Running News Daily

In Parts One and Two, we explored Jimmy Muindi’s remarkable journey from a young barefoot runner to an elite marathoner, and his transition into coaching at the Kenyan Athletics Training Academy (KATA) in Portugal (all photos taken at KATA located at Anderson Manor Retreat in Monforte da Beira Portugal). Now, in Part Three, we delve into a critical element of running success—nutrition and hydration.

Training alone isn’t enough to maximize performance. Proper fueling and strategic race preparation play a major role in an athlete’s ability to perform at their best. Muindi has learned firsthand, through years of competing at the highest level, that what and when you eat can make or break a race.

At KATA Portugal, Muindi applies these same principles to his coaching, ensuring that runners understand not just how to train, but also how to eat and hydrate for peak performance.

The Key to Fueling: Why Two Nights Before the Race Matters Most

Many runners focus on carb-loading the night before a race, but Muindi emphasizes that the most important meal happens two nights before the race.

“If you eat too much the night before, your body doesn’t have enough time to fully process and store the energy properly,” Muindi explains. “Instead, it’s two nights before when you need to eat your biggest meal. That’s when your body is in the best position to absorb the nutrients and store glycogen for race day.”

This strategy is a hallmark of elite Kenyan runners. While they do eat a balanced meal the night before, it’s more about maintaining energy stores rather than overloading.

The Kenyan Runner’s Diet: Simple, Natural, and Effective

For decades, Kenyan distance runners have followed a diet that is both simple and highly effective. Muindi is no exception.

At the core of this diet are:

• Carbohydrates (about 75-80% of daily intake)– Ugali (a maize-based staple), rice, and potatoes provide the primary energy sources.

• Vegetables– Greens such as sukuma wiki (collard greens), spinach, and cabbage are common.

• Proteins (about 10-15%)– Beans, lentils, eggs, and occasionally meat (usually chicken, goat, or beef, but not in excess).

• Healthy fats– Avocados, nuts, and milk from cows or goats.

• Tea with milk and sugar– This is an important part of a Kenyan runner’s daily routine. Tea is consumed multiple times a day, often before and after training sessions. The combination of milk and sugar provides quick energy while keeping hydration levels up.

What’s notably absent from the traditional Kenyan diet is excessive processed foods. While sugar is used in tea, highly refined snacks and artificial ingredients are avoided. Instead, the focus is on whole, home-cooked meals with natural ingredients.

Pre-Race Nutrition Strategy

Muindi breaks his pre-race nutrition plan into three key phases:

1. Two Nights Before the Race – The Most Important Meal

• Large serving of ugali or rice for carbohydrates

• Protein source (beans, lentils, or chicken)

• Cooked greens for vitamins and minerals

• Hydration: Water and tea with milk and sugar

2. The Night Before the Race – Keeping It Light

• A smaller portion of carbohydrates (usually rice)

• Light vegetables

• Minimal protein (to avoid digestion issues the next morning)

• Hydration: Water, tea with milk and sugar, no heavy or fatty foods

3. Race Day Morning – Quick, Easily Digestible Energy

• A slice of bread with honey

• A banana for quick energy

• Black tea or tea with milk and sugar

• No heavy meals—just enough to keep energy levels stable without causing stomach discomfort

Hydration Strategy: Timing Matters

Muindi's approach to hydration during a marathon is disciplined and strategic. Unlike recreational runners who may sip water frequently, he does not take any water until after the 5K mark. From that point onward, he drinks water every 5K, adjusting based on weather conditions.

“For me, being out there for just over two hours, I don’t need to drink too much,” Muindi explains. “I know my body, and I hydrate well before the race, so I only take small amounts of water every 5K.”

However, Muindi acknowledges that this approach isn’t suitable for everyone.

“If you are running at a four-hour pace or longer, your hydration needs change. For runners expecting to be on the course for four, six, or even eight hours, regular hydration is critical. In these cases, you need to take in more fluids and also consume calories—things like bananas or energy gels—to maintain energy levels.”

Muindi emphasizes that each runner should plan their hydration strategy according to their race pace, experience, and the race-day conditions.

At KATA Portugal, Muindi teaches runners how to fine-tune their hydration plans so they don’t overhydrate but also don’t risk dehydration. He helps runners determine when and how much to drink based on their training intensity and expected race time, ensuring they develop an optimal balance of water intake, electrolyte replenishment, and fuel consumption.

Collaborative Coaching at KATA Portugal

Muindi works closely with Bob Anderson, a lifetime runner and the founder of KATA. Anderson, who started Runner’s World magazine in 1966 at the age of 17, has dedicated his life to the sport of running. His passion led him to establish KATA in Kenya in 2019, and subsequently, KATA Portugal in 2024. Anderson and his wife, Catherine, spend approximately 45% of their time at KATA, actively engaging with the running community and supporting the academy’s mission.

