Kipchoge fields questions about INEOS 1:59
Eliud Kipchoge participated in a conference call with members of the international running media today, answering their questions about INEOS 1:59
Marathon world record-holder Eliud Kipchoge was full of confidence today when talking about the INEOS 1:59 Challenge scheduled for October 12 in Vienna. (The project has an eight-day window until October 20, depending on weather conditions.) This will be the second time a major sponsor has put its resources and support behind creating the conditions believed necessary for Kipchoge to break the two-hour barrier–first Nike with Breaking2 in 2017, now INEOS with the 1:59 Challenge.
Canadian Running’s podcast producer and host, former Canadian indoor mile record-holder Kate Van Buskirk, was on the call with Kipchoge and about a dozen members of the international running media this morning. Here are a few of the questions he was asked, and his responses.
Q: What has changed in training since your first attempt at breaking two hours?
A: Not much has changed in the training… but what has changed is the mental preparation. I’m now enjoying a free mind. I’m really ready to go and run under two hours!
RELATED: WATCH: Eliud Kipchoge in Part 1 of INEOS 1:59 Challenge documentary
Q: Where do you think the limit is? Is it two hours? How fast do you think you can go?
? “This is about history. It's like the first man to go to the moon."
? "My main message to the world is that no human is limited"
? Read more from Eliud who spoke to media today here:https://t.co/fgfM4nQ8aa
— INEOS 1:59 Challenge (@INEOS159) August 14, 2019
Q: How would breaking the two-hour barrier compare in importance to things like winning the Olympics or setting the official world record?
A: It is more important. It’s like the first man to go to the moon!
Q: If you are able to run under two hours for the marathon, will that rank in human history as one of the greatest achievements of humankind?
?️ Temperature
?Humidity
?️ Precipitation
?️ Wind speedGetting the weather right was one of the biggest factors in choosing the Vienna course. Let the #INEOS159 team explain…https://t.co/HhtN5Zz6Ph pic.twitter.com/xGdM1s1A9M
— INEOS 1:59 Challenge (@INEOS159) August 14, 2019
A: My training is simple. I trust in my training, I trust in my coaching system, I trust in all my team. And that’s what makes my mind really strong and fierce.
Q: If you break the two-hour barrier, what’s next for you?
A: I treat every race as a challenge. For now, I’m really confident about the INEOS 1:59 Challenge, and after that I will decide.
I thought I should take the camera for a change, maybe become a photographer after my career? ? pic.twitter.com/qOqH1GCbTK
— Eliud Kipchoge – EGH?? (@EliudKipchoge) August 13, 2019
Q: What did you learn from your previous attempt in Monza (Nike Breaking2), and how will this help you in your next attempt?
A: Monza was a big, big success for me. Now I am enjoying the experience from Monza and the different thing is that…Vienna is a flat and long course. That’s the difference, and I think personally I’ll deliver.
Q: What went wrong in your previous attempt that prevented you from breaking two hours?
A: Breaking2 was the most difficult event ever, and I just missed it by 26 seconds. I will say, nothing went wrong. But this time I think I will get the two-hour barrier.
?️”I know he is the one person in camp who if he woke at 6am for training, and nobody else woke up, he would still go out and complete the session.”
Read about Eliud’s unique drive from one of the men who know him best, his physio Peter Nduhiu ? https://t.co/64m5uC47bQ pic.twitter.com/gy1FNx2I3I
— INEOS 1:59 Challenge (@INEOS159) August 13, 2019
Q: When Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile for the first time, someone else did it a month later after years of men trying to achieve that feat. Do you believe that if you break two hours, others will also break it soon after?
A: Absolutely, I think so… if I do this, many athletes will believe in themselves and know that this thing is possible. That’s why I say no man is limited.
Q: Do you experience nerves in the days and hours leading up to these events, and if so, how do you manage this?
A: Absolutely I get nervous. But I try to calm myself down. I don’t have a ritual, but I just have to keep my mind calm.
? Today marks two months to go until the #INEOS159 Challenge window starts.
We all hope the weather is kind and the attempt will take place on 12th October, but have a reserve weather window until the 20th.
So with two months to go – who thinks @EliudKipchoge will do it? ? pic.twitter.com/vGZW4OQHV6
— INEOS 1:59 Challenge (@INEOS159) August 12, 2019
Q: Do you have any doubts about this challenge?
A: No doubts at all.
Q: How frustrating is it that the IAAF will not acknowledge this as an official world record if you break two hours in Vienna?
A: It’s about leaving a legacy. It’s not about the world record. It’s about making history and sharing the message of inspiration.
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