September 9, 2024
Ludovic's feedback!
Ludovic's feedback!
Romain
Kenya
6 Min
Today we'd like to introduce you to Ludo, one of our trainees currently at the center. In full preparation for the Berlin Marathon, he agreed to answer our questions between two training sessions.
Hi Ludo, can you introduce yourself, tell us about your level of running and your goals?
Hi, my name is Ludo, I'm 42 and I'm a supervisor in an oil depot in eastern France. I'm an amateur runner, I don't have a high level but I'm passionate so coming to Kenya was a dream. My next goal is the Berlin Marathon on September 28. I have a record of 3h26'25, which I achieved last year in Amsterdam. In Berlin, I'd like to beat my record first, but I don't have a precise time target.
Is this your first time at the RUN'IX Athletic Center? If not, why did you decide to come back?
This is my 2nd stay in Kenya at the RUN'IX Athletic Center, I already came last year for 3 weeks. The stay went very well and thanks to it I was able to improve my marathon record by 15 minutes, so I've decided to come back for 3 weeks again this year to prepare for Berlin.
Do you think the high-altitude training center is just for elite runners, or is it also suitable for amateurs?
Altitude training and the center are by no means reserved for elite athletes, and I'm proof of that. Altitude training has been very beneficial in my marathon progression. If it worked for me, it can work for anyone. What's more, at the center it's very easy to integrate, whether you're an amateur or an experienced athlete, there's no judgement of level, on the contrary there's a real atmosphere of solidarity between everyone, everyone pulls each other up and often the other trainees have good advice to give.
What do you see as the center's greatest strengths?
At the center, everything is optimized for our comfort. The on-site team is at our beck and call. There's a cleaning service for our rooms and linens, a top-notch kitchen team that prepares meals adapted to our running needs, and if you have the slightest problem, it's taken care of in no time. Everything is done to make our stay as pleasant as possible, and it's a success!
Can you describe a typical day at the center?
My day starts with breakfast at 6.30am. I then head off to training at 8 a.m., either to Eldoret or Kamariny for a track session, to Moiben for a long outing or to the many courses around the center for my jogging. When I get back from training, I usually rest before having my lunch. In the afternoon, I either take a little nap before the evening session or go shopping in town. Sometimes I do a massage with Jacob too. And then around 5 p.m. I leave for my 2nd session of the day. Then we have dinner at 7pm, which is usually when we talk about our program for the following day. The days go by so quickly here, there's no time to get bored!
Have you been on safari here in Kenya?
Personally, I've been on one safari since I arrived, to Baringo, and it was great! We saw giraffes, hippos, zebras, snakes, crocodiles, antelopes and so on. I couldn't see myself coming to Kenya without doing at least 1 or 2 safaris, the landscapes are so magnificent, you can't help but take in the sights. Nature has so much to show us, it's the perfect time to take advantage of it.
What would you say to people who are still hesitating to come?
First of all, I'd tell them not to hesitate to ask any questions they might have, either to the RUN'IX Athletic Center team or to former trainees at the center. That's what I personally did, and what prompted me to book my first stay here. I'd also tell them that it doesn't matter what level you are, whether you're a 2:10 marathon runner or a 5-hour runner, you've got a place here. The atmosphere is great, you'll meet some exceptional people and leave with unforgettable memories. I came last year, I came back this year and I won't hesitate to come back in subsequent years. So don't hesitate, come and live the Kenyan experience!
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