Who would have thought that a technician with no prior involvement in competitive sports could dream of not only running marathons but also scaling the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest?
Meet Ruth Sagwe, a Principal Technician at Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC). Beneath her soft-spoken demeanor lies a determined individual who has defied odds to transform her life, both physically and mentally.
Ruth is a reserved person, rarely engaging in conversations unless spoken to. However, her unwavering dedication to her fitness routine at the KPC gym is hard to miss. Her well-toned physique and discipline have become a source of admiration among her colleagues. Intrigued by her commitment, I decided to chat with her one morning in the gym’s changing room after a workout to uncover the story behind her inspiring transformation.
“If you knew me before 2018, you might not recognize me now,” Ruth revealed during our conversation. “I weighed a staggering 95 kgs—35 kgs above my ideal weight.” After giving birth to her third child, Ruth noticed she was gaining weight due to poor eating habits.
Stationed at PS 25 and PS 28 as a technician in the Operations Department between 2014 and 2017, Ruth didn’t initially see her weight as an issue beyond occasional fatigue and exhaustion. However, things took a turn for the worse when she began experiencing severe back pain. “At first, I attributed the pain to the nature of my work, but it intensified to the point where I couldn’t move without assistance,” she recalled.
Doctors diagnosed her with a herniated spinal disc and recommended immediate surgery. Placed on a 30-day bed rest, Ruth was terrified of the potential complications associated with back surgery. “I had heard of people losing mobility or being confined to wheelchairs after unsuccessful operations, and I knew I had to explore alternative solutions,” she explained.
During her bed rest, Ruth immersed herself in research, combing through Google and YouTube for answers. The common denominator in all the information she found was her weight. Determined to avoid surgery, she embarked on a weight-loss journey.
“I started with my diet, eliminating carbohydrates, sugar, and processed foods while controlling my portions,” Ruth shared. Within just 10 days, she had lost 5 Kgs, and her back pain began to ease. Encouraged by the progress, she incorporated short walks into her routine. By the end of the 30 days, she had shed 15 Kgs, and the pain had almost disappeared.
Her recovery was so remarkable that her doctor decided to postpone the surgery. Over subsequent clinic reviews, the idea of surgery was completely shelved. With her pain gone and her health improving, Ruth set her sights on achieving her ideal weight and maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
“The weight loss was a turning point for me. I realized how easily I could gain weight if I wasn’t careful,” Ruth reflected. Motivated by her initial success, she embraced fitness with newfound determination.
Ruth’s day now starts at 4:00 am. By 5:30 am, she’s at the gym, where she trains until 7:45 am before heading to her desk to start her daily job. Her workout regimen focuses on toning, flexibility, and muscle strengthening,essential for her newfound passion for marathons and hiking.
Ruth is currently training for her first full marathon (42 km), having successfully completed several half-marathons (21km). However, her true passion lies in mountain climbing.
Her journey began with a hike up Mt. Longonot. She was exhilarated standing at the summit and looking out over the breathtaking views. Since then, she has conquered numerous trails, including Ngong Hills, Namanga Hills, Kijabe Hill, Kilimambogo, and all the seven Aberdare Ranges.
Ruth has also scaled Mt. Kenya and, in November 2024, reached the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. “Standing at the top of Kilimanjaro and marveling at God’s creation was surreal,” she said. Now weighing 65kgs and in peak physical condition, Ruth is preparing to achieve her ultimate dream: climbing Mt. Everest.
When she’s not running, hiking, or in the gym, Ruth finds solace in her faith. A practicing Adventist, she enjoys reading the Bible as well as motivational and financial literature. She is currently reading Obstacles on the Way by Ryan Holiday.
“Physical exercise rejuvenates my mental abilities, while reading calms my mind and offers different perspectives,” she said. Ruth also believes in the value of discipline, consistency, and resilience. “Life is a journey, not an instant success. You must put in the work,” she added.
Ruth credits her transformation with shaping her work ethic and appreciating the importance of teamwork. “Everyone in your team plays a role in supporting your goals. This has been my greatest lesson,” she concluded.
