My eyes are set on third world title

What you need to know:

  • My family escorted me to the airport and I remember I really cried. But I won, so it was all worth it.
  • The 2012 London Olympics. I prepared well and I did not finish in the medal bracket but I end up in 20th position. It was traumatising but I thank God I rose in the next year.

Two-time world marathon champion Edna Kiplagat reveals how she stays motivated to race against the world’s best runners, and her plans of winning the title for the third time in 2015

Q: Who is Edna Kiplagat?

A: She is a mother, a policewoman, two times world marathon champion (2011 and 2013) and the first woman ever to defend her marathon title.

How did you get into athletics?

My career began during the school athletics competition.

Although I was good at football, my teacher realised that I was better at track games and recommended that I concentrate on athletics.

When did you start running professionally?

In 1996.

Where was your first international meet? What was it like?

South Africa. I had mixed reactions because it was so emotional leaving home for the first time but I was excited to fly out and represent my country.

My family escorted me to the airport and I remember I really cried. But I won, so it was all worth it.

How is your training programme?

I train two times a day except for Sundays.

Tell me a little about your nutrition, during a race and training?

When training my diet includes wholemeal foods and a lot of vegetables. Hours before a race I take light breakfast of cereals, bread and tea. I don’t run on an empty stomach.

Any race day rituals?

I only pray and warm up before the race.

What do you do after a race?

I go for a light massage after cooling down

What has kept you going for these years?

Discipline, commitment, determination, focus and good time management.

How many medals have you won?

I have won many medals in the 18 years of my athletics career. In 1996 I won silver, 1998 bronze and gold medals in 2011 and 2013 to name but a few.

When did you suffer your biggest disappointment?

The 2012 London Olympics. I prepared well and I did not finish in the medal bracket but I end up in 20th position. It was traumatising but I thank God I rose in the next year.

Why did your husband (Gilbert Koech) quit running?

After he completed his coaching studies, he saw the potential in me. He is the one who came up with my training programme.

Did marrying an athlete work in your favour?

Yes, because he understands what I am going through. He guides me through everything and in fact he is my boss now.

What do you love about athletics?

Athletics has changed my life financially, given me opportunities to travel and make friends all over the world.

Would you encourage anyone to take up athletics?

I would recommend those with the passion to do so. I love what I do and if any person is interested why not.

Who are your heroes?

Tegla Lorupe and Paul Tergat.

What sacrifices have you had to make?

I have denied myself several things in life; like there are some foods I cannot eat and I cannot drink alcohol. But it has been worth it.

Do you have children?

I am a mother of two – a boy, 10, and girl, six. Both have shown interest in athletics, but it is too early to give an opinion on the level of interest.

What do you love about your life?

My soulmate, the person who completes me — my husband, he is God-sent. He helps me all the time with taking care of the children while I am away and all this medals I have are because of him.

What do you do to unwind?

I go for shopping and play with my children or play golf.

What do you do with your old sport shoes and clothes?

I give to young and upcoming athletes.

What’s next for you?

I am both the Virgin London marathon and World marathon defending champion, and I am focussing on defending my title in the world championship in Beijing in 2015.