Kamworor says virus has offered unlimited, valuable lessons
By People Reporter, April 20, 2020
Ericson Kiprono
For world half marathon record holder Geoffrey Kamworor, the coronavirus pandemic has taught him two things, discipline and the fact that there is life outside sports.
For a man who spends six days a week in camp in Kaptagat and just one at home, adjusting to the new realities has been hard on Kamworor who is now forced to train alone at home in Eldoret away from his Global Sports stablemates.
His training regime has included doing long runs in the morning then cardio and lifting weight indoors to remain in shape.
“It has been tough definitely because when you are used to training together then suddenly you are not allowed to, it’s a bit hard.
But it’s the situation we all find ourselves in and we must adjust accordingly. That’s the nature of life and sports,” Kwamoror told People Sport from Eldoret at the weekend.
“It requires a lot of discipline because there is no one pushing you. You have to do it all by yourself.
We just encourage each other through calls on video and audio with the other teammates to ensure we keep the focus. Coach Patrick Sang also checks on us regularly to ensure we are okay,” he added.
Like all athletes, the Covid-19 has been brutal on Kwamoror who was one of the first casualties as he saw the March 29 World Half Marathon postponed to October 17, an event he was to feature in after preparing for months.
“It was my dream and plan to compete at the World Half Marathon. I wanted so much to gauge myself in one last race before turning my focus to the track competition ahead of the Olympic Games,” the three-time World Half Marathon champion said.
Kamworor, who was to partner Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Half Marathon champion Kibiwott Kandie in the event in Poland, however, says the break has offered him an opportunity to spend more time with his family.
He currently holds the world record in the 21km distance, having clocked 58:01 in Copenhagen, Denmark last September.
Known as the man of all surfaces, Kamworor is revered for his prowess, having won titles on track, cross-country, half and full marathons.
Besides the three World Half Marathon crowns, he has four (two junior and as many senior) World Cross-Country titles, two New York Marathon wins and a silver in the 10,000 at the 2015 World Championships.