GILBERT’S GAZELLES TRAIN FOR THE NIKE+ HUMAN RACE
Gilbert Tuhabonye is a runner. He can be found running the trail around Lady Bird Lake, enjoying an early morning run. Perhaps you’ve seen him running with herds of followers, all of whom have a goal that Gilbert is propelling them towards. Whatever he’s doing, Gilbert is pressing on, healing, forgiving and if at all possible, he’s running.
Gilbert is a survivor of a genocidal attack in Africa. His story is one of tragedy, fear, triumph, hope and above all, forgiveness. Running has given Gilbert his freedom, but not just politically. Gilbert is free from the anger at those who tried to take his life, and who succeeded in taking the lives of so many. Below is an excerpt from our interview with Gilbert.
Gilbert’s thoughts on the Human Race can be summed up quite simply: “This is a one time opportunity, and Austin, Texas has been honored as a host city. We owe it to Texas and to Austin to get out there and show the world what we can do. “
Come run with Gilbert this Saturday, August 16th at the Starbucks on 24th & Nueces, and learn first hand what running is all about.
Q. You started running at a very young age? What inspired you to run then? What inspires you to run now?
Well, growing up in Burundi, I had a nickname that my mother and grandmother used to call me – Tumagu: It means, “Run Like the Wind.” In Africa, the roadways are not nice, paved streets. They are made of dirt and dust. My grandmother and mother would know it was me coming down the road because they could see plumes of dust, even if they could not see me. I was motivated by my nickname. I ran to and from school every day, five miles each way. I did not have a choice… I would run back and forth to get water and to go to school. I ran everywhere. There were so many ways that I enjoyed running then, but there was no competition and no way to see my improvement. I used to watch the Army troops walk by and then I’d fall in line and join them. They would sing to keep their mind off of the long distances and the heat. I began to listen to them sing and sing. I would sing with them when they were tired.
I went to school on full scholarship. Running meant a lot to me; it’s my everything. It’s one of the things that helps me forget what happened to me. When I run, my mind is clear. I want to stay at the top of the game, though. I want to keep running because running has helped me. It’s my therapy. Over the years though, the focus has changed because I can help people through running. I know the joy that comes from running and I want to pass that on. In college, I was ready to run and compete. Now I find great reward by helping other people. I want to share the passion that I have for running with other people.
Q. You’ve achieved great success over the years, what has been your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge. Well, I almost died in 1993. There was a tribal attack on my school and we (my classmates and I), were beaten and put in a burning building. I spent eight hours in the fire and almost lost my life. I was able to break away and run for freedom. I was the only one lucky enough to escape. I spent three months in the hospital. Thirty percent of my body was gone, burned. The biggest challenge was the burns and the doctors said I could never run again. Prior to the attack, I had been gaining some notoriety in Africa and was the national champion in the 400m & 800m track events. The U.S. knew that I was doing great. In ninth grade I ran a 1.52 in the 800m. No one does that. There was interest in me, which really motivated me. Believe it or not, on the day I checked out of the hospital, I received an invitation to run on a full scholarship in the United States. It would be a long road to recovery, but I was determined and, in 1996, I carried the Olympic torch at the Opening Ceremonies in Atlanta and I went to the White House to receive a courageous student athlete award. We all have problems, but that was the momentous challenge in my life. Not only did I have to fight for my life and survive the attack, I had to work very hard to get my body to where I could run again and, ultimately, I had to learn forgiveness. When I first moved to this county, I had anger. People had tried to kill me in Burundi, and I learned to forgive someone who tried to take away my life. We all run for a reason and I ran to forget and to forgive. I want to be the very best I can be every day.
Q. What brought you to Austin?
Paul Carozza, the owner of RunTex. He has been my mentor, my boss and my coach. He has helped me all along. I was at Abilene Christian University and was looking for a job. He heard my story and he gave me a job. Before you knew it, I was really helping kids and talking to them about nutrition, exercise and fitness. I have so much respect for him. He is a great man.
Q. Why did you start the Gilbert’s Gazelles program? What are its objectives?
When I first moved to Austin in 2002, I won the Capital 10K. After the race, three ladies approached me and asked me to help them train. I like to help people improve their running. They wanted me to help them train and they were amazed at my passion, care and knowledge. I of course agreed to help out. They soon were running eight-minute miles, and in one month, the group was up to 22 people strictly by word of mouth. I was credible and my training was working. It has been growing ever since. I have changed the focus now. There is a need for the training to be organized and structured, based on the overall objective, whether it is training for a marathon or a triathlon. My focuses are on core strength, running form, stretching; it’s important to stretch. I’ve always been a leader in running whether I was a team captain or a pace leader. I took what I learned in Africa and brought it here to share the joy and passion. This is a group of incredible people that have done something in life. They know what they want, they have a goal and I help them accomplish their goal.
