Exercise such as running has been proven to be a great way to keep your body and mind fit and healthy but for many people, taking that first step can often be the hardest.
However, Eliud Kipchoge, a two-time Olympic marathon winner and holder of the marathon world record from 2018-2023, has a wholesome tip that can help to get the most inexperienced runner get more enjoyment out of the activity.
Two-time Olympic marathon winner Eliud Kipchoge shares how to make running more enjoyable
The Kenyan runner, who is regarded as one of the best marathon runners of all time, appeared on the Feel Better, Live More podcast back in October 2022 but to coincide with the 2024 London Marathon, its host Dr Rangan Chatterjee shared a clip from the conversation on Instagram.
“Running is not about legs, running is about the mind,” says Kipchoge wisely in the video. “Sometimes when you are alone, you think you’re running and you are not running, your mind is in another place.”
What he means by this is that you may not push yourself as hard if you’re running alone.
“If you want to enjoy more running, get a group. Group running actually is crucial,” the marathon runner adds. “You need a group so that it can protect your thoughts from actually exploding and going away and [to] bring back to where you are running.”
“Get two, three, four, five people and just run, you will enjoy,” Kipchoge says. “You’ll just talk as you are going. Ideas are coming in to keep you on the course, make you enjoy running and you cannot actually get tired you know.”
“The moment you are alone, you start to think a lot then you cannot finish 10km if you’re actually aiming at it,” concludes the 39-year-old.
Viewers react
The comments from Eliud Kipchoge on running have proven inspiration for a few and have struck a chord with many of Dr Chatterjee’s followers.
One Instagram user wrote: “This is great. I’ve been running with a group for about a year now, and I enjoy it much more than when I run on my own.”
The account for GoodGym added: “We’ve found the combination of accountability and motivation that comes from group runs is truly unmatched.”
“Such a powerful reminder for the journey of life,” said a third. “We are not meant to travel this journey alone.”
This message was echoed by a fourth: “Community is everything. This goes way beyond running or even exercise.”
“Running is a form of moving meditation for me; I’ll rather do it alone,” said a fifth. “However, I think he’s speaking more to people who struggle to run because they see it as monotonous. Group running always helps people like that.”
And finally, this commenter wrote: “I much prefer running alone, as that is a form of meditation for me. Whilst distance running, I’m in the awareness of the moment.”
