I feel like all the pain that we go through in life, with time, it gets better. And after that pain you get to celebrate and you get to enjoy, and it makes things a lot better.

I feel like all the pain that we go through in life, with time, it gets better. And after that pain you get to celebrate and you get to enjoy, and it makes things a lot better.

Thank you, New York. Today, we're reminded of the power of community and the power of coming together. Athletes, on your mark. The first woman to finish for the second straight year here in the New York City Marathon is Miki Gorman, a smiling Miki Gorman. And why not? 2:29: 30 time for (inaudible) . Look at the emotion of Shalane Flanagan as she comes to the line. Pointing to his chest, pointing to the USA he so proudly wears across his chest. A great day for Matt McClusky.

Thank you, New York. Today, we're reminded of the power of community and the power of coming together. Athletes, on your mark. The first woman to finish for the second straight year here in the New York City Marathon is Miki Gorman, a smiling Miki Gorman. And why not? 2:29: 30 time for (inaudible) . Look at the emotion of Shalane Flanagan as she comes to the line. Pointing to his chest, pointing to the USA he so proudly wears across his chest. A great day for Matt McClusky.

Hey, everybody, and welcome to another edition of Set the Pace, the official podcast of New York Road Runners. We are presented by Peloton. I'm your host and the CEO of New York Road Runners, Rob Simmelkjaer. And with me from Peloton, it's Becs Gentry. Hello. Hello. How are you today?

Hey, everybody, and welcome to another edition of Set the Pace, the official podcast of New York Road Runners. We are presented by Peloton. I'm your host and the CEO of New York Road Runners, Rob Simmelkjaer. And with me from Peloton, it's Becs Gentry. Hello. Hello. How are you today?

Hi.

Hi.

Nice to see you.

Nice to see you.

I mean, I'm good. I'm boring. How are you? How are you? You are hours away from stepping on the flight to Tokyo.

I mean, I'm good. I'm boring. How are you? How are you? You are hours away from stepping on the flight to Tokyo.

I'm so excited. We're recording this on Tuesday, and on Wednesday I will board my flight over to Tokyo to take on the Tokyo Marathon. So excited. Now, first thing I want to say Becs is, I am, just like I did for Berlin, running this marathon in support of Team for Kids. For those who don't know, Team for Kids is our charity program that supports New York Road Runners and all of the incredible youth and community programs that we have at New York Road Runners, from Rising New York Road Runners, which is helping over 100,000 kids in New York City learn how to run and get active, to our open run free running program, our Striders, older adult walking program. So many amazing programs we've got here at New York Road Runners and I'm running to support all that. So I hope folks will think about donating to help support my run. I need all the positive vibes I can get. We're going to put a link to donate in the show notes. Thank you to everybody who's already donated, and I really appreciate all of the support. Becs, yeah, listen, I'm really feeling great.

I'm so excited. We're recording this on Tuesday, and on Wednesday I will board my flight over to Tokyo to take on the Tokyo Marathon. So excited. Now, first thing I want to say Becs is, I am, just like I did for Berlin, running this marathon in support of Team for Kids. For those who don't know, Team for Kids is our charity program that supports New York Road Runners and all of the incredible youth and community programs that we have at New York Road Runners, from Rising New York Road Runners, which is helping over 100,000 kids in New York City learn how to run and get active, to our open run free running program, our Striders, older adult walking program. So many amazing programs we've got here at New York Road Runners and I'm running to support all that. So I hope folks will think about donating to help support my run. I need all the positive vibes I can get. We're going to put a link to donate in the show notes. Thank you to everybody who's already donated, and I really appreciate all of the support. Becs, yeah, listen, I'm really feeling great.

Good.

Good.

My legs feel good, everything feels good. My training runs have all been good. I will say this, I did go skiing for four days last week-

My legs feel good, everything feels good. My training runs have all been good. I will say this, I did go skiing for four days last week-

I saw that, yeah.

I saw that, yeah.

... which is not what I would say is your ideal run training, but what am I going to do? It's winter, skiing is what I do in the winter, sometimes with my kids. I had a great time with Julia and some friends skiing, but I felt a little bit of that in my legs on my short- ish long run on Saturday. My run this morning felt a little bit better. But we'll see if that comes back to haunt me at some point during the run in Tokyo.

... which is not what I would say is your ideal run training, but what am I going to do? It's winter, skiing is what I do in the winter, sometimes with my kids. I had a great time with Julia and some friends skiing, but I felt a little bit of that in my legs on my short- ish long run on Saturday. My run this morning felt a little bit better. But we'll see if that comes back to haunt me at some point during the run in Tokyo.

You'll be fine. Keep the recovery on, get the recovery boots, compression socks on, flush it all out, drink a lot of water, and you'll be great. You'll be great. If anything, it's just the flight that's going to be the one thing.

You'll be fine. Keep the recovery on, get the recovery boots, compression socks on, flush it all out, drink a lot of water, and you'll be great. You'll be great. If anything, it's just the flight that's going to be the one thing.

You've given me some advice on this run since you have already conquered Tokyo. You've talked about the course, you've talked about the out and backs, some of what people call the quiet element of Tokyo and being ready for that, which I am.

You've given me some advice on this run since you have already conquered Tokyo. You've talked about the course, you've talked about the out and backs, some of what people call the quiet element of Tokyo and being ready for that, which I am.

Comparatively to the other five, yes.

Comparatively to the other five, yes.

Yes, exactly. Any last minute tips in terms of travel? Should I run my first day? I feel like when I land and I get myself sorted over there, it'll be Thursday, I feel like I should just try to get something in that day even just to help get me on the time zone.

Yes, exactly. Any last minute tips in terms of travel? Should I run my first day? I feel like when I land and I get myself sorted over there, it'll be Thursday, I feel like I should just try to get something in that day even just to help get me on the time zone.

Go to see the palace in the middle. It's the finish line destination of the marathon, so it's great to go and see it. You'll see everybody from New York doing laps around it. It's beautiful. It's a huge sightseeing point, so you can tick it off as well. Yeah, go and shake the legs out and then get in an onsen. Get your feet on the ground, naked feet on earth or water, a natural element, as soon as you can as well. It might be a little too cold to just go and put your feet on the grass, but for me, that's what I do when I travel, especially long distances before I run, is the connection with Mother Earth.

Go to see the palace in the middle. It's the finish line destination of the marathon, so it's great to go and see it. You'll see everybody from New York doing laps around it. It's beautiful. It's a huge sightseeing point, so you can tick it off as well. Yeah, go and shake the legs out and then get in an onsen. Get your feet on the ground, naked feet on earth or water, a natural element, as soon as you can as well. It might be a little too cold to just go and put your feet on the grass, but for me, that's what I do when I travel, especially long distances before I run, is the connection with Mother Earth.

Love that.

Love that.

Piece to piece, body to body, not through shoes should ground you as close as you can. If not, get that melatonin. Eat the melatonin.

Piece to piece, body to body, not through shoes should ground you as close as you can. If not, get that melatonin. Eat the melatonin.

Yeah, I'm bringing some of that, absolutely.

Yeah, I'm bringing some of that, absolutely.

Go ground yourself.

Go ground yourself.

... just to try to get my sleep sorted.

... just to try to get my sleep sorted.

Get into the onsen, get into the bath as well. Those amazing onsens they have in Japan, they're stunning and great for relaxation and really great for the body. So that should set you up. Thursday... Wait, you leave on Thursday? No, you arrive on Thursday.

Get into the onsen, get into the bath as well. Those amazing onsens they have in Japan, they're stunning and great for relaxation and really great for the body. So that should set you up. Thursday... Wait, you leave on Thursday? No, you arrive on Thursday.

I leave Wednesday, get there Thursday, exactly-

I leave Wednesday, get there Thursday, exactly-

That's exactly what we did.

That's exactly what we did.

... so those will be Thursday moves. Okay.