The academy ensures that there is always a certified Kenyan coach available, providing authentic training experiences rooted in Kenyan running culture. This collaborative environment fosters a holistic approach to training, combining Muindi’s expertise with the rich traditions of Kenyan athletics.

Beyond Running: A Retreat for All

KATA offers more than just a running camp. It also caters to hikers, walkers, and individuals seeking relaxation and a respite from the hectic world. Nestled in the village of Monforte da Beira in central Portugal, with a population of just 310 people, KATA provides the quiet environment that many people seek. This tranquil setting allows guests to unwind, explore scenic trails, and immerse themselves in the local culture, making it an ideal destination for both active and leisure pursuits.

How Muindi Teaches Nutrition at KATA Portugal

At KATA Portugal, Muindi ensures that guests learn by doing. The training program isn’t just about running—it’s also about understanding how to fuel like a champion.

• Meals at KATA Portugal follow the same principles as the Kenyan elite training camps. Guests experience a diet that emphasizes complex carbohydrates, natural proteins, and proper hydration.

• Workshops and discussions provides insight into meal timing, nutrient absorption, and the importance of eating for recovery.

• Pre-race meal planning helps runners adjust their own routines based on what has worked for world-class marathoners.

One of the most valuable lessons Muindi imparts is that nutrition is about consistency, not last-minute changes. Runners at KATA Portugal learn how to eat for performance long before race week, making proper fueling a habit rather than a stress factor.

Some victories are measured by finish times. Others are defined by the obstacles overcome simply to reach the starting line.

For American Paralympic swimmer Ali Truwit, completing the New York City Marathon represented far more than covering 26.2 miles. It was the culmination of an extraordinary journey of survival, resilience, and unwavering determination that began with a life-altering shark attack just two years earlier.

On a crisp November morning in 2025, Truwit crossed the iconic finish line wearing a carbon-fibre running blade, fulfilling a promise she had made while recovering in a hospital bed after losing her lower left leg. The emotional milestone marked another remarkable chapter in one of the most inspiring comeback stories in modern sport.

The road to that unforgettable finish began only days after Truwit celebrated a major personal achievement. In May 2023, she completed her first marathon in Copenhagen alongside her mother. Just ten days later, while enjoying a graduation trip to Turks and Caicos with former Yale swimming teammate Sophie Pilkinton, tragedy struck.

While the pair were snorkelling, a shark attacked Truwit, severely injuring her left leg. Displaying remarkable courage, the two swam approximately 55 metres back to their boat, where Pilkinton—then a medical student—quickly applied a tourniquet that stopped the bleeding and ultimately saved Truwit's life.

Doctors were forced to amputate her lower left leg on her 23rd birthday.

Even in the darkest moments of recovery, Truwit's determination never disappeared. Reflecting on having recently completed her first marathon, she joked with one of the first responders that at least she had managed to run a marathon before the attack. The responder's simple but powerful reply would remain with her throughout rehabilitation: "You'll run another one."

Those words became a source of hope during the long and demanding road back.

Only weeks after surgery, Truwit began learning to walk on a prosthetic limb before gradually returning to the swimming pool. The process was anything but straightforward. The water that had once been her sanctuary became a source of painful memories, yet she refused to allow fear to define her future.

Her relentless work ethic soon produced extraordinary results.

Less than 16 months after the attack, Truwit represented the United States at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, producing a sensational performance to claim both silver and bronze medals. Standing on the Paralympic podium was a powerful reminder of how far she had come in such a short period, and she dedicated those achievements to everyone who had helped save her life.

Still, another dream remained unfinished.

The New York City Marathon carried deep personal significance. It was not merely another endurance event but a symbolic return to the city where her life had changed forever. On November 2, 2025, she lined up in Staten Island accompanied by 13 family members and close friends, all proudly representing her nonprofit foundation, Stronger Than You Think. Among them was Pilkinton, the friend whose quick thinking had preserved her life on that unforgettable day in the Caribbean.

Together, they covered every mile of the marathon before celebrating an emotional finish that Truwit later described as being "over the moon."

Completing a marathon on a carbon-fibre running blade presents challenges far beyond those faced by able-bodied runners. The prosthetic demands greater strength from the hips, core, and remaining leg while requiring exceptional balance, coordination, and endurance. Truwit's preparation combined months of disciplined training, patience, and mental resilience as she effectively taught herself how to run again.

Her story extends well beyond medals and marathon finishes.