Q. How will you and your organizations be involved in the Nike+ Human Race?
People in my Gilbert’s Gazelles Training Group and supporters of my charity, the Gazelle Foundation, are trying to come out as a group. The Nike + Human Race is a great opportunity to get us all together and to showcase Austin and its people to the rest of the world. I hope to recruit as many as I can. The Nike race is something everyone in the community should attend and enjoy. I think we will have a strong presence on August 31st!
Q. Why should the Austin community run this race, specifically?
We have the honor to race with the world at this unique event. If you are not a runner, walk the race! After the event, there is music and so much more. I hope everyone comes to this. It brings everyone in harmony for one day, regardless of politics, religion, geography, etc. Everyone come out and do it. Being one of the host cities is such an honor to Austin and we should prove that we deserve it.
Q. What’s the best advice you’ve received about running?
Listen to your body. When I was young my coach pushed me to the limits. In seventh grade, I won a cross country competition where we were being recruited. The coach came up to me and said, ”You can be the best.” Every time I’m about to step up to the starting line, it echoes in my head to be the best. That helps.
Q. What are some of the most memorable cities you’ve ran in- competitively or for leisure?
The University Games in Japan in 1995 was one of my very favorites. A few more favorites are Italy, Germany and other areas of Japan. Of course, London. The people in London are so wonderful. I also cannot forget when I went to Columbia in 1996 and I ran in the forest and it was incredible. I‘ve been everywhere and of course, Town Lake (Lady Bird Lake) is my favorite. I’m serious. It’s just incredible. I can’t tell you how many miles I’ve put on that Lake.
Q. Who are your running heroes?
As I grow, my heroes change, but Haile Gebrselassie, a world record holder in the marathon and half marathon, is definitely one.
Q. What does a balanced and fit lifestyle mean for you and what advice can you give emerging runners, who are just starting to incorporate running into their fitness routine?
Running is my freedom, my therapy, and I was able to overcome a lot because of running. I will run until I die. It makes me a good person; it changes lives. You are a better person when you run. It’s not easy, and I always tell my athletes, that they must have a goal; otherwise, it’s easy to let it go. If you want to mix it up and stay healthy, you have to set a goal.
Gilbert is a survivor of a genocidal attack in Africa. His story is one of tragedy, fear, triumph, hope and above all, forgiveness. Running has given Gilbert his freedom, but not just politically. Gilbert is free from the anger at those who tried to take his life, and who succeeded in taking the lives of so many. Below is an excerpt from our interview with Gilbert.
Gilbert’s thoughts on the Human Race can be summed up quite simply: “This is a one time opportunity, and Austin, Texas has been honored as a host city. We owe it to Texas and to Austin to get out there and show the world what we can do. “
Come run with Gilbert this Saturday, August 16th at the Starbucks on 24th & Nueces, and learn first hand what running is all about.
Q. You started running at a very young age? What inspired you to run then? What inspires you to run now?
Well, growing up in Burundi, I had a nickname that my mother and grandmother used to call me – Tumagu: It means, “Run Like the Wind.” In Africa, the roadways are not nice, paved streets. They are made of dirt and dust. My grandmother and mother would know it was me coming down the road because they could see plumes of dust, even if they could not see me. I was motivated by my nickname. I ran to and from school every day, five miles each way. I did not have a choice… I would run back and forth to get water and to go to school. I ran everywhere. There were so many ways that I enjoyed running then, but there was no competition and no way to see my improvement. I used to watch the Army troops walk by and then I’d fall in line and join them. They would sing to keep their mind off of the long distances and the heat. I began to listen to them sing and sing. I would sing with them when they were tired.
I went to school on full scholarship. Running meant a lot to me; it’s my everything. It’s one of the things that helps me forget what happened to me. When I run, my mind is clear. I want to stay at the top of the game, though. I want to keep running because running has helped me. It’s my therapy. Over the years though, the focus has changed because I can help people through running. I know the joy that comes from running and I want to pass that on. In college, I was ready to run and compete. Now I find great reward by helping other people. I want to share the passion that I have for running with other people.