... so those will be Thursday moves. Okay.

Yes. The expo is, as you would expect, incredibly organized. It was so quick in and out, but it is a travel to get there from the center of Tokyo, so make sure you do understand that you could be getting some miles in.

Yes. The expo is, as you would expect, incredibly organized. It was so quick in and out, but it is a travel to get there from the center of Tokyo, so make sure you do understand that you could be getting some miles in.

I'm thinking maybe Friday for that trip, yeah.

I'm thinking maybe Friday for that trip, yeah.

Yeah, we did that Friday and we ended up walking 18 miles that day, which wasn't the greatest idea.

Yeah, we did that Friday and we ended up walking 18 miles that day, which wasn't the greatest idea.

Wow, okay. I'm not hoping to do that. Yeah, that's a lot of walking two days before a marathon. Well, I can't wait, Becs, to see folks over there. We've got a lot of New York Road Runners members, we've got a Team for Kids team running as well, so can't wait to see folks over there. By the way, if you're a New York Road Runners member, we are going to have a member gathering in Tokyo on Friday, so if you're interested in attending that, there should be something in email or you can actually send a message to runner services and you'll get the information about how to hook up with our team in Tokyo. We'd love to see everybody over there. I'll be there, other senior members of our staff will be there to give all of our Road Runners members a high five and good luck as we all get ready to take on the Tokyo Marathon. So thanks everybody for the support, I can't wait. And I'll report for sure on how that goes as soon as I can, hopefully from Japan.

Wow, okay. I'm not hoping to do that. Yeah, that's a lot of walking two days before a marathon. Well, I can't wait, Becs, to see folks over there. We've got a lot of New York Road Runners members, we've got a Team for Kids team running as well, so can't wait to see folks over there. By the way, if you're a New York Road Runners member, we are going to have a member gathering in Tokyo on Friday, so if you're interested in attending that, there should be something in email or you can actually send a message to runner services and you'll get the information about how to hook up with our team in Tokyo. We'd love to see everybody over there. I'll be there, other senior members of our staff will be there to give all of our Road Runners members a high five and good luck as we all get ready to take on the Tokyo Marathon. So thanks everybody for the support, I can't wait. And I'll report for sure on how that goes as soon as I can, hopefully from Japan.

Wow.

Wow.

All right, well, we just had a race here in New York City this past weekend, the 2025 New York Road Runners Al Gordon 4 Miler, honoring Al Gordon, one of the great figures in the history of New York Road Runners, an incredible guy who started running marathons in his 80s.

All right, well, we just had a race here in New York City this past weekend, the 2025 New York Road Runners Al Gordon 4 Miler, honoring Al Gordon, one of the great figures in the history of New York Road Runners, an incredible guy who started running marathons in his 80s.

I mean, the whole story behind that is I think... Sorry to cut you off, but I just have such a strong love of this race and the distance of just him starting running in his 80s and running four miles, they're two highly unusual things in the running world that come together. And I think it is one of the most welcoming races that New York Road Runners put on, which is absurd to say because they're all so welcoming and so wonderful. But from having seen it last year, I think there's such a vast range of people who do it and that's just testament to his story. Yeah, I love it. It really makes me be like, " Everyone should go and run this," because it's like 5K is a common thing. You say four miles and even new runners are like, " Hmm, that's weird. Maybe I'll try it because that dude did it in his 80s."

I mean, the whole story behind that is I think... Sorry to cut you off, but I just have such a strong love of this race and the distance of just him starting running in his 80s and running four miles, they're two highly unusual things in the running world that come together. And I think it is one of the most welcoming races that New York Road Runners put on, which is absurd to say because they're all so welcoming and so wonderful. But from having seen it last year, I think there's such a vast range of people who do it and that's just testament to his story. Yeah, I love it. It really makes me be like, " Everyone should go and run this," because it's like 5K is a common thing. You say four miles and even new runners are like, " Hmm, that's weird. Maybe I'll try it because that dude did it in his 80s."

It's true. It's a funny distance. We have a number of those races in Prospect Park or Central Park. Partly just because of the way the parks are laid out, Becs, it kind of is a relatively easy distance for us to create a course for. This one was in Prospect Park on a chilly day. We had a great turnout, over 4, 500 runners, and it was a home game for Andy Kent from the Brooklyn Track Club and he was the men's winner at 19: 55 over four miles. Very impressive. On the women's side, it was Grace Richardson coming in first at 21:57 and the non- binary winner was Elijah Taylor at 22:46. Thanks to everybody, including the volunteers, for coming out and making that a great day. And Becs, speaking of inspirational things, of course everybody all over the world, especially the country here in the United States, has been paying so much attention this year to the tragic fires in Los Angeles. We've been thinking about ways here at New York Road Runners to support LA and everything going on out there. We're so excited to announce that we are supporting an initiative called Together LA, which uniting the running community all around the United States and beyond to help support LA wildfire relief efforts. So you can purchase limited edition co- branded Together LA merchandise, and 100% of the net proceeds to that is going to go to CORE, C- O- R- E, which is an organization helping to provide relief, as well as the California Fire Foundation. That's going to aid people directly impacted by these fires. So if you want to buy one of these shirts, New York Road Runners, our logo's on it, we're a part of that, you can shop now or just make a donation by looking at the link, it's in our show notes. It's togetherla.lamarathon. com, togetherla. lamarathon.com. Becs, the LA Marathon happens on the same day as the United Airlines NYC Half, so it's coming right up. We just want to support everybody in LA to have a great, great day and obviously to make a big impact on supporting relief efforts.

It's true. It's a funny distance. We have a number of those races in Prospect Park or Central Park. Partly just because of the way the parks are laid out, Becs, it kind of is a relatively easy distance for us to create a course for. This one was in Prospect Park on a chilly day. We had a great turnout, over 4, 500 runners, and it was a home game for Andy Kent from the Brooklyn Track Club and he was the men's winner at 19: 55 over four miles. Very impressive. On the women's side, it was Grace Richardson coming in first at 21:57 and the non- binary winner was Elijah Taylor at 22:46. Thanks to everybody, including the volunteers, for coming out and making that a great day. And Becs, speaking of inspirational things, of course everybody all over the world, especially the country here in the United States, has been paying so much attention this year to the tragic fires in Los Angeles. We've been thinking about ways here at New York Road Runners to support LA and everything going on out there. We're so excited to announce that we are supporting an initiative called Together LA, which uniting the running community all around the United States and beyond to help support LA wildfire relief efforts. So you can purchase limited edition co- branded Together LA merchandise, and 100% of the net proceeds to that is going to go to CORE, C- O- R- E, which is an organization helping to provide relief, as well as the California Fire Foundation. That's going to aid people directly impacted by these fires. So if you want to buy one of these shirts, New York Road Runners, our logo's on it, we're a part of that, you can shop now or just make a donation by looking at the link, it's in our show notes. It's togetherla.lamarathon. com, togetherla. lamarathon.com. Becs, the LA Marathon happens on the same day as the United Airlines NYC Half, so it's coming right up. We just want to support everybody in LA to have a great, great day and obviously to make a big impact on supporting relief efforts.

So cool. So, so cool. I'm wishing everybody luck for both races.

So cool. So, so cool. I'm wishing everybody luck for both races.

Absolutely. So thrilled to be a part of that. Well, Becs, speaking of great races, of course we mentioned the UA NYC half coming up, and we have such a great pro field this year.

Absolutely. So thrilled to be a part of that. Well, Becs, speaking of great races, of course we mentioned the UA NYC half coming up, and we have such a great pro field this year.

Oh my gosh.

Oh my gosh.

And today we get to speak to one of the headline names from that pro field. And Becs, you may not know this, but this woman is also my daughter's favorite pro runner.

And today we get to speak to one of the headline names from that pro field. And Becs, you may not know this, but this woman is also my daughter's favorite pro runner.

