In education, especially in countries where schools don’t have much – even books – the Foundation is able to reach out and help people, and bring the schools and children up to a higher standard.

This organization is a good one to help because it has made a big difference in people’s lives.

The Powerful Lesson of Running

I started running about 10 years ago. When I saw how much I gained from it, I just continued. Running taught me powerful lessons.

Running gives you endurance and patience. If I can do one mile, then I can do two miles. Suddenly you can find yourself running 26.2 miles! When you apply that to your life, you realize you can do anything that you put your mind to.

For example, when I experience a hardship, I always tell myself, “Just be patient, like when you’re running. Eventually you’re going to get through it.” Running has boosted my self esteem, something that most girls in developing countries sadly lack. When I started running, I was overweight and got discouraged when people made fun of me. I’ve progressed from being too shy to speak in public settings to leading an aerobic class every week.

In a marathon, those lessons take you far. At Mile 17, I’ll be telling myself, “It’s all in the mind. You just have to focus.” Then I’ll find myself finishing.

It means a lot to me to run with the AKF Run Team next month. Training this winter in the Northeast has been very challenging, especially when it has been icy. I have taken a few falls here and there on the ice. But I know why I’m running! So I just keep focused.

Stronger Together

With my teammates, I know that besides gaining the lesson of self-actualization for myself, our running this race will help people far away make their dreams real. It will help them lift themselves out of poverty.

Please visit my Crowdrise page and help us reach our goal!

By Catherine Kabui, AKF Run Team member