We just completed a regional in-service training (IST) in Segou on April 1st. The training was put together to address issues we might be having in our service, to talk more about food security, and to help us get in contact with NGO’s in our areas that we might work with in the future.
While the training itself had many great points, my favorite part was getting to spend time with the other people in our region, as well as other San Kaw. Even though I am only 4 hours (about) away from Segou, I have not traveled there much. On bus trips to San, we’ve stopped for lunch or a bathroom break, but that’s the extent of my time there. It is a fun city!
Originally the capital of Mali, it also boasts the birthplace of Bambara. The city is on the river and attracts a decent number of NGO’s, ex-patriots, and tourists. The streets are paved, and many are tree lined. You can get anything you could ever need or want there, including cheese, pizza and ice cream, the true measurements of a good city.
But, all of this was only complimentary to the best part of being in Segou for our training. Each morning, I got to run on paved, tree-lined roads-sometimes sidewalks-with friends! What a great change of pace. As someone who has been putting in more and more miles lately, it was such an awesome feeling to be able to do it with other people. Ok, yeah, sometimes I get the occasional child in village who will trail me on my run, but somehow it just isn’t the same. To be able to set out at a steady pace, carry on light conversation, and field yelling Malians with someone. I’d forgotten how much I missed it!
Of course, I am still pounding the pavement (or uneven, sandy path) back in San and in village, getting tuned up to start marathon training in May. But I dream about the days when I’ll be able to run with friends again.
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