7 Life Lessons Taught by the World’s Greatest Marathon Runner

On September 16, Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge became the fastest man in the world. He broke the Marathon record by winning the race in Berlin, Germany, a competition he had won 3 times previously. He completed the 42.195 km in 2h01m39s, improving on the previous record of 1m18s.

O awesome.club presents in this post some life lessons from this fantastic athlete and this unique human being.

From a humble family, Kipchoge spent his childhood in rural Kenya. His neighbor was Patrick Sang, a former athlete and coach who, noticing the boy’s speed, decided to train him. Sang taught him to take care of not just his body but his mind as well. Combining Kenyans’ natural vocation for running with incredible mental strength and preparation, Kipchoge has become one of the greatest athletes of all time. Of the 8 great marathons he has participated in so far, he has won 7. In the one he didn’t win, he came in second. He was also an Olympic marathon champion in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

Invited to give a lecture at the University of Oxford (United Kingdom), one of the most important in the world, Kipchoge showed that, in addition to being a great athlete, he is also a person who values ​​the intellectual side. He reads, on average, 2 or 3 books a month. “If you want to make your dreams come true, just be with the right people and read good books,” he said.

Although he wins prizes of up to $500,000, Kipchoge remains humble. He stays in the same lodges as Kenyan beginner runners and helps clean these lodges like anyone else.

O awesome.club presents some life lessons from this formidable athlete. They are valid for anyone’s life, regardless of the activity we practice.

“Only the disciplined are free in life. If you are not disciplined, you are a slave to your mood, you are a slave to your passions.”

“I believe in a philosophy that says winning doesn’t really matter. Being successful is not important. But how to plan and prepare is critical and crucial. When you plan really well, then success can come your way.”

“In any profession, you must think positively. This is the driver of your mind. If your mind is thinking positive, then you are on the right track.”

“I’m here for teamwork. Because sport is a mutual interest”.

“The law of consistency says you must motivate yourself. Motivation makes you move. Motivation makes you go forward.”

“Accept the change… I know it’s not really comfortable to embrace it, but change in the life of a human being or any profession is important. But it cannot be forced.”

“Personally, I believe in what I’m doing. To run a great marathon and win, it takes 5 months of training. When I’m at the starting line, my mind starts to think about what I’ve been doing for the last five months. I believe in my training”.

Did you know the story of Eliud Kipchoge?

What other athletes are role models for you?