Coach Timothy “Timo” Limo is the most loveable runner staying at the High Altitude Training Centre. He is known for his radiant smile, 800m PR of 1:44, and undeniable charisma. In addition, Coach Timo is friendly with some of the world’s best runners and was kind enough to organise a dinner with Wilson Kipsang, the former world record holder in the marathon and one of the best distance runners in the world. Needless to say, we were unbelievably excited to meet the world champion.

At 6:45pm last night, the group ventured along the muddy downhill road adjacent to the HATC, only slipping a few times and managing not to fall. We entered the hotel—which we found out belongs to Kipsang himself—and not long after we ordered our food, the champion greeted and joined us at our table.

Although the restaurant staff at the hotel messed up several of our orders, we had a great dinner with Kipsang. The group alternated between watching England v. Croatia and talking with Kipsang. The highlight of the conversation was certainly Kipsang and Timo explaining why Kenyans are the most dominant distance runners. They boiled this down to several points:

  1. Mental toughness—from a young age, Kenyans are raised to become champions. They walk or run to school every day, regardless of the distance. Even in the rain, they run through mud to make it to school on time. Occasionally, they will go a day or two without sitting down for a full meal, instead foraging for fruits nearby and then continuing work. According to Kipsang and Timo, westerners have more “comfortable” lives and are thus less mentally tough (we agree). This mental toughness allows Kenyans to race faster, harder, and longer.
  2. Food—Kenyan cuisine is much healthier than that found in the U.S./U.K. There is much less processed food in Kenya, aside from more urban areas. Instead, many Kenyans eat locally grown, fresh produce. Their balanced diet contributes to a healthy lifestyle and great athletic performances.
  3. Altitude—an obvious benefit to athletic enhancement but one that cannot be understated. The same amount of training at altitude gives more benefit than at sea-level. When many Kenyans travel for races abroad, they intake more oxygen per second than they do at home. This is a tremendous benefit in distance running.
  4. Connection to the ground—many of the world’s best runners coming from Kenya did not wear shoes when they were younger. Walking and running around on their bare feet has given them exceptional balance and strength. Apparently, those in the Kalenjin tribe (the most iconic distance runners) are known for never falling on the ground.

The STRIVE group is incredibly grateful to be in Kenya and to have the opportunity to meet such remarkable individuals. We look forward to our last week at the HATC before we head to the Masai Mara for safari!

-Kenya Krew