This archive report was first published on 10 October 2019.
On October 10, 2019, Eliud Kipchoge, the world's greatest athlete, attempted to run a marathon in under two hours in Vienna, Austria, as part of the INEOS 1:59 Challenge.
The venue, Prater, was selected for its ideal conditions, including a short one-hour time difference with Kipchoge's training town in Kenya, minimal elevation change, and optimal temperatures, wind speeds, and humidity.
Lessons from the 2017 Breaking2 attempt, a Nike initiative with Kipchoge, have provided invaluable information to the INEOS 1:59 organisers, including the importance of running in front of big crowds and the need for a strict nutrition regime.
As Kipchoge prepares for this challenge, golfers can learn valuable lessons from his training routine and mental preparation.
Like golf, running a marathon is as much a mental challenge as it is physical. Many golfers struggle with a lack of belief in their swings or equipment, leading to poor shots.
However, by becoming 'believers' and trusting their swings and abilities, golfers can improve their game. Tiger Woods' emphasis on fitness and core strength is also a valuable lesson for golfers.
While golfers may not need to run 200 kilometres per week like Kipchoge, they too must find a way to remain physically fit. Nutrition also plays a big part in Kipchoge's training, with a focus on consuming the right amount of calories from the right sources to fuel his brutal training regime.
As an amateur or weekend golfer, being aware of which foods help you perform better on the golf course is crucial. Kipchoge's emphasis on rest and sleep is also a valuable lesson for golfers, with 10 hours of sleep in every 24-hour cycle, including an 8-hour nap at night and a 2-hour nap during the day.