Q. You’ve achieved great success over the years, what has been your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge. Well, I almost died in 1993. There was a tribal attack on my school and we (my classmates and I), were beaten and put in a burning building. I spent eight hours in the fire and almost lost my life. I was able to break away and run for freedom. I was the only one lucky enough to escape. I spent three months in the hospital. Thirty percent of my body was gone, burned. The biggest challenge was the burns and the doctors said I could never run again. Prior to the attack, I had been gaining some notoriety in Africa and was the national champion in the 400m & 800m track events. The U.S. knew that I was doing great. In ninth grade I ran a 1.52 in the 800m. No one does that. There was interest in me, which really motivated me. Believe it or not, on the day I checked out of the hospital, I received an invitation to run on a full scholarship in the United States. It would be a long road to recovery, but I was determined and, in 1996, I carried the Olympic torch at the Opening Ceremonies in Atlanta and I went to the White House to receive a courageous student athlete award. We all have problems, but that was the momentous challenge in my life. Not only did I have to fight for my life and survive the attack, I had to work very hard to get my body to where I could run again and, ultimately, I had to learn forgiveness. When I first moved to this county, I had anger. People had tried to kill me in Burundi, and I learned to forgive someone who tried to take away my life. We all run for a reason and I ran to forget and to forgive. I want to be the very best I can be every day.
Q. What brought you to Austin?
Paul Carozza, the owner of RunTex. He has been my mentor, my boss and my coach. He has helped me all along. I was at Abilene Christian University and was looking for a job. He heard my story and he gave me a job. Before you knew it, I was really helping kids and talking to them about nutrition, exercise and fitness. I have so much respect for him. He is a great man.
Q. Why did you start the Gilbert’s Gazelles program? What are its objectives?
When I first moved to Austin in 2002, I won the Capital 10K. After the race, three ladies approached me and asked me to help them train. I like to help people improve their running. They wanted me to help them train and they were amazed at my passion, care and knowledge. I of course agreed to help out. They soon were running eight-minute miles, and in one month, the group was up to 22 people strictly by word of mouth. I was credible and my training was working. It has been growing ever since. I have changed the focus now. There is a need for the training to be organized and structured, based on the overall objective, whether it is training for a marathon or a triathlon. My focuses are on core strength, running form, stretching; it’s important to stretch. I’ve always been a leader in running whether I was a team captain or a pace leader. I took what I learned in Africa and brought it here to share the joy and passion. This is a group of incredible people that have done something in life. They know what they want, they have a goal and I help them accomplish their goal.
Q. How will you and your organizations be involved in the Nike+ Human Race?
People in my Gilbert’s Gazelles Training Group and supporters of my charity, the Gazelle Foundation, are trying to come out as a group. The Nike + Human Race is a great opportunity to get us all together and to showcase Austin and its people to the rest of the world. I hope to recruit as many as I can. The Nike race is something everyone in the community should attend and enjoy. I think we will have a strong presence on August 31st!
Q. Why should the Austin community run this race, specifically?
We have the honor to race with the world at this unique event. If you are not a runner, walk the race! After the event, there is music and so much more. I hope everyone comes to this. It brings everyone in harmony for one day, regardless of politics, religion, geography, etc. Everyone come out and do it. Being one of the host cities is such an honor to Austin and we should prove that we deserve it.
Q. What’s the best advice you’ve received about running?
Listen to your body. When I was young my coach pushed me to the limits. In seventh grade, I won a cross country competition where we were being recruited. The coach came up to me and said, ”You can be the best.” Every time I’m about to step up to the starting line, it echoes in my head to be the best. That helps.
Q. What are some of the most memorable cities you’ve ran in- competitively or for leisure?
The University Games in Japan in 1995 was one of my very favorites. A few more favorites are Italy, Germany and other areas of Japan. Of course, London. The people in London are so wonderful. I also cannot forget when I went to Columbia in 1996 and I ran in the forest and it was incredible. I‘ve been everywhere and of course, Town Lake (Lady Bird Lake) is my favorite. I’m serious. It’s just incredible. I can’t tell you how many miles I’ve put on that Lake.
Q. Who are your running heroes?
As I grow, my heroes change, but Haile Gebrselassie, a world record holder in the marathon and half marathon, is definitely one.
Q. What does a balanced and fit lifestyle mean for you and what advice can you give emerging runners, who are just starting to incorporate running into their fitness routine?
Running is my freedom, my therapy, and I was able to overcome a lot because of running. I will run until I die. It makes me a good person; it changes lives. You are a better person when you run. It’s not easy, and I always tell my athletes, that they must have a goal; otherwise, it’s easy to let it go. If you want to mix it up and stay healthy, you have to set a goal.
