Have you ever had the privilege of running wiith a Kenyan? A few days ago, I had the chance to run with two national class Kenyan runners. It was a beautiful and humbling experience.
There is something poetic about how Kenyans run. Effotless speed, almost levitation. These guys ran with me, I certainly don’t have the speed or class to run with them. It was a learning experience to see such a pure running style, in stark contrast to my lumbered shuffle!
Sure. In a 5K the other day. He finished in 14 minutes and change, and I finished right behind him in 21 minutes and change. He did tire me out though, so I didn’t do the race that night on the other side of the state. Oh yeah, he did that one five seconds faster. He won them both of course.
Other than the fact that he goes nearly 50% faster than me, bounces like a kangaroo with every stride, and can keep going forever, I didn’t really notice anything different.
Yes, on several occasions. In the late 90’s, the Boston Running Club had an arrangement with the Fila shoe company where several Kenyan men and women would spend the summer in Boston. On the weekends, they would travel around the country and race (and usually win). During the week, they would train with the club.
I remember one session on a very hot, humid Thursday afternoon. We were doing intervals up and down Heartbreak Hill (mile 21.5 on the Boston Marathon course). All of the native Bostonians were stripped down to as little as the city of Newton would allow us to wear without citing us for indecency. The Kenyans were wearing tights and cotton long sleeve shirts.
Watching them bound very gracefully up the hill was absolutely amazing - especially compared to those of us who were lumbering up the hill. I compare it to looking at a gazelle and an elephant .
They are also very gracious people and quite humble, given their talents and success.
Martin
ONly in races, where I only see their backs for about 20 seconds.
But seriously,. here in PA, there are a few world class Kenyans who live in housing and are coached by a local dude. They come from Kenya, and race local races here where the prize moneys are decent. The win just about every long distance high pursed race hosted here in Philly.
I get to see them training from time to time. They are alway’s covered in huge warm up suits. Even in high 90 degree weather. What is interesting is that very early in the season, (Feb-March) it is very common to see them *walking *as a small group on the roads which they frequently train on.
I ran far behind Peter Rono once. I think he stopped to sign autographs before crossing the finish line in first place. I did enjoy watching him warm-up, though- poetic is the right word.