WHY ARE KENYAN RUNNERS SO FAST?

[@kushtrimtorozi]

6 weeks of fun, thank you bro🙏🏻, had a great time as always. See you next month 🤩

[@davydee8765]

Well done Ben and safe travels back. I’m sure Kenya will miss you.

[@themonkeymen4881]

Cheers Ben, very interesting. Glad you're back running.

[@robertburpee9473]

Ben, your vlogs from Kenya have been so insightful & entertaining, I've really enjoyed them, thanks for taking the time to put them together. It's also great news about your injury, upward & onward!

[@markbateman9222]

I agree with everything you say about Kenyan running but, given recent developments, you have to add another factor at the elite level; EPO. The number of very good Kenyans busted for using EPO is staggering. Some commentators think it is at such a level that, like Russia, Kenyan athletes should be banned from international competition until they put their house in order. I would link this problem to the social and economic factors you mentioned, athletes with a tremendous motivation to succeed are manipulated by corrupt agents/managers who make a considerable amount of money from their athletes. I'm not saying all elite Kenyans cheat but it would be very simplistic to believe that all the cheaters have been caught.

[@BenIsRunning]

A valid point yes. I personally don’t think a national ban is the answer but the numbers who are getting caught are only increasing and could only be scraping the surface

[@mintymilkk]

you're delusional/naive if you don't think everyone at the top is doping. Anti doping is a limp-wristed attempt at making things fair in its current form. Go watch Clarence's video on doping in weightlifting

[@rohanlimbu637]

❤

[@jamestremblett1875]

Yes but also remember that Kenyan running greatness probably came before the drugs did. PED's are everywhere now but Kenyans were fast before PED's. Also I'm a little suspicious that racism has resulted in greater scrutiny of Kenya, resulting in more athletes being caught there. I respect Mr. Ben Felton and I acknowledge he is not racist and seemingly a genuine guy, so I don't mean to direct this at him. One aspect missing from so many analyses of Kenyan speed is THEIR TRAINING!! Yes I know the story of the Irish missionary who started training there, but if you know anything about Kenyan running then you know they have their own training philosophies. I personally believe that Kenyan culture and work ethic is a criminally under-appreciated aspect of Kenyan running and it's not even borderline racism. It's flat out racism.

[@markbateman9222]

I am not for one minute suggesting that Kenyan runners don't train very, very hard. Research has shown that they do a lot more fast running in training than European or US runners. Details of Kenyan training are widely available (refer you to "Train Hard Win Easy" by Toby Tanser.) but the fact remains that until quite recently testing in Kenya was pretty light compared to Europe and the US (one reason why so many western runners spent months training there!) and when testing was stepped up numerous athletes were caught. Because of the previous lack of testing a lot of Kenyans were not a smart or sophisticated (or well advised) in their use of EPO as their western counterparts - hence the rash of positives.

[@SherryOram72]

Such a great series of videos you recorded on your time in Kenya. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us. I’m super happy to have discovered the Kenyan Core Workouts. They’re definitely a game changer for sure. Looking forward to many more of your videos. Safe travels my friend. Maybe one day we’ll get a series about Kush’s time in the UK with you!! 🤗🇨🇦

[@BenIsRunning]

Thank you Sherry!

[@michaelwalker1104]

Brilliant, thank you Ben i love vlogmas!!! Safe travels home and keep up the great work 🙏

[@ofentsekesebonye]

Appreciate the content, Ben 👌 keep going 🚀

[@el_carbonara]

very good summary of why they are great runners, agree with all your points. Now ben is cleaning the novablasts hopefully :D

[@BenIsRunning]

Thank you Matt! Keep them dirty for next time 👀

[@groupsimon6501]

Great videos from Kenya, I will miss them and waiting for your next trip down there 😊

[@PandianExpress]

Have you met luis orta on your stay there ?? he trains and coach there too !!!

[@BenIsRunning]

Yes, he was at the same camp for a week of my 6 week stay. Lovely gyy

[@PandianExpress]

@@BenIsRunning 👏

[@mikestevenson1334]

It's been great seeing you enjoying yourself in Kenya! Hope you will be back again soon :) - My running shoes are Kalenji!!! That's so cool that they are named after the tribe :D

[@BenIsRunning]

Thanks Mike! That is pretty cool :)

[@gregniewiadomski700]

Safe journey Ben. See you soon

[@BenIsRunning]

Thanks Greg

[@xiexievibe2517]

Congrats for recovering!

