Paul Chelimo: Eight Questions from RunBlogRun

Paul Chelimo is the 2016 Rio silver medalist for the 5000 meters. In February 2018, Paul Chelimo won the 1,500 meters and 3000 meters. When @runblogrun spoke to Paul right after his Albuquerque, New Mexico double, Paul made it clear that he wanted to win the double.

Here is Jeff Benjamin’s quick interview with Paul Chelimo.

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Jeff Benjamin and Paul Chelimo, photo by Jeff Benjamin

RunBlogRun, 1) How did you get into the Sport?

Paul Chelimo: Growing up I knew I was talented, I used to win races with no training so I realised there was something special in me and also Kenya being a mecca of running gave me some extra motivation to pursue running.

RunBlogRun, 2) Did you consider yourself a slow or fast developer?

Paul Chelimo: I think a fast developer because I have now run for 7 years and I’m starting to become successful within such a short time. Remember, my first 5000m race on a dirt track in 7000ft was 15:09, two months into training.

RunBlogRun, 3) Most memorable Youth Race?

Paul Chelimo: I would say 2013 World University games in Kazan,Russia where I won the Silver Medal, since I started training after high school.

RunBlogRun, 4) Most memorable Race at any level?

Paul Chelimo, Rio 2016, photo by PhotoRun.net

Paul Chelimo: 2016 Rio Olympic games where I won Silver. Also the 2017 US Championships where I ran the US meet record wire to wire.

Paul Chelimo, Sacramento 2017, photo by PhotoRun.net

RunBlogRun, 5) How’s it different being a pro athlete?

Paul Chelimo: Its way different in that every little things matters. Diet and Recovery is very important at the professional level.

RunBlogRun, 6) What Training philosophy are you following?

Paul Chelimo: I try listen to my body but I always live by the Vedic hymn “Go hard or Suffer the rest of your life.”

RunBlogRun, 7) Do you incorporate any cross training and/or Weight training?

Paul Chelimo: I have started doing weight training more this year but No cross training since I find it boring –haha!!

RunBlogRun, 8) What advice can you give to young Runners?

-Listen to your body
-Listen to your coach
-Eat Well
-Get enough rest
-Be tough mentally
-Patience and consistency is key

Finally Go hard or suffer the rest of your life!!

Author

Jeff Benjamin
Jeff Benjamin has written for 30 years for American Track and Field along with RunBlogRun. The Former President of the Staten Island AC & Chair of the Staten Island Running Association was the 5th man scorer for his Susan Wagner High School NYC XC City Championship team. Also a member of the College of Staten Island Sports Hall of Fame for XC, Jeff currently serves as the LDR Chairman for USATF NY. A passionate (or fanatical) follower of the Sport, some of Jeff's subjects have included Sebastian Coe, Emma Coburn, Eamonn Coghlan, Matt Centrowitz, Jim Spivey, Galen Rupp, Joe Newton, Tom Fleming, Ajee’ Wilson, Bill Rodgers, Allan Webb, Abel Kiviat, Jordan Hassay, Marty Liquori, Caster Semenya, Rod Dixon, Carl Lewis and Jim Ryun as well as Book Reviews and articles covering meets and races in the Northeast U.S.
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