Almost every runner who’s at all plugged into the professional side of the sport is inspired by the truly remarkable performances of Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge.
Kipchoge is probably best known for being one of the fastest marathon runners in history, once holding the official world record in the marathon in a blistering time of 2:01:39 at the 2018 Berlin Marathon.
Eliud Kipchoge also clocked the jaw-dropping marathon time of 1:59:40.2 at the Ineos 1:59 Challenge in Vienna, Austria in 2019, making him the first person to ever run a sub-2-hour marathon distance.
Although not an official marathon world record because it wasn’t an open competition, in this stunning performance, Kipchoge became the first runner to break the two-hour barrier in the marathon distance.
Clearly, his marathon success and Olympic medals show that Kipchoge is doing something right in his training, and there must be takeaways from Eliud Kipchoge and his training camp in Kaptagat, Kenya, that we mere mortal distance runners can benefit from.
After all, you might as well learn from the best of the best.
15 Run Training Takeaways We Can All Learn from Eliud Kipchoge
Ready to improve your training and become a faster and stronger runner? Here are 15 run training takeaways we can all learn from Eliud Kipchoge:
#1: Kipchoge Does Long Runs
It’s not surprising that as one of the world’s fastest marathoners, Kipchoge does long runs.1x.com. (2024). X (Formerly Twitter). https://x.com/EliudKipchoge/status/1491712002531774470?s=20&t=IpDVq0FnyGTHWjm5UrNqsQ
Long runs increase your cardiovascular and muscular endurance, mental stamina, and train your aerobic energy systems to handle the distance of your target race.
#2: Kipchoge Does Speed Workouts
Even though he’s racing 26.2 miles (42.2 km), Eliud Kipchoge makes sure to get in a weekly high intensity speed workout on the track every Tuesday.2x.com. (2024). X (Formerly Twitter). https://x.com/EliudKipchoge/status/1485905280848347140?s=20&t=IpDVq0FnyGTHWjm5UrNqsQ
Speed workouts, often called interval training, involve running specific distances at specific paces on the track.
They help train your neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and metabolic systems to become accustomed to running faster and at higher intensities, increasing lactate threshold.
Kipchoge uses his speed workouts and track sessions to improve his fitness so that he can continue to improve, run faster, and take home more victories.3x.com. (2024). X (Formerly Twitter). https://x.com/EliudKipchoge/status/1354069189628227585?s=20&t=IpDVq0FnyGTHWjm5UrNqsQ
He keeps the speed workouts varied, using intervals of different lengths and paces.
#3: Kipchoge Does Fartlek Workouts
Kipchoge is a big fan of fartlek sessions and incorporates them into the buildups for his marathons, especially in the early build phase.4x.com. (2024). X (Formerly Twitter). https://x.com/EliudKipchoge/status/1351854312859852800?s=20&t=IpDVq0FnyGTHWjm5UrNqsQ
Fartlek is a Swedish term for “speed play.” Fartlek runs are a form of speedwork, much like track intervals, but have a looser structure and take place out on a trail, road, or other running course instead of a track.
Rather than having a set distance for each interval, a Fartlek run may go by time or choose arbitrary landmarks to demote the start and stop of hard efforts.
There is no stopping between intervals; the runner just adjusts the pace between recovery and “on” intervals.
#4: Kichoge Does Core Workouts
Core strength is critical for running, so Kipchoge spends time every week doing core workouts.5x.com. (2024). X (Formerly Twitter). https://x.com/EliudKipchoge/status/1412390245484670982?s=20&t=IpDVq0FnyGTHWjm5UrNqsQ
Need some inspiration? Try a plank like Kipchoge.6x.com. (2024). X (Formerly Twitter). https://x.com/EliudKipchoge/status/1306928479020167171?s=20&t=IpDVq0FnyGTHWjm5UrNqsQ
#5: Kipchoge Strength Trains
Let’s get one thing straight: you definitely need to run to become a better runner, but supplementing your miles with strength training can make you a faster, stronger, more resilient runner.
Kipchoge spends time in the gym getting in his strength training workouts.7x.com. (2024). X (Formerly Twitter). https://x.com/EliudKipchoge/status/1519961811713511426?s=20&t=IpDVq0FnyGTHWjm5UrNqsQ
This helps him minimize the risk of injuries so that he can log high mileage workout after workout, week after week.
He focuses on building strength in the muscles used when running, and performs a mix of compound movements with heavy weights and focused exercises on smaller, stabilizing muscles to improve his running form.8x.com. (2024). X (Formerly Twitter). https://x.com/EliudKipchoge/status/1338830070429982720?s=20&t=IpDVq0FnyGTHWjm5UrNqsQ
#6: Kipchoge Takes Breaks
Rest and recovery are important parts of training and should be built into your training program both on a micro level (such as a weekly rest day) and a macro level (a couple of weeks off after a marathon, for example).
After buildups leading to a big race, Kipchoge takes time off his high volume of training to allow his body to fully recover before ramping up his training again.9x.com. (2024). X (Formerly Twitter). https://x.com/EliudKipchoge/status/1505829472381063169?s=20&t=IpDVq0FnyGTHWjm5UrNqsQ
Rest prevents overtraining and reduces the risk of injuries.
#7: Kipchoge Prioritizes Post-Workout Fueling
Kipchoge takes his post-run fueling seriously, making sure that he gets in a high-carbohydrate snack to replenish depleted glycogen stores.10x.com. (2024). X (Formerly Twitter). https://x.com/EliudKipchoge/status/1488809482729799687?s=20&t=IpDVq0FnyGTHWjm5UrNqsQ
This helps him recover between workouts so that he can bounce back for a second run on the same day or for the next morning’s workout.
