Altitude Training: Why Ideal Science and Culture Favor Kenya
As a runner, coach, and sports journalist, I have witnessed first-hand the powerful impact that high altitude training environments can have on elite performance
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Coaching | Interviews, | Marathon | Running
Determined Runners, by Justin Lagat
Running, especially long distance, is one of the most challenging sports in the world. It needs Determined Runners. Besides taking many years of training, it also needs maximum perseverance, dedication, discipline and daily hard work on the part of the athlete in order for them to finally get to shine.
Perhaps that is what defines and separates the Kenyan athletes from the rest. Once they decide to pursue a goal – running for this case – nothing will stop them until they achieve it.
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Sprint, Spirit, and Stories: Thomas, Omanyala at 2026 Kip Keino Classic press conference
The Kip Keino Classic World Continental Tour Gold meeting has quickly become one of Africa’s most anticipated athletics events, drawing a constellation of global stars and local heroes to Nairobi’s vibrant stage. As athletes and fans converge on the Kenyan capital, the atmosphere is charged with excitement, anticipation, and the promise of memorable performances. Gabby…
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How my 10K Tempo Run ended at 3K with a Twisted Jaw!
Practice makes perfect, they say—and who am I to argue with running sages? Besides embracing the joyous agony of a Tempo Run, there is, apparently, no better way to mimic race conditions. So, today marked my grand debut: the first day I tried to inject some speed into my marathon training program. Spoiler alert: it…
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The True Value of a Kenyan Coach Beyond the Kenyan Bracelet
Steven Vanlancker, a runner from Belgium, decided to work with a Kenyan coach to guide his training online. Not only did he learn a great deal about Kenyan training methods, but his running experience also improved significantly. Benefits of having a Kenyan coach “I’m amazed it took travelling over 6,000 km for me to finally…
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Geoffrey Mutai, 2:03:02 Marathon runner, on Training, Competition, and the Champion Mindset
In July 2012, I had the privilege of interviewing Geoffrey Mutai, one of the greatest marathon runners in history. Normally, it takes just an hour and a half to drive from my then training base to where Mutai trained, but on this particular day, the journey stretched to four and a half hours—a true test…
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Training for a marathon? 5 reasons why a good coach is essential
Training for a marathon is an exciting journey, but it can also be overwhelming, especially for those tackling the distance for the first time. Whether you’re just beginning your marathon training or looking to improve your performance, having a coach by your side can make a significant difference in your progress, motivation, and overall race…
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Marathon training in Kenya and favourite places to stay at
If you’ve ever thought about Marathon training in Kenya, let me assure you: it’s not all about running effortlessly up mountains while being chased by a herd of friendly zebras. In reality, it’s more likely you’ll be chased by your own ambition, a group of impossibly fast local runners, and maybe a few chickens crossing…
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How to tell when you are in good form to run a good marathon
There are so many ways athletes try to figure out if they’re finally in good form to run well, and honestly, some of them make fortune-telling look scientific. For example, I like to hold my wrist with my other hand during training—no, I’m not checking my pulse, I’m just pretending to know what I’m doing….
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Home Of Champions’ Insightful Take From Typical Track Day
On a typical track intervals day, a visit to one of the busy tracks in Eldoret (the home of champions), Kapsabet, or Iten is enough to show the level of competition and the depth of the country’s athletic talent. Runners flood track facilities in Eldoret all year round All year round, runners of all fitness…
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An all-weather track facility was long overdue in Eldoret, in 2013
Rainy weather in Eldoret affects runners’ training Due to the rainy conditions, there had not been a suitable all-weather track facility for these athletes to train on in Eldoret over the previous weeks. This was in April 2013. Kenyan athletes were preparing for the World Championships that were to happen in Moscow from the 10th…
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Running, Family, Lessons, Loss, and Triumphs from 2025; a Year of Growth
Over time, I have come to learn that when you love anything—especially something as rewarding as running—it will definitely love you back in ways you might never expect. The sense of fulfillment, belonging, and personal growth that comes from dedicating yourself to a passion is truly immeasurable. In running, this love is reciprocated not just…