[@mikehobbs624]

Great paces on that terrain and at altitude 👍

[@logohigh1]

congrats , have enjoyed 👍 the naturally high levels of colestrol , and the greater prevalence fast food is a bit of a worry for gilfriends family in Zim , indeed her brother here

[@Bryan_Gutierrez]

Looked like you had an overall great experience there. Way to keep training smart while recovering in that environment. I know I’d want to rip it everyday there lol.

[@BenIsRunning]

Thanks Bryan! Have been controlled for the last 6 weeks so felt great to let it rip!!

[@SendingStache]

Doping remains a massive variable and clouds any success, unfortunately. Largely as it’s seemingly unraveling into quite a national issue, as opposed to just random athletes. It’s clearly a product of the system and I’m not here to point fingers at athletes or individuals in general. Clearly a talented demographic - I hope they sort the doping crisis and reclaim their reputation.

[@logohigh1]

who would yo say is supplying

[@BenIsRunning]

Yes I also hope for this 🤝

[@angharadhodges7486]

What does Kenyan strength training look like (besides the core workout you posted)?

[@bankaihadouken1180]

Shorter torso's...longer limbs...there achilles tendons are longer than any other race..they genetically store less fat too..then throw in high altitude atmosphere...this also applies to Ugandans & Ethiopians..however west africans dont have these genetics- they tend to b mre muscular (sprinting, boxing e.t.c)

[@chasjm21]

Just come across your channel, wow that is a high camp.

[@עידוהורקני]

Where is the 45 minutes video of the full length core workout that he said at the end of the video @ben is runing

[@LuffLab]

I was curious how you learned about this training camp? Is it something anyone can go to?

[@BenIsRunning]

I learnt about it by going on a camp with an organisated camp called the Kenya experience. My previous video called how much does it cost to train in Kenya, should address any further questions you may have :)

[@LuffLab]

@@BenIsRunning ooo fascinating! Thank you ☺️

[@SladeFilms]

very informative, great vid

[@francolive5718]

Something to do with the altitude?

[@BenIsRunning]

Definitely!

[@matbarnett2664]

Hey man are you using a hrm?

[@BenIsRunning]

Yes, the Coros arm based hrm

[@matbarnett2664]

@@BenIsRunning thank you I have the pace 2 and I love it but the heart rate drops out on a 25min run I have roughly 5 mins total misaing

[@BenIsRunning]

@@matbarnett2664 the hrm has been a game changer. No drop outs since I’ve had it since Oct

[@matbarnett2664]

@@BenIsRunning thanks man I'm just getting back into running after 1 and half months off b cause of a heart operation I run slow and my legs are killing me kind of like shin splits

[@mikew6840]

The diet regime really interests me in a world where we have influencers pushing low carb, keto, Noakes, vegan, carnivore, blah blah all being vaunted as the optimum, with or without research backing their claims. This simple, clean diet just seems logical to me for good health and good endurance.

[@BenIsRunning]

Yes totally agree. For runners cutting carbs especially if argue is not a good idea under any case. No processed food certainly keeps your diet healthy

[@clairel3730]

Great footage , brilliant camera angle.......I felt like i was part of the pack 😂

[@BenIsRunning]

Thanks! Strapped to the front of my cap :)

[@NathanHeaver]

Is it the same reason for Ethiopian runners?

[@BenIsRunning]

Very similar factors yes.

[@coachwanga-vj6nk]

Undulation is the king of sessions and though you are running after the Kenyans more fruitful would be to stick to the downhills to get the higher cadence without lactate cost and only do the hill upto the time the cadence drops (lactate cost). Then turn back do the down hill at high cadence and hill till cadence drops and so on . This would exercise the fast, slow and strength muscles. Uphill is over-rated, downhill then uphill is what makes Kenyans and Ethiopians. Valley running not hill independently.

[@quixuote]

Why are comments focus on negatives. Clearly Ben is not speaking of the runners who cheat… use your brain ppl. Brain !

[@BenIsRunning]

Unfortunately the talents are being tainted by the current drugs problem. Something certainly needs to change for this to be rectified

[@The_Conspiracy_Analyst]

@@BenIsRunning It's not a "current problem". It's always been the dominant factor, it's just now getting exposure.

[@johnconn3054]

EPO

[@namebutler]

As someone who has a history in cycling I think you're avoiding a certain topic Ben.......