She's up there for me too.

She's up there for me too.

Yes, Sharon Lokedi, and I'll explain why when she comes on. But Sharon Lokedi, who is my daughter's and also her best friend's favorite pro, will join us here today. She's running the United Airlines NYC Half. Obviously, a top contender to potentially win that race.

Yes, Sharon Lokedi, and I'll explain why when she comes on. But Sharon Lokedi, who is my daughter's and also her best friend's favorite pro, will join us here today. She's running the United Airlines NYC Half. Obviously, a top contender to potentially win that race.

Yeah, unreal.

Yeah, unreal.

This will be her second time running the race. Her first time was in a warmup to run the New York City Marathon in 2022, which, of course, she won in her debut. So we're so excited to have her come talk to us about getting ready for our half and obviously her incredible story and her journey from Kenya, to the University of Kansas, to being one of the greats in the women's pro game right now. Then, Meb will be here a little later on to talk to today's featured member, Evan McKiernan, who is training for the United Airlines NYC Virtual Half Love of Running. And then in today's Meb Minute, Meb is going to give us his best training advice for when you're three weeks out from a challenging but beautiful half-marathon. So stay tuned for that.

This will be her second time running the race. Her first time was in a warmup to run the New York City Marathon in 2022, which, of course, she won in her debut. So we're so excited to have her come talk to us about getting ready for our half and obviously her incredible story and her journey from Kenya, to the University of Kansas, to being one of the greats in the women's pro game right now. Then, Meb will be here a little later on to talk to today's featured member, Evan McKiernan, who is training for the United Airlines NYC Virtual Half Love of Running. And then in today's Meb Minute, Meb is going to give us his best training advice for when you're three weeks out from a challenging but beautiful half-marathon. So stay tuned for that.

So many things, it's so exciting.

So many things, it's so exciting.

Ready to hit your stride? Whether you're training for your next race or just lacing up for a run, no matter your level, the Peloton app has everything you need to keep you moving. Track your progress with real- time metrics and celebrate those streaks and personal bests along the way. With thousands of classes to choose from or the option to just run or just walk, Peloton makes it easy to fit fitness into your routine. Learn more at onepeloton.com/ race- training. Peloton, the official digital fitness partner of New York Road Runners. The last time today's guest, Sharon Lokedi, ran the United Airlines NYC Half, it was as part of her training for an upcoming marathon. Well, her debut in that marathon was the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon, and Sharon went on to win that race, becoming only the eighth athlete ever to win the TCS New York City Marathon in their 26. 2 mile debut. Born in Burnt Forest, Kenya, Sharon Lokedi made a name for herself as a dominant force in collegiate running. She was a 10- time all- American at the University of Kansas and won the 10, 000 meter NCAA title in 2018. Other notable finishes for Sharon since her '22 marathon win are second place in the 2024 Boston Marathon and fourth place at this past summer's Paris Olympic Marathon. Sharon splits her time between Flagstaff, Arizona with the Under Armour Mission Run Dark Sky Distance team and her native Kenya. Sharon Lokedi will be towing the line at the 2025 United Airlines NYC Half on March 16th. And Sharon, we are so excited to have you coming back to New York where you clearly are comfortable because you do so well when you come run with us here. And Becs and I are thrilled to have you here on Set the Pace. Welcome.

Ready to hit your stride? Whether you're training for your next race or just lacing up for a run, no matter your level, the Peloton app has everything you need to keep you moving. Track your progress with real- time metrics and celebrate those streaks and personal bests along the way. With thousands of classes to choose from or the option to just run or just walk, Peloton makes it easy to fit fitness into your routine. Learn more at onepeloton.com/ race- training. Peloton, the official digital fitness partner of New York Road Runners. The last time today's guest, Sharon Lokedi, ran the United Airlines NYC Half, it was as part of her training for an upcoming marathon. Well, her debut in that marathon was the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon, and Sharon went on to win that race, becoming only the eighth athlete ever to win the TCS New York City Marathon in their 26. 2 mile debut. Born in Burnt Forest, Kenya, Sharon Lokedi made a name for herself as a dominant force in collegiate running. She was a 10- time all- American at the University of Kansas and won the 10, 000 meter NCAA title in 2018. Other notable finishes for Sharon since her '22 marathon win are second place in the 2024 Boston Marathon and fourth place at this past summer's Paris Olympic Marathon. Sharon splits her time between Flagstaff, Arizona with the Under Armour Mission Run Dark Sky Distance team and her native Kenya. Sharon Lokedi will be towing the line at the 2025 United Airlines NYC Half on March 16th. And Sharon, we are so excited to have you coming back to New York where you clearly are comfortable because you do so well when you come run with us here. And Becs and I are thrilled to have you here on Set the Pace. Welcome.

Thank you so much, Rob. As you said in the introduction, the first time I ran the New York City Half, I went ahead and won the New York City Marathon that fall. So part of it, just the athlete that I am, I think has just been so big and being part of NYC running and I'm really looking forward to coming back for the second time. I know it's going to be a blast, so I'm really, really excited for it.

Thank you so much, Rob. As you said in the introduction, the first time I ran the New York City Half, I went ahead and won the New York City Marathon that fall. So part of it, just the athlete that I am, I think has just been so big and being part of NYC running and I'm really looking forward to coming back for the second time. I know it's going to be a blast, so I'm really, really excited for it.

Oh my gosh, we can't wait to have you. It is super close to your birthday as well, the race, right?

Oh my gosh, we can't wait to have you. It is super close to your birthday as well, the race, right?

Yes. I know, you guys should change it to the week before.

Yes. I know, you guys should change it to the week before.

We'll get on that. We'll get on that, Sharon. Let's move it up a week.

We'll get on that. We'll get on that, Sharon. Let's move it up a week.

We'll rename it as a celebration of you. But that is so exciting as well to be doing the things you love, training, and doing the celebrations and all of that in New York in a place where the streets are lined with people who absolutely adore you, as I'm sure is everywhere you go. But can you share with us any expectations or any hopes that you've got?

We'll rename it as a celebration of you. But that is so exciting as well to be doing the things you love, training, and doing the celebrations and all of that in New York in a place where the streets are lined with people who absolutely adore you, as I'm sure is everywhere you go. But can you share with us any expectations or any hopes that you've got?

Honestly, I mean, my training has been going so well. I'm just ready to know to get in a race and compete and see where I am. Honestly, I wouldn't go any other place where I know I wouldn't know or what shape or what fitness I'm in. So I'm really excited to showcase it in New York, and hopefully it's a really good competition. I'm really excited that we go in and we get to compete and hopefully come with a win or anything. But I'm really looking forward, as you said, it's a long week celebrations. I'm really looking forward to that.

Honestly, I mean, my training has been going so well. I'm just ready to know to get in a race and compete and see where I am. Honestly, I wouldn't go any other place where I know I wouldn't know or what shape or what fitness I'm in. So I'm really excited to showcase it in New York, and hopefully it's a really good competition. I'm really excited that we go in and we get to compete and hopefully come with a win or anything. But I'm really looking forward, as you said, it's a long week celebrations. I'm really looking forward to that.

Wow.

Wow.

What better birthday present-

What better birthday present-

What better...

What better...

... to yourself.

... to yourself.

True, right. True-

True, right. True-

... than a win at a half- marathon. Absolutely. So there you go. Sharon, I want to go back to that 2022 marathon. What an incredible story for you to win at your debut in the distance in New York. To me, it's one of the great stories of the TCS New York City Marathon and certainly obviously a great story in your career. Take us back to that, what your expectations were coming into that day and how the day unfolded so that you find yourself crossing that finish line first, how unexpected it was, and also Sharon, just how that's changed your life since then.

