Athletics - Exercising: are you ready to run across in 2023?

The beginning of the new year has always given a milestone opportunity to people for getting rid of bad habits or to start the good ones in relation to their individual living goals either of spiritual or physical kinds.

With regard to physical conditions, it is logically established that most of the non-communicable diseases from which we suffer or that we encounter are due or maintained in large part by long-lasting immobility or the lack of regular physical exercise.

Fortunately, there is a growing awareness of the usefulness of physical exercise, so it is joyful to see people of all ages and genders in sportswear, on the roads and in the streets, walking or running across in the Kigali City, and in other cities as regularly reported.

Care Free Day/Image credit: Kigali City

This happens in an environment where sport is taken seriously by the government, with initiatives like Car Free Day and Kigali Night Run setting the tone. Furthermore, the addition of new asphalt roads, spaces for pedestrians, as well as public lighting and trees all around, which facilitate outdoor exercise, cannot be overlooked.

Just a few days ago, I came across a tweet from Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Rwanda’s new Minister of Health, where he sorts out 10 points which he expresses as health wishes, a post that got a lot of likes and positive comments. In his December 31, 2022 tweet, Dr. Sabin said:

In 2023 I wish you:

  • Being with God, Family, Friends;
  • Avoiding the stress;
  • Sport at least 30 min a day;
  • Drink water – almost 2L/Day;
  • Balanced diet;
  • Sleep at least 7 hours per night;
  • Quit smoking;
  • Less salt, alcohol and sugar intake;
  • Get tested in time
  • A good work ethics and Patriotism

Good Health!

On my part, I have the conviction that such a valuable and operational message will not last without instilling the motive to act successfully on these vital duties.

However, I pity the procrastinators who, while waiting for February, March, etc. to get started, will unfortunately see these wishes never come to fruition coming 2024 and beyond.

So are you ready?