Inspired by her own recovery, Truwit founded Stronger Than You Think, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to helping individuals overcome physical and financial barriers following limb loss. Recognising that sports prosthetics can cost tens of thousands of dollars and are often not covered by insurance, the foundation provides financial assistance for prosthetic devices, supports water-safety education, and promotes opportunities within Paralympic sport.

The organisation has already helped provide more than 11 prosthetic limbs, delivered nearly $200,000 in direct support, and funded over 4,000 hours of water-safety lessons benefiting more than 700 young people.

Throughout her journey, Truwit has remained refreshingly honest about the emotional challenges that continue to accompany recovery. She has openly acknowledged that healing is an ongoing process and that grief can still come in waves. Rather than portraying an effortless comeback, she has demonstrated that resilience is built through persistence, even on the hardest days.

Her remarkable transformation resonates far beyond elite sport. While few people will ever experience the trauma she endured, countless runners and athletes understand the frustration of injury, disappointment, or rebuilding after adversity. Truwit's journey serves as a powerful reminder that recovery is rarely linear and that courage is often measured by the willingness to keep moving forward despite uncertainty.

Now looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, Truwit continues to redefine what is possible. She is no longer known simply as the swimmer who survived a shark attack. She has become a Paralympic medallist, marathon finisher, advocate, and symbol of resilience whose story continues to inspire athletes around the world.

Her journey proves that while life can change in an instant, so too can the strength of the human spirit. Sometimes the greatest triumph is not returning to the person you once were, but discovering someone even stronger than you ever imagined possible.

Sprint and hurdles superstar Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has entered an exciting new chapter in her remarkable life, welcoming her first child with husband Andre Levrone. The four-time Olympic champion and women's 400m hurdles world record holder announced the birth of their daughter, Savannah Michelle Levrone, who was born on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

The couple shared the joyful news with an emotional message celebrating the arrival of their daughter and expressing gratitude to everyone who supported them throughout the pregnancy. Sydney described Savannah as "our blessing and our joy," while expressing excitement and faith for the future that lies ahead for their growing family.

The announcement marks a deeply personal milestone for one of the most accomplished athletes of her generation. Renowned for redefining the women's 400m hurdles through a succession of record-breaking performances, McLaughlin-Levrone now embraces a new role beyond the track as a mother.

The timing of the announcement adds another layer of significance. Just days earlier, Sydney reflected on the 10th anniversary of qualifying for her first Olympic Games at only 16 years old—a breakthrough that launched one of the most decorated careers in modern athletics. Ten years later, her journey has come full circle with another life-changing milestone, underscoring that her greatest moments continue to extend beyond sporting success.

The arrival of Savannah Michelle Levrone has been met with an outpouring of congratulations from athletes, fans, and the wider sporting community, who have celebrated the couple as they begin this new chapter together. As Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone steps into motherhood, the athletics world will undoubtedly continue to follow her inspiring journey—both on and off the track.

Ethiopia's Tsige Gebreselama produced one of the standout road running performances of the season on Sunday, storming to victory at the prestigious Boilermaker Road Race 15K in Utica, New York, with a sensational course record of 47:29.

From the opening kilometers, Gebreselama controlled the race with remarkable composure and precision, maintaining a relentless pace that ultimately erased the previous course record and secured one of the fastest performances ever recorded on the historic course. Her commanding display further reinforced her reputation as one of the world's leading road and distance runners.

The Ethiopian celebration continued as Melknat Wudu crossed the finish line in second place in 47:44, completing a dominant one-two finish for her country. Kenya's Priscah Cherono claimed third in 48:14 after a determined effort, rounding out a world-class podium in a race featuring some of the finest distance runners on the international circuit.

The battle behind the podium remained fiercely competitive. Kenya's Everlyn Kemboi finished fourth in 48:28, narrowly ahead of compatriot Selah Busienei, who clocked 48:31 for fifth. Ethiopia's Netsanet Desta and Alem Nigus Tsadik followed in sixth and seventh respectively, while Kenya's Mercy Cherono secured eighth place.

American athletes also delivered encouraging performances on home roads. Veteran Stephanie Bruce finished ninth in 50:40, with Jackie Gaughan completing the top ten in 51:02 to cap a strong showing for the host nation.

Boilermaker Road Race 15K – Women's Top 10 Results

1. Tsige Gebreselama (Ethiopia) – 47:29 (Course Record)

2. Melknat Wudu (Ethiopia) – 47:44

3. Priscah Cherono (Kenya) – 48:14

4. Everlyn Kemboi (Kenya) – 48:28

5. Selah Busienei (Kenya) – 48:31

6. Netsanet Desta (Ethiopia) – 48:46

7. Alem Nigus Tsadik (Ethiopia) – 48:48

8. Mercy Cherono (Kenya) – 50:23

9. Stephanie Bruce (United States) – 50:40

10. Jackie Gaughan (United States) – 51:02

The women's race combined exceptional depth with remarkable speed, as several athletes broke the 49-minute barrier in a contest that showcased the global strength of elite road running. Gebreselama's record-breaking run now stands as a new benchmark in the rich history of the Boilermaker 15K, adding another memorable chapter to one of the United States' most celebrated road races.