... than a win at a half- marathon. Absolutely. So there you go. Sharon, I want to go back to that 2022 marathon. What an incredible story for you to win at your debut in the distance in New York. To me, it's one of the great stories of the TCS New York City Marathon and certainly obviously a great story in your career. Take us back to that, what your expectations were coming into that day and how the day unfolded so that you find yourself crossing that finish line first, how unexpected it was, and also Sharon, just how that's changed your life since then.

When I decided to do the marathon, I was like, " We'll, just go to New York." It's hard. You don't have as much expectation. You just go run and compete and get the feel of the marathon. And so during training, all I ever thought about is like, "Oh, this is going to be my first marathon. Just train, just get the mileage in, and just start to feel the distance of how it goes." Honestly, it was just coming around and the training and the workouts. And you know how long they're and very tiring there, and I was like, " Jesus, am I going to be able to do all this in the buildup?" I mean, we came to the race and I'm in there and we're running through the halfway point and I'm like, " This is the longest I've done." At that point, I had only done maybe two or three half- marathons, so I'd never done anything... It wasn't like I'd done a lot. So as we go through the halfway point of the full marathon, I was like, " Oh God, am I going to be able to finish this?" We just kept going and I think at 25 or 30 then they made a move and I was like, " Well, this is where things happen." I just started counting people. I'm like, " If I'm till five, I'm fine. I don't have to worry about anything." And we just kept going. I stayed with one of the girls and we just kept pushing. And all of a sudden we could see the leaders ahead of us. We just started walking. At this point I'm like, " Oh no, you got it." I had had so many people say, " Once you get to 35, you start to hit the wall and maybe that's where things are." And we get there, and I was like, " Oh no, this is where it's happening. This is where it's happening.: But then I also had this confidence in me. I knew that I had done enough training and I was strong enough. Once we got up to the leaders and I was like, " We came back. Nothing is done until it's done." At that point I was like, " Keep going." I have this thing that when I'm running or when I'm competing and I see people ahead of me, I start to chase them. And this was the thing, we just started chasing them. We caught up to them and we just went. It was like it happened. We just kept going and we kept going, and then we started to get close to the park and it was only three of us. And I was like, "Oh, oh no." We started going, and then one of the other girls who a little bit was dropped, and then I was like, " Oh, so now it's two of us." I honestly cannot tell you, but there was something that just I felt so strong and I just wanted to go. I made a move and immediately I made the move, I was like, " Oh no. I did it too soon. This is a bad idea. This is a bad idea." But I just kept fighting and it was like at the time where I'm like, "You got this. You can do this. Just come on. It's like the thing they've never done and you're just doing it so well." I just kept fighting. I had never longed for that finish line in my life as I did that point. You're not supposed to look back, and I do that all the time, I don't know why. Because I'm like... I have to be confident, but also I don't trust that I'm that strong to get to the finish line before anyone gets up to me. So I kept looking back. I think at this point is I'm tired, I'm just trying to get to the finish line. I think once with 200 to go and I was like, " Oh no, we hit that hill... " I just didn't know why, Rob, can you change that?

When I decided to do the marathon, I was like, " We'll, just go to New York." It's hard. You don't have as much expectation. You just go run and compete and get the feel of the marathon. And so during training, all I ever thought about is like, "Oh, this is going to be my first marathon. Just train, just get the mileage in, and just start to feel the distance of how it goes." Honestly, it was just coming around and the training and the workouts. And you know how long they're and very tiring there, and I was like, " Jesus, am I going to be able to do all this in the buildup?" I mean, we came to the race and I'm in there and we're running through the halfway point and I'm like, " This is the longest I've done." At that point, I had only done maybe two or three half- marathons, so I'd never done anything... It wasn't like I'd done a lot. So as we go through the halfway point of the full marathon, I was like, " Oh God, am I going to be able to finish this?" We just kept going and I think at 25 or 30 then they made a move and I was like, " Well, this is where things happen." I just started counting people. I'm like, " If I'm till five, I'm fine. I don't have to worry about anything." And we just kept going. I stayed with one of the girls and we just kept pushing. And all of a sudden we could see the leaders ahead of us. We just started walking. At this point I'm like, " Oh no, you got it." I had had so many people say, " Once you get to 35, you start to hit the wall and maybe that's where things are." And we get there, and I was like, " Oh no, this is where it's happening. This is where it's happening.: But then I also had this confidence in me. I knew that I had done enough training and I was strong enough. Once we got up to the leaders and I was like, " We came back. Nothing is done until it's done." At that point I was like, " Keep going." I have this thing that when I'm running or when I'm competing and I see people ahead of me, I start to chase them. And this was the thing, we just started chasing them. We caught up to them and we just went. It was like it happened. We just kept going and we kept going, and then we started to get close to the park and it was only three of us. And I was like, "Oh, oh no." We started going, and then one of the other girls who a little bit was dropped, and then I was like, " Oh, so now it's two of us." I honestly cannot tell you, but there was something that just I felt so strong and I just wanted to go. I made a move and immediately I made the move, I was like, " Oh no. I did it too soon. This is a bad idea. This is a bad idea." But I just kept fighting and it was like at the time where I'm like, "You got this. You can do this. Just come on. It's like the thing they've never done and you're just doing it so well." I just kept fighting. I had never longed for that finish line in my life as I did that point. You're not supposed to look back, and I do that all the time, I don't know why. Because I'm like... I have to be confident, but also I don't trust that I'm that strong to get to the finish line before anyone gets up to me. So I kept looking back. I think at this point is I'm tired, I'm just trying to get to the finish line. I think once with 200 to go and I was like, " Oh no, we hit that hill... " I just didn't know why, Rob, can you change that?

The hill? Yeah, not the first time I've been asked.

The hill? Yeah, not the first time I've been asked.

Please, Rob. Please.

Please, Rob. Please.

But it's like the thing that you think you're done and then you hit that and you're like, "Oh." But again, at that point it's like when you just by yourself and you have enough left, then you're like, "Okay, we can see the finish line so just get through it." And just crossing the finish line and winning in my first marathon, honestly, it's still like happening. It's still in my head. I just honestly think that it's always, always going to be a memory I'll never forget. Honestly, I feel like after that things just started changing and things just started happening. They're all really good things. To be honest, it's like you can never accept something to happen without putting in the hard work. I think it's like I had had so many years where I was doing things and I was just average and average and average. And just having that breakthrough I think opened so many things for me personally and even my running career and everything. So I just became so confident and I believed in myself so much. I think even from there it's just opened up so many things. It's like I get to the race now, it's like I just don't see myself as... I think I belong there. I put myself in there and I just do my best and give my best. Even in training, every time things happen I'm like, " Oh no, you can do it. Come on. It's just something that you can go through." I feel like all the pain that we go through in life with time it gets better. And after that pain you get to celebrate and you get to enjoy and it makes things a lot better.

But it's like the thing that you think you're done and then you hit that and you're like, "Oh." But again, at that point it's like when you just by yourself and you have enough left, then you're like, "Okay, we can see the finish line so just get through it." And just crossing the finish line and winning in my first marathon, honestly, it's still like happening. It's still in my head. I just honestly think that it's always, always going to be a memory I'll never forget. Honestly, I feel like after that things just started changing and things just started happening. They're all really good things. To be honest, it's like you can never accept something to happen without putting in the hard work. I think it's like I had had so many years where I was doing things and I was just average and average and average. And just having that breakthrough I think opened so many things for me personally and even my running career and everything. So I just became so confident and I believed in myself so much. I think even from there it's just opened up so many things. It's like I get to the race now, it's like I just don't see myself as... I think I belong there. I put myself in there and I just do my best and give my best. Even in training, every time things happen I'm like, " Oh no, you can do it. Come on. It's just something that you can go through." I feel like all the pain that we go through in life with time it gets better. And after that pain you get to celebrate and you get to enjoy and it makes things a lot better.

