Kipchoge: 'Now I just run to kill time'

- At 38 years old, you are one of the greatest athletes. But what are your retirement plans?

- I will continue to play and not retire anytime soon. Maybe I'll keep playing for longer than people imagine. However, when the time is right, I will change and do something else. I want to enjoy each day, and at the same time push myself constantly.

- What advice do you give to athletes who aspire to be like you?

- This track and sport, as always, is not for the faint of heart. Your sportsmanship must be strong. There are also no shortcuts in running. You have to train to be a world champion, you have to train to make the race look easy. Laziness is not an option. You have to go your own way and get out of your comfort zone to reach the top. Remember, nothing comes on a silver plate.

- Nutrition is the most important factor for athletes to stay in shape and maintain the best shape. So what's your diet like?

- To stay in shape, I use natural foods that contain nutrients that provide energy for the body. Exercise requires a lot of energy, which is abundant in natural foods. Sometimes I eat homemade unleavened bread, fruits, vegetables, meat. Ugali - a cake made from corn or cornmeal in some countries in Africa - is my favorite. But the important thing is that I don't take any supplements. I also need to stay hydrated. I sweat a lot while working out and that's why I drink a lot of water, at least three liters a day.

- He is the owner of the last two world records in marathon content. What are the plans for the next record?

- I have no intention of setting another world record. Now I run as a pastime to pass the time. I will be attending the Boston Marathon April 17 to commemorate the 2013 incident when two bombs exploded near the finish line about five hours after the race started, killing three people and injuring more than 260. I will run for the lives lost and for the various wounded.

- How is your day now?

Many people say a good night's sleep leads to a great morning. Although eight hours of sleep is sufficient, I sleep for 10 hours a day, with the usual eight hours at night and an additional two hours of naps. I make sure I get enough rest. That keeps me active and full of energy during training sessions. Then I allocate the rest of the day based on a number of factors like appointments or family time.

- If you could, what would you say to yourself when you were 10 years old?

- That man has no limits. I told myself that I have to be brave, believe in the process and that there are no limits, anything is possible. I told myself to find courage in the words of the Bible as it is written in Ecclesiastes that "When things are going well, be happy. When times are bad, think this carefully: God made this. as well as the other. Therefore, no one can predict anything about their future." With these words, I will remind myself to hold my head high and face life with courage, curiosity, and determination.

- What books do you read, and why?

- I read to keep my mind in the right state. I mostly read inspirational books. The books I read push me towards bigger wins than the sub2 marathon I made in 2019. Over time, I've fostered a reading culture and now, in essence, I regularly update the books to read. Reading clears my mind and gives me practical lessons on how to improve my life. My favorite book is "Atomic Habits" by James Clear.

- He said he does not often use social networks. So who do you follow on this platform?

Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto and British author James Clear top the list. I learn a lot from them and they inspire me in many ways, one of which is that you can do anything if you put your mind to it.

- How do you supervise your children, especially about the use of the phone?

- I have three children, two boys and a girl. My wife or I always check the content our kids watch online. I do not allow my children to surf every website. Children are inherently stubborn and can sometimes be smarter than you. That's why I pay close attention to all the content they see. I have set a specific time when my child can use the phone and play his favorite games. When they go to school, they are not allowed to use their phones because they have to focus on studying.