The further the distance too, seemingly the greater the overall depth of talent. Finn cites various figures of the sheer number of Kenyans running elite marathon times in contrast to the handful that other countries produce. And those numbers are simply staggering. So just what is their secret?
Adharanand Finn travelled to Kenya, with his wife and three young kids in tow, to spend a few months living in Iten to train like a Kenyan in an effort to discover just what is behind it all, and to run his first ever marathon. That marathon provides the culmination of his adventure, and indeed of the book, but on the way he adds to an ever-increasing list in his notebook under the title of “Secrets”. Finn is no slouch himself in the more refined world of low key English 10k races anyway, but he soon discovers that things are on a whole other level in Kenya.
Among many other things, he explores the concept of barefoot running, a technique meant to mirror the more natural running style of our ancestors and one that many a western sage will cite as a major reason behind Kenya’s dominance. Those Kenyans all grew up running miles to school and back barefoot didn’t they? Finn explores such ideas and trains with various groups of locals in the running Mecca that is Iten, and sees just how they really do train. From worn out shoes to dusty trails, to a frugal diet of ugali, Finn takes us with him as he integrates into Kenyan life.
Like his more recent book looking at Japan’s running culture, The Way of the Runner, this is another eminently readable and enjoyable voyage of discovery. Finn has a handy knack of writing in such a way as to keep you wanting to know more, to get to the next stage and see how things turn out. He brings in many of the characters he meets and gets to know, and shows us a far more human side which is the hook that makes it all so enticing.
As all trails eventually lead to the running of the Lewa Marathon, complete with helicopters trying to buzz any roaming lions away from the course, the focus of the book gradually narrows from its overall search for secrets into the conclusion of that race. By the end you’re willing Finn and his running colleagues along to the finish line, hoping they fulfill their ambitions.
It’s a terrific read with so much for avid runners and enthusiasts to engage with and discover.
- Aidan Williams - http://thesportsbookreview.com
Publisher - Faber & Faber
Date of Publication - 4th April 2013