Oh my gosh. That's such an important message as well. Thank you for sharing that with the listeners to just hard work. You've got to work for it if you want something. It's kind of crazy for me, and I'm sure our listeners, to think of you not being confident or not feeling that you should be there on these start lines is just... We see you as mere mortal runners. See you as you're an inspiration. You're an absolute goddess out there when you run. To me, I watch you with awe and just-

Oh my gosh. That's such an important message as well. Thank you for sharing that with the listeners to just hard work. You've got to work for it if you want something. It's kind of crazy for me, and I'm sure our listeners, to think of you not being confident or not feeling that you should be there on these start lines is just... We see you as mere mortal runners. See you as you're an inspiration. You're an absolute goddess out there when you run. To me, I watch you with awe and just-

Thank you.

Thank you.

You can see the hard work. I'm not saying it comes to you without hard work. It's clear how hard you work, but it's lovely to hear somebody of your level just that you still have to learn it and remind yourself. It's very real. But I mean, you touched on it, the hard work pays off, things start changing. You take the win at the TCS New York City Marathon in '22. Fast forward, you keep working super, super hard and Peres, Peres comes, the Olympics are here, and you stepped up. I saw this in the show notes and was like, " No, that's got to be a typo." Nope, your fourth marathon ever was the 2024 Paris Olympic Marathon. So I just want to know more about that. What was your training like for that huge event?

You can see the hard work. I'm not saying it comes to you without hard work. It's clear how hard you work, but it's lovely to hear somebody of your level just that you still have to learn it and remind yourself. It's very real. But I mean, you touched on it, the hard work pays off, things start changing. You take the win at the TCS New York City Marathon in '22. Fast forward, you keep working super, super hard and Peres, Peres comes, the Olympics are here, and you stepped up. I saw this in the show notes and was like, " No, that's got to be a typo." Nope, your fourth marathon ever was the 2024 Paris Olympic Marathon. So I just want to know more about that. What was your training like for that huge event?

Honestly, I feel like for that win, it was very short. Very short and very... I think I had maybe two long runs and maybe three big workouts. I came to the mini, I ran the mini, and then after that I was getting ready for BA 10K because at that point they had already announced the field, so I was done. I was like, " I'm just going to enjoy my time and just compete and get some time off and then come back for New York in the fall." I think the second week when I went back after the mini, they sent me an email and they're like, "Oh, you have to come to Kenya." And that I think mid June, I think June 15, 16 somewhere. And at that point they're like, " Yeah, you need to come to Kenya." I was like, " Well, if I'm coming to just be there, then I'm not doing it because I have to compete. I need to figure out things here and compete." They're like, " Yeah, no, we need you to come," and I was like, " Okay, I'll come." And then I get to Kenya and they had the trials that weekend, and so I stayed in Nairobi for that day. And then they announced the team and I was still a sub. So then I was like, " Okay, it's still like I have come all the way here." It was just a lot of mind games, I feel like." Sometimes it's like I thank God because He gave me such a strong mind somehow that I just kept hoping. I never gave up hope. I just kept thinking, " It will work out. It will work out." I knew that the girls that were already in, they were very strong and I just kept praying for them. I want the best for them, and I was there supporting them and everything, but I just wanted to be sure if I'm in it or if I'm not. Then I had to switch things and start training. And so then I went back home that weekend after they announced the team and that same Monday they were like, " Okay, we want you to come to training." And so I started training and then I think two weeks later they're like, " Oh, you're in." And that was end of June. So I only had just July. I just had to change everything so quick and just the way I think. It was like I had been training, but I had not been doing marathon training. I was doing 70 miles to 80 miles a week. And so my coach and I just started figuring out, okay, we need to get you from maybe at least to 100 miles and maybe just stay there and maybe not overdo it. We just focused on the workouts, and after that we just worked on the workouts and then worked on just being mentally there, just thinking about the training and not thinking about the competition and everything. And as we kept going, I mean, my body was responding well to the workout and the long runs. I think at this point I was just so excited. I'm like, " I'm just going to be an Olympian. This is happening." And then at the same time I was like, " You have to think about the training. Don't think too far ahead of everything." I have a very good support with my family, and my mom, she just kept saying, " Sharon, it was the opportunity from this side, so just stay there and just believe in yourself. You can do it." And so yeah, I kept training, I kept training and then time to go to Paris came. We traveled, we get there, and the first night everybody's like, " Oh, we're in the village, we're in the village." Peres and I, we were roommates. And so all the night, Peres is just like-

Honestly, I feel like for that win, it was very short. Very short and very... I think I had maybe two long runs and maybe three big workouts. I came to the mini, I ran the mini, and then after that I was getting ready for BA 10K because at that point they had already announced the field, so I was done. I was like, " I'm just going to enjoy my time and just compete and get some time off and then come back for New York in the fall." I think the second week when I went back after the mini, they sent me an email and they're like, "Oh, you have to come to Kenya." And that I think mid June, I think June 15, 16 somewhere. And at that point they're like, " Yeah, you need to come to Kenya." I was like, " Well, if I'm coming to just be there, then I'm not doing it because I have to compete. I need to figure out things here and compete." They're like, " Yeah, no, we need you to come," and I was like, " Okay, I'll come." And then I get to Kenya and they had the trials that weekend, and so I stayed in Nairobi for that day. And then they announced the team and I was still a sub. So then I was like, " Okay, it's still like I have come all the way here." It was just a lot of mind games, I feel like." Sometimes it's like I thank God because He gave me such a strong mind somehow that I just kept hoping. I never gave up hope. I just kept thinking, " It will work out. It will work out." I knew that the girls that were already in, they were very strong and I just kept praying for them. I want the best for them, and I was there supporting them and everything, but I just wanted to be sure if I'm in it or if I'm not. Then I had to switch things and start training. And so then I went back home that weekend after they announced the team and that same Monday they were like, " Okay, we want you to come to training." And so I started training and then I think two weeks later they're like, " Oh, you're in." And that was end of June. So I only had just July. I just had to change everything so quick and just the way I think. It was like I had been training, but I had not been doing marathon training. I was doing 70 miles to 80 miles a week. And so my coach and I just started figuring out, okay, we need to get you from maybe at least to 100 miles and maybe just stay there and maybe not overdo it. We just focused on the workouts, and after that we just worked on the workouts and then worked on just being mentally there, just thinking about the training and not thinking about the competition and everything. And as we kept going, I mean, my body was responding well to the workout and the long runs. I think at this point I was just so excited. I'm like, " I'm just going to be an Olympian. This is happening." And then at the same time I was like, " You have to think about the training. Don't think too far ahead of everything." I have a very good support with my family, and my mom, she just kept saying, " Sharon, it was the opportunity from this side, so just stay there and just believe in yourself. You can do it." And so yeah, I kept training, I kept training and then time to go to Paris came. We traveled, we get there, and the first night everybody's like, " Oh, we're in the village, we're in the village." Peres and I, we were roommates. And so all the night, Peres is just like-

Peres Jepchirchir, yeah.

Peres Jepchirchir, yeah.

Yes. And like, "Sharon, we're here. Let's compete." Obiri, I think we met Obiri there because she was in the US. So all of us met and we are just trying to figure out and everyone is like, " Yeah, the training has been going on this." I just deep down in my head I'm like, " Oh no, I have done half of what they've done already." But then we get to the race and we get to the start line and I can tell you, it was hot, but even before in the bus, I'm like sweating. I'm like, " I'm just going to do this." There was so much expectation. When you get to the competition, nobody cares if you had a full block of training or a short block of training, they just expect you to compete. I just didn't want to give myself a lot of doubts and stuff. I just wanted to just be there, be present and just be confident. I knew, I was like, " Well, I had a really good block in Boston," and I was like, " I'm just going to use that." It was only just a few sharpening here. And then we get to the village, the tents, and we're sitting there and I can't even tie my shoe. I was shaking. This point it's like, okay, we have to go to the start line and all that. We're warming up and you're seeing everyone. I kept looking at people, I'm like, " Wow, they look so fit. Oh, geez." (inaudible) . After the cool down, we went back and people are changing and we had to move quick and everything was just going so fast. I'm like, " Okay, I get everything. I get everything." We get to the start line and they couldn't let us straight. I was just getting worried and everything. It's like when you cannot do anything, that's how bad I was. I was like I couldn't just figure out anything. Peres was there just trying to help me with a few things. I'm just grateful that I had good teammates. And we get to the start line and we start running and everything and it's like once you start running, then things just start to come down and you're like, " Okay. Okay."

