This summer my sneakers trod the red earth of Iten (Kenya), a place known worldwide as the birthplace of the most successful long-distance runners. I arrived in Nairobi, the capital, with a group of Spaniards, excited and worried about what awaited us. The journey to Iten, in the west of the country, was long, but each kilometer traveled increased our expectations. Iten is not just a place of training; It’s a sanctuary of athleticism where altitude and genetics combine to create champions.
In the heights of Iten
Waking up every morning in Iten was like being in a dream. More than 2,400 meters above sea levelthe altitude challenged us from the first step, but we quickly adapted thanks to its unique atmosphere. Each day began with a morning jog, where the fresh, pure air filled our lungs and the view of the green hills inspired us to continue.
Training in the stadium of Eliud Kipchoge, double Olympic champion, sports legend, was a privilege that I will never forget. Doing a series on the same track that saw the man who broke the two-hour marathon barrier train, even though his record was not approved, is a memory I carry in my heart. The modest stadium exuded a special energy. We felt like we were absorbing some of the greatness that this place represents. And, by the way, I had the best workout set I’ve ever done. Life.
Learning and humility
The real lesson of Iten, however, is not in its slopes or altitude. What we really learned from there was the humility and simplicity of its people. The Kenyan champions, despite their exploits, live with impressive modesty. His success is due not only to his genetics, but also to an impeccable work ethic and humble attitude. At Iten, we learned that athletics, besides talent, is a matter of heart and dedication.
We met young runners who dream of reaching the summits, but who live their lives with overflowing serenity and humility. We were impressed by how they do not lose touch with their community and maintain impeccable treatment with visitors. We felt welcomed, as if we were part of their family, and this hospitality had a profound effect on us.
A special bond
In addition to connecting with Kenyans, the experience in Iten brought us closer together as a group. We created a special bond, sharing not only workouts, but also laughter, stories and dreams. Our passion for athletics brought us together and that camaraderie made each day in Iten even more meaningful. Together, we not only ran and trained, but also explored the local culture, tasted its typical dishes, like ugali (a dish made from corn flour and water), and marveled at the beauty of its landscape. Of course we didn’t agree with the ugali. Loved by some and hated by others. Thank you Daniel, Esther, Giuseppe, Héctor, Hetty, Josep, Luisma, Marc, Óscar, Pablo and Sergio.
The big meeting: Berlin
With all this learning, I traveled to Berlin to tackle my first marathon on Sunday September 29th. The Berlin Marathon is one of the most prestigious in the world, known for its very fast course and for being almost always chosen by elite athletes to break records. But for me, the challenge was personal. Since I found out in December 2023 that I had gotten my bib, my goal was to experience and finish the race.
My father, who has run five marathons, was my traveling companion and was also celebrating his birthday this weekend. Together we shared the excitement and nerves before the race.
Preparation and objectives
For months, I prepared with dedication and effort. Initially I just wanted to finish the race, but as the training progressed I felt stronger and more confident. And my competitive spirit was getting stronger. It’s something I can’t stop: I always want to compete at my best.
I established a ambitious goal: spend less than three hours running at a pace of 4h15 per kilometer. For the first marathon, it wouldn’t be bad. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but with the humility and respect I learned at Iten, I stood at the start line with 58,000 other runners.
The marathon
The race started and I felt good from the first moment. I ran the first 25 miles at an average pace of 3:57 per mile, feeling strong and in control. However, as the distance increased, fatigue began to set in. I then remembered the lessons of Kenya: the importance of maintaining humility and respect for the 42 kilometers and 195 meters. I decided to prioritize enjoying the moment, experiencing every step and absorbing the energy of Berlin. Although I didn’t brake excessively either. In fact, I only slowed down five seconds per kilometer.
Iván runs in Berlin with the Real Madrid jersey
A particular objective
Passing under the legendary Brandenburg Gate was an indescribable moment. For years, with the presence of the Berlin Wall, the legendary Berlin monument was enclosed between the inner and outer wall, its visit being reserved for a few special guests from the GDR and border guards.
The enthusiasm and satisfaction of having arrived this far overwhelmed me. As I crossed the finish line and passed under the arcades of the legendary portal, tears and smiles mixed on my face. I remembered the distant dream of running a marathon, made reality through the effort and dedication of months of preparation. And with the medal around my neck, I dedicated my achievement to my grandmother Angelita, knowing that she would be proud.
And the time? Although at the time it didn’t matter that much, in the end it mattered to someone as competitive as me: 2 hours, 51 minutes and one second, at 4:03 minutes per kilometer.
And best of all, this path doesn’t end there. We are already planning the next adventures: running the Behobia-San Sebastian, the professional San Silvestre Vallecana, the Seville Half Marathon and, of course, Rome, where I will look for another personal victory and, above all, where I will meet the group . again Spaniards who went to Kenya. Because true success lies not in the time we take, but in everything we learn and experience in the process.
* Iván del Dedo is 27 years old and lives in Madrid. He was born in Avila and considers himself a guest of Toledo. He works as a journalist at C de Comunicación, a media specialized in the professional field, where his mission is to cover topics related to industrial supplies. In addition, he tries to spread his passion for athletics, mixing videos of races, training and humor on the Instagram account @vanchirunner.
