On random challenges and DJ Obi
For the past three years I have been part of a running club called the Lagos Road Warriors. On any given day, a group of “warriors” will be…
For the past three years I have been part of a running club called the Lagos Road Warriors. On any given day, a group of “warriors” will be running the streets of Lagos and beyond and every so often we travel as a group to take part in a marathon. Many friends always ask, why we run such long distances (42km) instead of a leisurely “pick your number” kilometers. Its a good question and many have different answers — one thing I know is that I have never had a positive answer especially in the last 10 kilometers of a race. If you are so committed, why stop at 42 kilometers — why not go further they ask? And indeed many and a few Warriors have responded by going further. But when is enough? At what point is one content with their accomplishment?
Today I witnessed a different type of marathon in Lagos — DJ Obi, a popular Nigerian disc jockey is attempting to beat the Guinness World Record for longest stretch of spinning records. Currently the record is 200 hours set in Ireland in 2014. At 7am, at Sao Cafe, the music was loud, vibrant and the dance floor was packed. DJObi held center stage and was doing what he did best — making the crowd move. Completely in his element and looked as if he had only just started his quest when in fact he was well over 160 hours. Just a couple hours later, the story was different. He was just coming back from a short break, looking weary and submitted himself to a quick massage at the stage. The ebullience was gone, replaced by fatigue. Friends and well-wishers remained supportive trying to lift his spirits — but there is only so much you can do when every fiber is probably shouting “sleep!!!”.
But in that moment lies the answer as to why we do these random challenges. Just because — because its a challenge that calls to us. Because its part of human nature to aspire for self- improvement. Just because this appeals to me and I don’t care what you think about it. A few days ago, I had heard about DJ Obi and thought his quest a bit strange. But seeing him earlier today struggling but resolute has convinced me that no-one should judge the purity of the quest. So to all those who look to bake the biggest cake, climb the highest mountain, dammit eat the most burgers in 1 hour — I salute you. And DJ Obi, good luck in hitting 240 hours on Saturday.
#DJObiWorldRecord @RoadWarriorsNg