Yes. And like, "Sharon, we're here. Let's compete." Obiri, I think we met Obiri there because she was in the US. So all of us met and we are just trying to figure out and everyone is like, " Yeah, the training has been going on this." I just deep down in my head I'm like, " Oh no, I have done half of what they've done already." But then we get to the race and we get to the start line and I can tell you, it was hot, but even before in the bus, I'm like sweating. I'm like, " I'm just going to do this." There was so much expectation. When you get to the competition, nobody cares if you had a full block of training or a short block of training, they just expect you to compete. I just didn't want to give myself a lot of doubts and stuff. I just wanted to just be there, be present and just be confident. I knew, I was like, " Well, I had a really good block in Boston," and I was like, " I'm just going to use that." It was only just a few sharpening here. And then we get to the village, the tents, and we're sitting there and I can't even tie my shoe. I was shaking. This point it's like, okay, we have to go to the start line and all that. We're warming up and you're seeing everyone. I kept looking at people, I'm like, " Wow, they look so fit. Oh, geez." (inaudible) . After the cool down, we went back and people are changing and we had to move quick and everything was just going so fast. I'm like, " Okay, I get everything. I get everything." We get to the start line and they couldn't let us straight. I was just getting worried and everything. It's like when you cannot do anything, that's how bad I was. I was like I couldn't just figure out anything. Peres was there just trying to help me with a few things. I'm just grateful that I had good teammates. And we get to the start line and we start running and everything and it's like once you start running, then things just start to come down and you're like, " Okay. Okay."

(inaudible) to doing what you know you can do.

(inaudible) to doing what you know you can do.

Yes. Yes. And the point was just follow your teammates, just stay with them, work as a group. We kept going and we kept going. Honestly, every time I'm like, " I can do this. Everyone here is strong. Everyone here is the fastest in their country. Everyone here, they all earned the position to be there." I was like, " Even me, I did. I couldn't be here if they didn't believe in me and if I didn't believe in myself." So I put myself in it and I started competing and I just was present. I tried to make as many moves as I could and I tried to stay with them. If the move was made, I was in it. Then we get to the hill and I was like, " Wow, I'm moving." You know when you get to do things and you're like, "Oh." I was feeling so good and we kept going and I just wanted to keep fighting as much as I could. We get to the point where you're like, "I did everything I could. I gave my absolute best." And honestly, I'm very proud of that performance and I would never take anything from that. I would always, always appreciate the opportunity that I'm given and just whatever it is, whatever I get, whatever it is, I'm always like, " I'll take it with grace and fight for it." Not everybody gets that opportunity, and I got it. I was there and I gave my best. And fourth is still a big, big, big performance. So I'm really looking forward to what's come next. I hope I can do well. I feel like I'm still growing. I'm only 30.9, so I still have a couple more years.

Yes. Yes. And the point was just follow your teammates, just stay with them, work as a group. We kept going and we kept going. Honestly, every time I'm like, " I can do this. Everyone here is strong. Everyone here is the fastest in their country. Everyone here, they all earned the position to be there." I was like, " Even me, I did. I couldn't be here if they didn't believe in me and if I didn't believe in myself." So I put myself in it and I started competing and I just was present. I tried to make as many moves as I could and I tried to stay with them. If the move was made, I was in it. Then we get to the hill and I was like, " Wow, I'm moving." You know when you get to do things and you're like, "Oh." I was feeling so good and we kept going and I just wanted to keep fighting as much as I could. We get to the point where you're like, "I did everything I could. I gave my absolute best." And honestly, I'm very proud of that performance and I would never take anything from that. I would always, always appreciate the opportunity that I'm given and just whatever it is, whatever I get, whatever it is, I'm always like, " I'll take it with grace and fight for it." Not everybody gets that opportunity, and I got it. I was there and I gave my best. And fourth is still a big, big, big performance. So I'm really looking forward to what's come next. I hope I can do well. I feel like I'm still growing. I'm only 30.9, so I still have a couple more years.

30. 9, that's your age. I've never heard anybody put it in point something, but yeah-

30. 9, that's your age. I've never heard anybody put it in point something, but yeah-

It's so close.

It's so close.

It's so close. So yeah, so I think there's still more to be achieved and I believe that I still have a lot more to show and a lot more to prove to myself that do not limit yourself, anything is possible. And to think that five years ago I almost was like, "Maybe I'll just put this running to the side." Here we are now.

It's so close. So yeah, so I think there's still more to be achieved and I believe that I still have a lot more to show and a lot more to prove to myself that do not limit yourself, anything is possible. And to think that five years ago I almost was like, "Maybe I'll just put this running to the side." Here we are now.

I'm glad you didn't.

I'm glad you didn't.

Good idea that you did not do that. Exactly.

Good idea that you did not do that. Exactly.

(inaudible) .

(inaudible) .

Never give up hope.

Never give up hope.

So glad you didn't do that. We're all so glad you didn't do that. Sharon, when I look at your results, and your, again, still pretty short marathon career and what you're doing on these courses that are known for hills. I mean New York win, Boston, second, Paris, a hilly course that people went faster on than I think most people expected, fourth place just out of the medals, but a tremendous result for you there. Are you a hill runner? Is this what you look for? Do you look for hilly courses? How do you see yourself in terms of where you think you have the best chance to win when it comes to marathons or even in shorter distances like a half?

So glad you didn't do that. We're all so glad you didn't do that. Sharon, when I look at your results, and your, again, still pretty short marathon career and what you're doing on these courses that are known for hills. I mean New York win, Boston, second, Paris, a hilly course that people went faster on than I think most people expected, fourth place just out of the medals, but a tremendous result for you there. Are you a hill runner? Is this what you look for? Do you look for hilly courses? How do you see yourself in terms of where you think you have the best chance to win when it comes to marathons or even in shorter distances like a half?

Honestly, I feel like for these courses, I feel like I just get the best training that I know is best for that. And to be honest, I've never tried any other course. I've only been able to do this. And honestly, I think we're all different. I think we are all different in the way we view things. And for me, I always think, if you choose something, you really want to do it. I feel like every time I go to these races and to these courses, it's like I can do it and I try to do the workouts that I know are going to help me in those courses and everything. I think part of it is more mental for me than anything. I'm always like, 'I know it's going to be hard, so I have to be prepared and be there and do the things that I know are going to help me." But I also think that I just have strong muscles. I don't know, I usually just try to figure out things. I think I just have a way of trying to figure out... Anything that comes hard for me I feel like I just try to make... It gives me this fight that I always want to fight for. Maybe it might be different when I start running on a flat course or a faster course, but for now, I honestly think I'm just fine where I am. I just want to maybe keep doing it. I'll try in a few years or maybe a year depending.

Honestly, I feel like for these courses, I feel like I just get the best training that I know is best for that. And to be honest, I've never tried any other course. I've only been able to do this. And honestly, I think we're all different. I think we are all different in the way we view things. And for me, I always think, if you choose something, you really want to do it. I feel like every time I go to these races and to these courses, it's like I can do it and I try to do the workouts that I know are going to help me in those courses and everything. I think part of it is more mental for me than anything. I'm always like, 'I know it's going to be hard, so I have to be prepared and be there and do the things that I know are going to help me." But I also think that I just have strong muscles. I don't know, I usually just try to figure out things. I think I just have a way of trying to figure out... Anything that comes hard for me I feel like I just try to make... It gives me this fight that I always want to fight for. Maybe it might be different when I start running on a flat course or a faster course, but for now, I honestly think I'm just fine where I am. I just want to maybe keep doing it. I'll try in a few years or maybe a year depending.