#8: Kipchoge Keeps a Running Log
Kipchoge keeps a training log notebook and records each and every workout he does. This allows him to monitor his progress, adjust his training, and keep track of trends and potential injuries.11x.com. (2024). X (Formerly Twitter). https://x.com/EliudKipchoge/status/1212074754137608193?s=20&t=IpDVq0FnyGTHWjm5UrNqsQ
#9: Kipchoge Runs With Others
Running with teammates or buddies can help push you to be faster and stronger. Running mates add accountability and can bring joy and companionship, prevent boredom, and help you keep going when you want to slow down or stop.
Kipchoge runs with teammates, who provide support during long miles and hard workouts.12x.com. (2024). X (Formerly Twitter). https://x.com/EliudKipchoge/status/1466056332100915213?s=20&t=IpDVq0FnyGTHWjm5UrNqsQ
#10: Kipchoge Works With a Coach
Even though he’s clearly a very experienced runner at this point, Kipchoge works with a running coach that he trusts.13x.com. (2024). X (Formerly Twitter). https://x.com/EliudKipchoge/status/1303319710008836097?s=20&t=IpDVq0FnyGTHWjm5UrNqsQ
Coaches can create the precise training programs you need to reach your goals, taking the guesswork out of training.
Kipchoge’s coach, Patrick Sang, designs well-rounded marathon training programs with all the key types of workouts Kipchoge needs to be a world-class marathoner, such as long runs, easy runs, speed workouts, tempo runs, strength training, core workouts, hill repeats, fartlek runs, and recovery modalities like massage.14x.com. (2024). X (Formerly Twitter). https://x.com/EliudKipchoge/status/1130814505972371456?s=20&t=IpDVq0FnyGTHWjm5UrNqsQ
#10: Kipchoge Fuels His Body
Kipchoge treats his body with respect and fuels with healthy foods to ensure he has enough energy on board to support his training.15x.com. (2024). X (Formerly Twitter). https://x.com/EliudKipchoge/status/1471828978046492681?s=20&t=IpDVq0FnyGTHWjm5UrNqsQ
He follows a high-carbohydrate diet, with whole, natural foods, such as grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits.16x.com. (2024). X (Formerly Twitter). https://x.com/EliudKipchoge/status/1334877790903169025?s=20&t=IpDVq0FnyGTHWjm5UrNqsQ
#11: Kipchoge Works On His Mental Game
There’s a huge mental component to distance running.
Kipchoge works on building his mental strength by reading books about confidence, focus, habit building, and more.17x.com. (2024). X (Formerly Twitter). https://x.com/EliudKipchoge/status/1457749840662831104?s=20&t=IpDVq0FnyGTHWjm5UrNqsQ 18x.com. (2024). X (Formerly Twitter). https://x.com/EliudKipchoge/status/1461268112393781253?s=20&t=IpDVq0FnyGTHWjm5UrNqsQ
#12: Kipchoge Runs With His Heart
Although you obviously need to be physically fit to run, your mental strength and fitness is also important.
Eliud Kipchoge runs with his heart and mind. When workouts get tough, he calls upon his “why,” or the reasons he runs (for his children, to represent his country, to help improve the quality of life and conservation efforts in Kenya, etc.).19x.com. (2024). X (Formerly Twitter). https://x.com/EliudKipchoge/status/1521091312681996289?s=20&t=IpDVq0FnyGTHWjm5UrNqsQ
#13: Kipchoge Is a Student of the Sport
The day you stop learning is the day you stop growing.
Eliud Kipchoge strives to continually learn about the sport of running, how his body works, training principles, mental tactics, and more.20x.com. (2024). X (Formerly Twitter). https://x.com/EliudKipchoge/status/1511305798323998727?s=20&t=IpDVq0FnyGTHWjm5UrNqsQ
All of this knowledge can be applied to his training so that he keeps improving.
By reading articles such as this one, you are giving yourself an opportunity to become a better runner by learning actionable advice to apply to your training.
#14: Kipchoge Has a Positive Mindset and a Flexible Attitude
Who doesn’t love Eliud Kipchoge’s smile? He believes a positive mindset is one of the keys to his success.21x.com. (2024). X (Formerly Twitter). https://x.com/EliudKipchoge/status/1511305798323998727?s=20&t=IpDVq0FnyGTHWjm5UrNqsQ
Kipchoge also embraces change and challenges.
Kipchoge is full of wisdom in this beautiful video. “I think I identify myself through self-discipline, courageous, taking risks, and I love change. If you love change actually, then you can reason with the world.”
#15: Kipchoge Believes In Himself
Having confidence and believing in yourself can help you reach your running goals.
Eliud Kipchoge believes in his ability to accomplish his dreams and has confidence in the effectiveness of his training program.22x.com. (2024). X (Formerly Twitter). https://x.com/EliudKipchoge/status/1410569267762929674?s=20&t=IpDVq0FnyGTHWjm5UrNqsQ
Final Thoughts
Which of Eliud Kipchoge’s training factors are most inspiring to you? Which training methods of this world record holder and elite runner do you need to add to your current training plan to become a more well-rounded, resilient runner?
Whilst you might not be able to keep up with Kipchoge’s marathon pace right away, if you need some assistance organizing your training plan, check out our training resources to get started.
Whether it is a 5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, or ultra, we have well rounded training guides to help you reach your goals.
And that’s why he’s one of the best runners of all time.