Eliud Kipchoge with one of his favourite books (© NN Running Team)
There are no more loyal friends in the world than books. They have been a source of pleasure for me, allowed me to understand the world better and helped me grow as a person.
My interest really started after reading some short stories in 2005. I enjoyed what I learned from reading books and decided that I should spend more time in training camp reading books rather than watching TV.
I never read fiction, I prefer motivational and business books and autobiographies. I try to read for one hour every afternoon and then another hour after supper, before bed.
I am a big fan of the writer Stephen R. Covey. I like his books, particularly The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. His books have taught me so much. They have instilled in me the importance of working hard, treating your profession as seriously as you can and how to live alongside people.
He has helped explain that there are some people that come into this world with a negative point of view but that this mindset is not necessary. There is no need to become annoyed and it is important to stay calm. When night comes, that day has passed. I try to live my life by not being too annoyed or frustrated.
His books have taught me so many principles, like how to handle and live with people, and how to handle pressure.
Another of my favourite books is Who Moved My Cheese by Dr Spencer Johnson. This book is about change and the fact we live in a changing world and we need to adapt. It is a fascinating book, which I refer back to again and again. I believe it has helped equip me with the skills to handle change. It has become a hugely popular book, which so many people all over the world have embraced.
At the Global Sports Communication training camp in Kaptagat we have set up the Sandy Bodecker Library (named after the late Nike VP of Special Projects and Eliud’s good friend) to encourage as many in the camp as possible to read.
Books have helped me so much throughout my career. They have reminded me that sport is a passion, that being a sportsman is a choice and that is needs to be handled in a good and positive way.
With Steve Landells