Well, you said mental. Becs, one thing that's in common in addition to the hills on these courses that you're doing so well on is no pacers, right? So you're out there-

Well, you said mental. Becs, one thing that's in common in addition to the hills on these courses that you're doing so well on is no pacers, right? So you're out there-

Yeah, no formation.

Yeah, no formation.

So you're out there on your own. I think just talking to you, listening to you, hopefully our listeners are getting this, you could see how the mind of Sharon Lokedi works and the positivity.

So you're out there on your own. I think just talking to you, listening to you, hopefully our listeners are getting this, you could see how the mind of Sharon Lokedi works and the positivity.

I was going to say the joy, yeah.

I was going to say the joy, yeah.

That's got to come in handy when you're out there by yourself attacking Heartbreak Hill or those hills in Central Park or that hill in Paris that looked like it was straight up.

That's got to come in handy when you're out there by yourself attacking Heartbreak Hill or those hills in Central Park or that hill in Paris that looked like it was straight up.

It was brutal.

It was brutal.

I usually say, " Don't look at the end of it. Just look just below in front of your legs or your feet. Just don't look ahead. Just take it step by step." And just like everything, just take one goal at a time, and I think that's usually how I try to view it and say it like, " Just deal with what you have now and then just keep going uphill and then with no time, you'll be over it."

I usually say, " Don't look at the end of it. Just look just below in front of your legs or your feet. Just don't look ahead. Just take it step by step." And just like everything, just take one goal at a time, and I think that's usually how I try to view it and say it like, " Just deal with what you have now and then just keep going uphill and then with no time, you'll be over it."

It might hurt, but you'll get through it.

It might hurt, but you'll get through it.

Yeah. It's definitely it's going to be hard, so just take it just a little bit and you'll get through it. You'll get through it for sure.

Yeah. It's definitely it's going to be hard, so just take it just a little bit and you'll get through it. You'll get through it for sure.

Sharon, you already mentioned earlier that you train between Flagstaff and then Kenya as well.

Sharon, you already mentioned earlier that you train between Flagstaff and then Kenya as well.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I know a lot of our listeners are so intrigued to know the differences between the two. There's a fair few training camps that go on now that all runners can go to, which is unreal to be able to experience this legendary Kenyan way of training to be the fastest runners on the planet. So what are the biggest differences for you, in your opinion, between the two places?

I know a lot of our listeners are so intrigued to know the differences between the two. There's a fair few training camps that go on now that all runners can go to, which is unreal to be able to experience this legendary Kenyan way of training to be the fastest runners on the planet. So what are the biggest differences for you, in your opinion, between the two places?

Well, I think Kenya, for me, I feel like it's very low- key. It's very humbling. It's very humbling. You get in there and you're in a training camp Monday through Saturday. You wake up in the morning, you go for a run, you come back, you eat, you sleep. You are asleep for a couple hours. You wake up, you eat, you rest a little bit, you go for your double work. That's the only thing that you do. I mean, you have treatment like massage and physio in between and all that stuff, but there's just nothing out there. It's all just you and your training and your recovery. I guess there's also the part where you have a group of people to go with. You always have someone to go with. You are always not by yourself or anything like that. People are very supportive. They're always like... You can always have someone to run with. You can always have someone to do the workouts with. It just makes it so easy on your mind and you're so relaxed and you're so calm. And for you it's just to follow and just let other people do the work for you. I feel like it makes it so easy to just get in shape quicker and get to enjoy other things that comes with it.

Well, I think Kenya, for me, I feel like it's very low- key. It's very humbling. It's very humbling. You get in there and you're in a training camp Monday through Saturday. You wake up in the morning, you go for a run, you come back, you eat, you sleep. You are asleep for a couple hours. You wake up, you eat, you rest a little bit, you go for your double work. That's the only thing that you do. I mean, you have treatment like massage and physio in between and all that stuff, but there's just nothing out there. It's all just you and your training and your recovery. I guess there's also the part where you have a group of people to go with. You always have someone to go with. You are always not by yourself or anything like that. People are very supportive. They're always like... You can always have someone to run with. You can always have someone to do the workouts with. It just makes it so easy on your mind and you're so relaxed and you're so calm. And for you it's just to follow and just let other people do the work for you. I feel like it makes it so easy to just get in shape quicker and get to enjoy other things that comes with it.

Wow, that sounds like an absolute dream. When can I go?

Wow, that sounds like an absolute dream. When can I go?

Anytime you want to come, honestly, all of you are so welcome. I feel like that's the part of it that just makes it... It's just very down to earth. You just don't have anything else to do. Sundays are usually off and you can just go do whatever, but you're also out in the forest. As I said, it's very quiet, very calming. I know most people find that very helpful. For myself I do find that very helpful that I'm just there just to focus on that, nothing else. I just find it (inaudible) . And I get to see my family too. That's a bonus.

Anytime you want to come, honestly, all of you are so welcome. I feel like that's the part of it that just makes it... It's just very down to earth. You just don't have anything else to do. Sundays are usually off and you can just go do whatever, but you're also out in the forest. As I said, it's very quiet, very calming. I know most people find that very helpful. For myself I do find that very helpful that I'm just there just to focus on that, nothing else. I just find it (inaudible) . And I get to see my family too. That's a bonus.

That's so cool.

That's so cool.

I think that, yeah, that makes sense. Sometimes I can't even, because I said I'm always there Monday through Sunday, so I only see them on the weekend, on Sundays, and then I go back. But it's just the closeness of them being close helps sometimes.

I think that, yeah, that makes sense. Sometimes I can't even, because I said I'm always there Monday through Sunday, so I only see them on the weekend, on Sundays, and then I go back. But it's just the closeness of them being close helps sometimes.

Sharon, when you were growing up in Kenya, there was something, violence, when you were about 14 years old, some political violence that really caused displacement for you. And that was, I'm sure, a difficult time for you, for your family. What kind of impact did that have on you? And then how did you ultimately find your way from Kenya to an American college campus in Lawrence, Kansas?

Sharon, when you were growing up in Kenya, there was something, violence, when you were about 14 years old, some political violence that really caused displacement for you. And that was, I'm sure, a difficult time for you, for your family. What kind of impact did that have on you? And then how did you ultimately find your way from Kenya to an American college campus in Lawrence, Kansas?

Yeah, I think that was post- election violence, the one that you were talking, I think it was around 2007. I think I was in eighth grade. It went on for two months and just two months of unsettlement, people were just all over the... You couldn't just stay in your home. I guess you'll come to your home during the day and then during the night you just had to go and sleep somewhere in some hidden place in the forest. It was just things that happened at that point where you're like, you're just a kid, you don't know anything. We just had to follow what our elders were doing and most like my grandma and everyone. Yeah, even after that, it just was so hard to go from... We used to go to... My primary school was maybe four kilometers away, so every time we went to school it still was very, very unsafe. And so we had to go in groups and stuff, and it wasn't good for anyone. I think for most kids it just was things that are like they'd never seen. Our parents, they had seen it before, so they just were telling us stories. And then for us to be in that, I think it affected us in a way that you just see life now in a different... Things happen and politics and everything just changes the way people are. It just affects people that you don't think would. I feel like even in my mind I still think about that. Every time I go home to see my grandmother, you can still picture all that. It's been a long time, but it still is something that is affecting. And you never know, it might happen anytime. It's just the things that are always happening all the time around election time. And yeah, it's definitely not safe and not good for people that are growing up and seeing all that. And then, yeah, after that, I graduated primary school, then I went to high school. I was running in high school a little bit, not as much, and then I stopped. And then after I graduated high school, I was home and my mom couldn't afford to pay for my college tuition, so I started training again.. I had had a few people that had come to the US through scholarships and everything. I knew I had in me still like a runner. I went back to training camp and started training again from zero because I had stopped three years because at that point I was like, " Yeah, I just want to grow up and go to college like everyone." And then after that, it was just hard for my mom to take care of all of us. So then yeah, I started training and within eight months I was ready to go. I got a scholarship and I came to Kansas. I'd never been anywhere outside of Kenya. It was my first time traveling. I came to Kansas in January, which was not the best time of the year. Take shock to the system to go from Kenya to the winter. But honestly, I feel like when I got there, they were very helpful and they helped me cope with life in the US and everything and with running. And I'm very grateful because I think part of the person I am came from the training I got in Kansas and everything that I, when I was there, I grew up and I became a better person.