[@BenIsRunning]

Shame to define there talent but drugs alone. Cant deny it’s a big problem right now however

[@Tata-bd9nx]

Which topic is he avoiding?

[@jguix]

It's said that having a lot of rest might be a factor for them as well

[@BenIsRunning]

Yes very true had forgotten this. 2hour naps are pretty common amount the top athletes

[@MR-wh5wp]

Drugs & lack of testing

[@Tata-bd9nx]

Kenyans have been great runners since time immemorial, before doping was even a thing

[@RunWithCway]

Natural gifts from the Lord above.

[@TheZmarcusmorris]

@@RunWithCwaytrue

[@coachwanga-vj6nk]

Kalenjin have the running culture and coaches, identifying and grooming young runners, is one point you mislabeled as walking running, However the Kalenjin dominance is being challenged by other 'tribes' like Wanjiru, Mutiso, Rudisha, Moraa, Obiri, Wanyonyi ,Ebenyo and loud mouth Omanyala. But local coaching is dominated by the Kalenjin and top european coaches who have moved here.Thanks to Addidas,Nike and ASIC companies. No running shoe company can afford to not be invested here.

[@MikaV.-cp5qg]

Can you tell a bit about the breakfast in the beginning, some sort of a bun or baked roll and jam I guess? What jam was that (cherry, strawberry etc.)?

[@BenIsRunning]

That’s a typical snack here at the HATC, bread and strawberry jam. Nothing fancy :)

[@Alialialialiciaa]

I’m a Kenyan in America

[@DavidChapman-Jones]

I agree, the myth that somehow Kenyan runners is just that, a myth ! Performance enhancement is a huge problem. Also running is a way out of poverty for some. Altitude plays a part, but not significantly if you’ve lived all your life in that environment. Training commitment is key.. interesting now Africans no longer dominate distance running which asks its own questions.

[@BenIsRunning]

The benefits of altitude don’t wear off and I would say they definitely do still dominate long distance running. Look at the podium of any major marathon.

[@dimitar297]

Even in Thailand where the prize pots aren't that high, at the best races 50 Kenyans come out of the woodwork and claim all the prizes.

[@DavidChapman-Jones]

@@BenIsRunning I’m not saying that altitude effects wears off but if your physiology has developed in that environment the effect will be different to those raised at sea level. It is also unlikely that your six weeks will have any significant measurable benefit as red blood cells only last a maximum of 120 days . Erythropoietin (Epo) a glycoprotein that promotes the proliferation and differentiation of erythrocyte precursors (a key part of the cycle) and can have very different levels of enhancement depending upon the individual.

[@Tata-bd9nx]

@@DavidChapman-Jones But Kenyans have been dominating Long distance running even before performance enhancement drugs were a thing🤷‍♀🤷‍♀

[@The_Conspiracy_Analyst]

@@Tata-bd9nx false. Before EPO existed they were nowhere to be found

[@Frankly747]

5:38 is a fallacy. Think about it - the money earned from international marathons would make ANYONE rich - so if the attractive money was a factor behind why Kenyans are amazing runners then shouldn't just about anyone on earth desirous of the money to be earned from running be an amazing runner ? I put it to you that Kenyans are amazing DESPITE the money to be earned. That is to say that they can run that way and the money to be earned is extra motivation but certainly not the reason.

[@praveenalwis4477]

Thats my 100m sprint pace bro😅

[@MiguelJaramillo-v1w]

Saludos desde mexico 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️

[@amazighman6516]

Hi Ben 🇲🇦

[@BenIsRunning]

Hi!

[@fabsterun]

Not first

[@y3_38]

So no one lives near a school there ahah

[@pota1]

Doping also

[@Tata-bd9nx]

Kenyans have been great runners since time immemorial, before doping was even a thing

[@pota1]

@@Tata-bd9nx but in the last years a lot of Kenyans fail test antidoping

[@The_Conspiracy_Analyst]

@@Tata-bd9nx Wrong. They were nowhere to be found before EPO was invented in the 80s LOL

[@SuperYtc1]

And drugs. Lots of drugs.

[@jtb208]

1st

[@The_Conspiracy_Analyst]

This thing where you randomly cut in, BLASTING goofy music at double the volume of your narration is extremely jarring and very obnoxious! I don't know why video producers just blindly copy this juvenile obnoxious style without realizing how irritating it is and how it makes the video pretty much impossible to watch