If you are humble, your concentration will be very high. That’s the way to go in sports.
I was not so lucky to grow up with toys as I grew up in a remote area of Kenya.
I really want to make a big mark in athletics, to be a legend and be a good example to kids.
I want to run with a relaxed mind.
I enjoy the simplistic training and life in marathon. You run, eat, sleep, walk around - that's how life is. You don't get complicated. The moment you get complicated it distracts your mind.
It’s important to run clean so that you can inspire people, to give an example to the young generation.
I want to show the world that you can go beyond your thoughts, you can break more than you think you can break.
To run a big marathon and win takes five months. When I’m on the starting line, my mind starts reviewing what I have been doing the last five months. I believe in my training, and I treat myself as the best one standing on that line.
I started running because my neighbour, Patrick Sang, was an athlete and I wanted to be just like him. Patrick came from the same village as I do and my mother used to be his teacher. I was so inspired by his success.
I have only ever done athletics. I was only average at school and I have never done any other sport.
You need to go near to the people and actually sensitize them about the sport - specifically running. If athletes can go near their fans, many people would develop a love for running.
I’m not having any problems with my body so I don’t need to supplement. Growing older you don’t recover as fast, but all-in-all I’m doing well.
My first competition outside Kenya was at the 2002 world cross country championships in Dublin, Ireland. I finished fifth in the junior race that day but the thing I remember the most was that it was very cold.
I would say that Breaking2 was my best race because I was running against something no one had done before.
I wake up at 5am, by 6am I’m on the way to training. I come back and relax, have lunch, take a little nap, then train again at 4pm for an evening run. Then relax, dinner and bed at 9pm until the next day.
If you train with fast athletes, it keeps you pushing. I know that good preparation is more important than everything else.
I got into running when I was being mentored by my coach. I tried it and developed a passion for it.
My first race was in October 2001 in Kapsabet, Kenya. It was a 10km road race. I was excited and I was happy to know I am good in running.
I think 1:59 is something a human being can run. Or 1:58. Who knows?! If someone trains very well and thinks in a good way, then they can do anything.
My mind is always free. My mind is flexible.