Yeah, I think that was post- election violence, the one that you were talking, I think it was around 2007. I think I was in eighth grade. It went on for two months and just two months of unsettlement, people were just all over the... You couldn't just stay in your home. I guess you'll come to your home during the day and then during the night you just had to go and sleep somewhere in some hidden place in the forest. It was just things that happened at that point where you're like, you're just a kid, you don't know anything. We just had to follow what our elders were doing and most like my grandma and everyone. Yeah, even after that, it just was so hard to go from... We used to go to... My primary school was maybe four kilometers away, so every time we went to school it still was very, very unsafe. And so we had to go in groups and stuff, and it wasn't good for anyone. I think for most kids it just was things that are like they'd never seen. Our parents, they had seen it before, so they just were telling us stories. And then for us to be in that, I think it affected us in a way that you just see life now in a different... Things happen and politics and everything just changes the way people are. It just affects people that you don't think would. I feel like even in my mind I still think about that. Every time I go home to see my grandmother, you can still picture all that. It's been a long time, but it still is something that is affecting. And you never know, it might happen anytime. It's just the things that are always happening all the time around election time. And yeah, it's definitely not safe and not good for people that are growing up and seeing all that. And then, yeah, after that, I graduated primary school, then I went to high school. I was running in high school a little bit, not as much, and then I stopped. And then after I graduated high school, I was home and my mom couldn't afford to pay for my college tuition, so I started training again.. I had had a few people that had come to the US through scholarships and everything. I knew I had in me still like a runner. I went back to training camp and started training again from zero because I had stopped three years because at that point I was like, " Yeah, I just want to grow up and go to college like everyone." And then after that, it was just hard for my mom to take care of all of us. So then yeah, I started training and within eight months I was ready to go. I got a scholarship and I came to Kansas. I'd never been anywhere outside of Kenya. It was my first time traveling. I came to Kansas in January, which was not the best time of the year. Take shock to the system to go from Kenya to the winter. But honestly, I feel like when I got there, they were very helpful and they helped me cope with life in the US and everything and with running. And I'm very grateful because I think part of the person I am came from the training I got in Kansas and everything that I, when I was there, I grew up and I became a better person.

Well, we have to say goodbye to Becs. She's got to go off and teach a Peloton class. Her runners are waiting for her on the treadmill. So Becs, thank you, and we will see you soon. Sharon, we're going to keep going with you. Yeah, I just picture young Sharon Lokedi in Lawrence, Kansas. I mean we say here The Wizard of Oz, " You're not in Kansas anymore." You weren't in Kenya anymore, you were in Kansas, actually in Kansas and doing amazing things, an incredible college career, winning the 10,000 meters NCAA title in 2018. From a competitive point of view, did you come out of college thinking, " Okay, I'm a 10, 000 kind of runner, I'm a track runner."? Where did you see your career going at that point?

Well, we have to say goodbye to Becs. She's got to go off and teach a Peloton class. Her runners are waiting for her on the treadmill. So Becs, thank you, and we will see you soon. Sharon, we're going to keep going with you. Yeah, I just picture young Sharon Lokedi in Lawrence, Kansas. I mean we say here The Wizard of Oz, " You're not in Kansas anymore." You weren't in Kenya anymore, you were in Kansas, actually in Kansas and doing amazing things, an incredible college career, winning the 10,000 meters NCAA title in 2018. From a competitive point of view, did you come out of college thinking, " Okay, I'm a 10, 000 kind of runner, I'm a track runner."? Where did you see your career going at that point?

Oh yeah, exactly as you said, I came, I was like, " I can do this now. Five, 10K runner." Professional running, it's not fun. It's not easy.

Oh yeah, exactly as you said, I came, I was like, " I can do this now. Five, 10K runner." Professional running, it's not fun. It's not easy.

No.

No.

You come in from college and you're used to doing all these things, you're used to getting all these treatment, you're used to always the racing every other weekend. And then you get to professional running and you're only racing maybe two or three times in the indoors and then you go outdoors and only it's the same thing. It was just that shift. Now you have so much time and you're just trying to figure out what to do with all this time. You're training. I feel like with college you are racing all the time that you got fitter so quick, and professional running, you're not racing as much, you only have to have a few certain races and you have to be on your top shape. I think just figuring how that works, it took me a while. I would go to the races and I'm running well, but I was just average. I expected to once I get to professional running I'll start running so fast because now I have all the time to recover and do all this stuff. But that wasn't the case. It just had to be a lot of learning and also just trying to get used to this new lifestyle and just trying to figure out. And then COVID hit, and because I graduated 2019 and then I had almost maybe two or three and then COVID, and then we didn't do anything for a while. And then after that, after COVID, like 2021, then I was like, " You know what? Maybe I'm just going to switch the roads". Then I started doing road races in the summer. I think that is when things were like, " Okay, maybe this is where I belong more than anything." I started focusing more on the road racing and yeah, I guess here we are now.

You come in from college and you're used to doing all these things, you're used to getting all these treatment, you're used to always the racing every other weekend. And then you get to professional running and you're only racing maybe two or three times in the indoors and then you go outdoors and only it's the same thing. It was just that shift. Now you have so much time and you're just trying to figure out what to do with all this time. You're training. I feel like with college you are racing all the time that you got fitter so quick, and professional running, you're not racing as much, you only have to have a few certain races and you have to be on your top shape. I think just figuring how that works, it took me a while. I would go to the races and I'm running well, but I was just average. I expected to once I get to professional running I'll start running so fast because now I have all the time to recover and do all this stuff. But that wasn't the case. It just had to be a lot of learning and also just trying to get used to this new lifestyle and just trying to figure out. And then COVID hit, and because I graduated 2019 and then I had almost maybe two or three and then COVID, and then we didn't do anything for a while. And then after that, after COVID, like 2021, then I was like, " You know what? Maybe I'm just going to switch the roads". Then I started doing road races in the summer. I think that is when things were like, " Okay, maybe this is where I belong more than anything." I started focusing more on the road racing and yeah, I guess here we are now.

I'm going to challenge your description of yourself as average in college with an NCAA title in the 10, 000 meters. But-

I'm going to challenge your description of yourself as average in college with an NCAA title in the 10, 000 meters. But-

No, in college it was great, but you have to know, if I had to make teams, I had to be on a different level. And once you're professional runner, you have to be making teams. You're getting signs to be running these times and making teams and everything. And with Kenya, it never went anywhere.

No, in college it was great, but you have to know, if I had to make teams, I had to be on a different level. And once you're professional runner, you have to be making teams. You're getting signs to be running these times and making teams and everything. And with Kenya, it never went anywhere.

It's a hard team to make. I mean, how much of that is in your mind? I mean, you mentioned that you were an alternate for Peres. Obviously someone dropped out and you ended up getting in, but you're coming from the hardest country in the world to make a team. You do spend a lot of your time in the US, but how does that make you raise your game? I know this was your first Olympics, but is that in the back of your mind often like, " I'm not just competing against the field, but I'm competing against my country women," which in a way for you is the hardest competition? You've got women like Hellen Obiri and folks like that out there running alongside you.