I met John Kelai, along with his Kenyan friends in Eldoret, Kenya, in the year 2001. He brought me for some easy runs in Kaptagat forest. He was with me in Kakamega forest as well. We were all staying in Kip Keino Running Camp at that time.
In the camp, John Kelai showed me the condition of the running camp. It was more of a simple living and high thinking type of lifestyle. The runners were professionals but they had to take care of themselves once it comes to washing clothes, socks and shoes.
During workouts, John used to talk to me with positive words. During my stay in Kenya for 10days, I also realised that the attitude shown, not just by John Kelai, but other Kenyans as well, was excellent.
I also realised that poverty, in a way, has made them to work very hard to achieve the goal of going other countries and win glory for the country. Moreover, I noticed that each and every Kenyans has the attitude to make it to the top. It was an eye opener for me. The mental focus of improving in running was great.
When John was in Singapore, more than 4 years back, he also got into a long term injury, where he had to limp and run all the way. Some of my running friends emphatised with him and felt sad. However, over time, true to his words of coming first in major runs, he started doing well to the point that he is currently the best in the Commonwealth Games marathon race for men.
Having said that, let us find out the thoughts he had after running the race and coming in first in the Commonwealth Games marathon 2010.
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