Running for Wight Loss Eliud Kipchoge’s off day at the Boston Marathon, he posted a video on Twitter recapping his debut on the course. His sixth place finish—in 2:09:23—marked one of the hardest moments in the marathon world record holder’s illustrious career thus far, and he said the moment after the race’s finish was a disappointment, naturally.
“It’s a challenge and what has happened has happened, we have no control and life continues,” the reigning Olympic marathon champion said.
Then, he went on to break down what happened on Marathon Monday, and what he was thinking and feeling.
He says he began the race in full gear, with a positive mindset and “happy mood,” but things went sideways in the latter stages. About three quarters of the way through 26.2, Kipchoge said his energy dropped. The day after the race, he told reporters after the race that his upper left leg started to bother him around the 18-mile mark, but he hasn’t specified the severity of the injury or if it is still affecting him.
A Part of Hearst Digital Media his plan of winning and setting a course record off the table, Kipchoge never considered dropping out of the race.
"I kept my eyes on the finish line,” he said. “I crossed it and that was it.”
The feedback Kipchoge received from fans, as well as the marathon sponsors, management, and the overall running community was incredibly positive.
“That’s a huge motivation that I am doing the right thing and that life is about ups and downs,” he said. "That is a huge motivation that I will bounce back.”
Abby Carney is a writer and journalist in New York. A former D1 college runner and current amateur track athlete, she's written about culture and characters in running and outdoor sports for Runner's World, Like the Wind Magazine, Advertisement - Continue Reading Below, and other outlets. She also writes about things that have nothing to do with running, and was previously the editor of a food magazine.
