Reading and writing about books should not preclude us from leading an active life. Better still, for those of us looking to do more outdoor runs, marathons, exercise classes, and yoga meditation, it is great to know that our fave African authors can be a source of inspiration. Here are three authors who routinely bless our Instagram feed with fitness milestones.

 

First up is Tendai Hutchu (@tendaihutchu), the Zimbabwean author of The Hairdresser of Harare and Library of the Dead. Tendai is an avid runner, sharing a variety of trails and parks he’s explored. On March 11, he celebrated a new milestone, posting on Instagram, “Finally got over 10K with a 219m elevation gain. Had to walk all the way back. Pure bliss #runnersofinstagram.”

Congrats Tendai!

 

The American-Ghanaian author and poet Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond @nanaekuawriter recently published her children’s book Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky. On March 20, Nana also celebrated a major milestone, participating and finishing the Oakland Half Marathon with her partner. Congratulations to you both!

We did it!! A whole half marathon. Wow. I’m still in shock. I could not have done this without my love, @dhaffner who was 💨 💨 💨 on that trail. I’m so proud of and inspired by you!! Thank you, God. #Finished #oaklandhalfmarathon

 

Last but not least is Kenyan actress, producer, and author Lupita Nyong’o (@lupitanyongo). She has shared a number of fitness posts, from spin biking to body weight exercises. She is the author of Sulwe, a children’s book encouraging kids to celebrate what makes them uniquely beautiful. She is always sporting the latest fashionable gym fits, including gifts from Beyoncé’s Ivy Park line, as well as American singer Alicia Key’s collaboration with Athleta.

What fitness goal will you be working on this weekend?