Let's Get Ready To Rumble

A lot has happened in the past few months (sorry for the radio silence). But we've got a major event - in fact, right now, the main event coming up next weekend: The Iten Marathon.

But first, let’s rewind…

March saw some seriously heavy rains in Iten. Day after day, the rain came tumbling down and flooded more than the trails and roads where The Arete Squad train—the rains washed the lads out of house and home. The flooding destroyed much of the furniture and we had to move the lads to new accommodation.

Fortunately, we found excellent accommodation down near the famous Kamariny track and moved Nicodemus and Hosea without too many problems (Richard’s plot withstood the heavy rains).

In between the rains, Nicodemus used the Eldoret marathon for a 30km training run to get a feel for racing the classic distance. This proved a great move as Nicodemus learned that both not drinking any water and drinking too much water can lead to problems. Although plagued with a stitch, Nicodemus sat in with the leaders for the full 30km, withdrawing at that point following Coach Stazza’s instructions. Job done.

The Eldoret marathon also taught Nicodemus the importance of fueling and pacing for marathon distance. We introduced Nicodemus and Hosea to gels (Richard has used gels before), and they've had opportunities to suss out how to nurse the gels and take them at the right time. All of this has helped with their preparations for the upcoming Iten marathon.

All three of the lads will go into next weekend’s Iten Marathon, confident and with individual racing strategies. The course is tough: it starts at 7,800 feet and gradually drops along the Eldoret road with rolling hills; at halfway, they turn around and run back up towards Iten. This will make for a gruesome second half. The altitude, the fatigue from the first half, and having to climb the second half, will make for an interesting race. As you might imagine, the field is stacked full of talent. For the Arete Squad, this is about experience.

The Squad has successfully managed to get through a 10 week marathon specific build-up, which has served as an introduction to serious marathon training. The Squad is ready and excited to take on the challenge.

The entries are sorted, the new racing shoes have been bought, and they have their gels. Most importantly, they are niggle free, confident in their individual plans, and looking forward to showing their gratitude and increased athletic performance to all of the Arete Scholarship donors, whose support has enabled them to train hard. The generosity of the donors has been amazing.

Many of the Stablemates from Stazza’s Stable have been involved with Arete so far: donating funds and time/expertise, hosting fundraisers, and giving meaningful support in other ways to the the Squad. Next weekend, The Arete Squad will show their thanks on the rolling hills of the famous Eldoret Road. Stay tuned!