Lornah Kiplagat: 'Training is not about torturing yourself, it’s about having fun'

The Olympian and world road record-holder on her frustration with running clothes, fancy restaurant meals and cooking porridge in a hotel-room kettle

What have you been up to? Well, I was really looking for what was next in life. But, during my career I had always thought it would be interesting to come up with my own brand [of running clothes], which was completely different. During my competitions and training I was always missing something nice, sexy, colourful – something fun ... I figured out, if I am missing this, and I’m an elite athlete, what about recreational runners? They must miss it even more! After the 2012 Olympic marathon, which I didn’t finish because of a bad injury, I didn’t want to just sit, moan and be down. So I looked for another challenge. This is what’s been keeping me really busy for almost three years now!

Where’s your favourite place to run? Definitely Iten in Kenya. Because of the natural trails, the people living around there, the atmosphere and the runners. Everyone is a runner. If you aren’t running, it’s like: “What are you doing?” You don’t struggle to run – it’s just a part of life there. The morning, the middle of the day, the night ... no one minds. That’s the best place. Competition-wise, it’s the London Marathon. It’s a pity I’ve never really had a chance to win it, but I’ve always had fun there. London has always been good to me over the years, even if I didn’t perform. Many athletes think you need to win, to be top-three. I never won but I still think it’s really special. I really appreciate the way they treat the athletes here. It’s amazing.

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from Fitness | The Guardian http://ift.tt/1AoYeIO
via FITNESS