What We Can Learn from Kipchoge

There are a couple of lessons that we can get from Eliud Kipchoge and his approach to setting the world record in the marathon. Let’s take a look at what he did to prepare to be called the best marathoner of all time.

He Knew It Was Possible

When I say he knew it was possible, I don’t mean a theoretical thing. He knew it because he had already run a marathon in 2:00:25, over a minute faster than his current world record. He ran it over a minute faster under controlled conditions on a track. It was not recognized as the world record because he used rotating pacers. That means that every so often, a fresh runner would join him to help him maintain pace. He did have pacers in his world record attempt, but they began the race with him and dropped back when they ran out of gas. He ran the last 11 miles alone and at a faster pace than his pacers helped him keep.

Have you ever lost weight before or lowered your blood sugar? If you have, you know that it’s possible. Maybe your approach wasn’t sustainable or maintainable but if you did it once, you know you can do it. But it takes more than that.

He Got A Little Help

There were coaches, nutritionists, physical therapists, and a whole host of other people involved in getting him prepared. That’s essential. Your physician and other healthcare professionals can help fill that gap for you so you know how to do lose weight or lower your blood pressure responsibly. But the pacers were critical as they were with him on the course. They helped him get through at least half the race until his effort exceeded what they were capable of doing.

There are two ways this helps you in achieving a health goal. First, if you can find someone who is willing to help you on your journey by doing it with you, that can help you tremendously—and it helps them as well. We don’t care about world records; we care about achieving our health goals. You support others as they help you. Sometimes your support group doesn’t stick it out all the way.

That’s when you need to talk or listen to people who’ve already done it. It doesn’t have to be the same goal. It doesn’t even have to be in the same area. But we can all use encouragement in the form of hearing about how others achieved their goals.

The Bottom Line

Kipchoge is the greatest marathoner in the world. We can use what he did as inspiration but more importantly, we can take the lessons in how he did it to achieve our own health goals. Break it down to its simplest component. Rely on our past experience in achieving goals. Get a little help from our friends. Take those lessons and use them and you can change your health.

What are you prepared to do today?

Dr. Chet