The Unique Insights from Kenya Runners: An Interview with Julian Alonso

Admin
Jun 25
4 min read

Updated: Jul 7

When people think of elite long-distance running, one name consistently stands out: Kenya. But what truly sets Kenyan runners apart? Is it the altitude, the training, the culture, or something deeper?

To delve into this phenomenon, we sat down with Julian Alonso, a physiotherapist and running coach from Argentina. He has lived and worked with elite Kenyan runners in Iten, often referred to as the “Mecca of Running.” His story blends medical expertise with passion, cultural immersion, and a deepening relationship with the world’s most successful distance runners.

From Buenos Aires to Iten: Chasing a Dream

Julian’s journey began, like many others, with admiration. Inspired by the book Running with the Kenyans, he dreamed of visiting Iten. This small highland town in western Kenya is famous for producing world champions.

“I was always passionate about running. I didn’t see myself becoming a professional athlete, but I knew I wanted to work with athletes,” Julian shares.

In 2018, he embarked on a life-changing 40-day trip to Kenya. “I felt like I found my place,” he recalls. That short visit transformed into a permanent relocation. By 2021, Julian and his wife had moved to Iten full-time, fully embracing Kenyan life and its vibrant running community.

Understanding the Kenyan Running Philosophy

At Volare Sports, one of the top sports management agencies globally, Julian began to coach and treat elite Kenyan runners. He discovered that it was not merely talent but a comprehensive approach to life and running.

“Kenyan runners grow up in an environment where movement is constant—walking, running, carrying loads uphill,” Julian explains. “They develop natural strength and endurance from childhood.” Yet, their advantage is not solely physical.

“Kenyans know their bodies incredibly well,” Julian emphasizes. “They are intuitive athletes. They know when to push and when to back off. That’s something many foreign athletes struggle with.”

The Role of Strength Training in Kenyan Distance Running

Introducing strength training was one of Julian’s significant challenges. The culture has historically relied on natural fitness.

“There’s a belief that Kenyan runners are already strong enough,” he notes. “And it's true—to an extent. But targeted strength training can help them prevent injuries and improve performance.”

Instead of imposing a rigid training model, Julian adopted a gradual, personalized approach. “I started by assessing each athlete’s flexibility, strength, and injury history. We introduced exercises step by step, building trust.”

Today, many of the athletes he coaches incorporate advanced techniques such as plyometrics, core strengthening, and injury prevention routines into their weekly regimens.

Training Mindsets: Kenya vs. the Rest of the World

A stark contrast exists between Kenyan and Western training mindsets:

Kenyans embrace discomfort. They often prefer tougher terrain and uphill runs.
Foreign runners often chase pace over effort, preoccupied with slower times at altitude instead of focusing on training benefits.
Kenyans complain less and adapt better. If it's raining or hot, they run regardless.

“Many foreign runners need perfect conditions to feel confident. Kenyans don’t make excuses. They focus on the work,” he explains.

Room for Growth: Where Kenyan Runners Can Improve

Even the best athletes have areas for growth. Julian identifies three key aspects:

Strength Training: Gradual, science-based resistance exercises can reduce injury risk and enhance long-term performance.
Nutrition: Traditional foods like ugali are excellent, but there’s a growing emphasis on understanding pre-race fueling, hydration, and post-run recovery. A dedicated sports nutritionist is now collaborating with Julian's team.
Mental Preparation: Julian believes sports psychology is the next frontier. “We want to help athletes visualize races, manage stress, and understand their emotions.”

FAQs: Understanding Kenya Runners

Q1: Why are Kenya runners so dominant in long-distance running?

A combination of factors contributes to this dominance:

Living at high altitude.
An active lifestyle from childhood.
Strong community support.
A rich history of success.
A culture that embraces endurance training.

Q2: Do Kenyan runners use strength training in their routines?

Traditionally, strength training was minimal. However, modern physiotherapists like Julian are gradually integrating individualized strength routines to enhance injury prevention and performance.

Q3: Are Kenyan runners naturally injury-resistant?

No athlete is immune to injury. However, Kenyan runners typically exhibit stronger biomechanics and better body awareness. Proper strength training and early intervention can further reduce injury risk.

Q4: What can foreign runners learn from Kenyan athletes?

Several lessons include:

Train by effort, not by pace.
Embrace challenging conditions.
Respect the importance of rest and recovery.
Trust your body and learn when to adjust your training.

Q5: Is it safe to train in Kenya?

Yes. Contrary to some perceptions, places like Iten are safe, welcoming, and host a strong running community with international athletes visiting year-round.

Q6: What injuries are common among Kenyan runners?

The types of injuries are mostly similar to those elsewhere, including shin splints, hamstring strains, and knee pain. However, the causes may differ due to higher training volumes and intensities in Kenya.

Julian’s story is a compelling reminder that Kenya runners are not just fast—they are intelligent, intuitive, and deeply rooted in a culture that values resilience and humility. While they may not adhere to every textbook rule of sports science, they embody many principles modern athletes strive to master: consistency, self-awareness, and mental toughness.

As Julian puts it: