The Strength Running Podcast 295. Unlocking the Secrets to Kenyan Running Dominance, with Author Sarah Gearhart
On the podcast this week I have Sarah Gearhart, a writer and 14-time marathoner. She’s a sports journalist whose work has appeared pretty much everywhere, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, ESPN, Runner’s World, and many others. Sarah is the author of the new book, We Share the Sun: The Incredible Journey of Kenya’s Legendary Running Coach Patrick Sang and the Fastest Runners on Earth.
Patrick Sang is the coach of Eliud Kipchoge, widely regarded as the world's best marathoner. But the culture he has created at his Kaptagat training camp focuses on treating all runners - Kipchoge included - as a whole person. Sarah's time at the camp allowed her a unique insight into this community that few of us know or understand, but sets an example that all runners can learn from.
Sarah and I touch on a number of topics surrounding her new book, including:
- What drew her to write about Patrick Sang and the athletes he coaches
- Why Patrick Sang is often described as a life coach and not just a running coach
- How the culture Sang created for his athletes contributes to their success
- The immersive experience of Sang’s runners and how it adds to their dominance
- How Kipchoge came to be coached by Sang
- Why Sarah’s perspective on running has evolved since her time in Kenya
Sarah's book is beautifully written and a must read for anyone who loves the sport. Enjoy our conversation!
Links & Resources from the Show:
- Follow Sarah on Instagram
- Find We Share the Sun on Amazon
- Check out our training and coaching programs to help you reach your goals
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Thank You Gold Coast MarathonWe’re supported by the Gold Coast Marathon which takes place in Queensland, Australia on July 2nd, 2023. Get yourself a memory of a lifetime and commit to this amazing destination race in one of the most beautiful countries that I’ve ever visited. You can run the marathon or any distance down to 5k, but the marathon course is flat and fast with only 75 meters of elevation gain. Over 60% of finishers self-report a PR at the end of the race.
I spent 6 weeks in Australia, with one of them being in Coolangatta on the Gold Coast. The beaches are stunning, the people are friendly, and the natural environment of this region is so beautiful. If I could go back there and run this race with you, I would in a heartbeat.
The Gold Coast Marathon is a World Athletics Label Road Race and this will be the 43rd running of it. Get yourself that shiny new PR on a fast course - with a destination race you’re going to love, at the Gold Coast Marathon on July 2nd. Learn more here, but don’t wait because early bird pricing ends on April 28th.