Kenya's Alex Matata delivered a sensational performance to claim the men's title at the prestigious Boilermaker Road Race 15K in Utica, New York, producing a dominant run that underlined his growing reputation as one of the world's finest road racers.

Matata surged to victory in an outstanding time of 42:24, mastering the demanding course with a display of strength, speed, and tactical brilliance. His commanding performance secured a memorable triumph in one of the United States' most celebrated road races, adding another significant international victory to his career.

Kenya's success was further highlighted by Kiprono Sitonik, who produced an equally impressive run to finish second in 42:53, completing a remarkable one-two finish for the East African nation. South Africa's Adam Lipschitz rounded out the podium after clocking 43:14 to claim third place following a determined effort.

The race featured a highly competitive international field, with American athletes Reid Buchanan and Hillary Bor finishing fourth and fifth respectively, while another Kenyan, Victor Shitsama, added to his country's strong showing by taking sixth place.

Matata's victory once again showcased Kenya's enduring strength in global road racing, as its athletes continued to dominate major international competitions through exceptional endurance, tactical awareness, and relentless finishing speed. His performance in Utica not only thrilled the spectators lining the streets but also reinforced the depth of Kenyan distance running on the world stage.

Men's Top 10 Results – Boilermaker Road Race 15K

1. Alex Matata (Kenya) – 42:24

2. Kiprono Sitonik (Kenya) – 42:53

3. Adam Lipschitz (South Africa) – 43:14

4. Reid Buchanan (United States) – 43:38

5. Hillary Bor (United States) – 43:40

6. Victor Shitsama (Kenya) – 44:02

7. Futsum Zienasellassie (United States) – 44:32

8. Charlie Sweeney (United States) – 44:37

9. Sam Lawler (United States) – 44:54

10. Tyler Berg (United States) – 45:08

With another major road racing title added to his résumé, Alex Matata continued his impressive 2026 campaign while reinforcing his status as one of the leading names on the international road racing circuit. The Boilermaker 15K once again delivered a high-quality contest, with athletes from across the globe producing memorable performances in one of the United States' most prestigious road races.

Eliud Kipchoge's remarkable World Tour continued on Brazilian soil as the Kenyan marathon icon completed the New Balance 42K Porto Alegre Marathon, crossing the finish line in 2:18:39 to place 12th overall during the second stop of his ambitious seven-continent global running tour.

Competing against a strong international field, the two-time Olympic marathon champion displayed the resilience and determination that have defined his legendary career. While the result was not among the victories that have made him one of the greatest marathon runners in history, Kipchoge once again demonstrated the unwavering commitment that continues to inspire athletes and fans across the globe.

Morocco's Zineddine Ouria claimed victory in a superb 2:08:49, with Kipchoge finishing 9 minutes and 50 seconds behind the race winner after navigating the demanding course in Porto Alegre.

Kipchoge began the race with controlled and confident pacing, reaching 5km in 15:34 before passing the halfway mark in 1:05:07. As the race entered its decisive stages, the pace gradually slowed, but the veteran marathoner pressed on with characteristic determination, completing the 42.195-kilometre challenge in 2:18:39.

For many, the story will be told through the finishing position. But for those who truly understand greatness, this journey is about far more than medals, records, or podium finishes. Kipchoge's World Tour is a celebration of the sport itself—an opportunity to connect with runners across every continent, inspire the next generation, and continue living by the philosophy that has become synonymous with his career: "No Human Is Limited."

The Brazilian appearance also carried added significance, coming shortly after Kipchoge was permanently honoured in Porto Alegre with his footprints unveiled at the entrance of Parque Harmonia—a lasting tribute to his extraordinary impact on distance running and his enduring legacy in the sport.

Once a champion. Forever an inspiration. Legends do not stop inspiring when the victories become fewer; they inspire because they never stop showing up. Through every stride, every finish line, and every challenge embraced, Kipchoge continues to prove that true greatness is measured not only by what an athlete wins, but by the lives they touch along the way.

With the second stop of his World Tour now complete, Kipchoge will turn his attention to the next chapter of his global adventure when he lines up at the Melbourne Marathon in Australia this October. Wherever he races, millions will once again follow the journey of a man whose legacy extends far beyond the stopwatch.