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The two-time winner is preparing for the mental challenge that cold weather could present in Monday’s race.
Edna Kiplagat has revealed how the unpredictable weather patterns in Boston could prove tough for her in Monday’s race as she bids for a third title in the American city.
Kiplagat, 43, will be the oldest woman in the field in what will be her sixth Boston Marathon race and having won in 2017 and 2021, she feels unfazed by the competition from her younger challengers, but is wary of the cold weather making life difficult for her.
Temperatures in Boston are expected to be 14°C on Monday with some precipitation and Kiplagat is preparing for what the cold could present since she prefers to run in a warm environment.
“I have run many marathons, I don’t fear facing strong fields,” she told Runners World.
“I’ve become used to competing against strong athletes and no longer feel the pressure that I felt when I was younger competing at this level. One mental hurdle I’m preparing for is the unpredictable weather in Boston.
“I’m always ready for warm weather, but cold and rainy conditions are challenging for me. The best way to handle it is to remind myself that it’s the same weather for everybody. I will run my own race, regardless of the weather," she said.
With the problems that cold weather could possibly present, the former London and New York Marathon winner is not just preparing mentally but wants to ensure that she has the right gear in case it happens.
“In anticipation of the unpredictable conditions, I’m packing multiple options. In case it’s too cold, I’m bringing a hat, arm warmers, and my favourite long socks. Otherwise, I’ll just use my normal racing gear, like the Cloudspun apparel from Puma,” she added.
“Deviate Nitro Elite 2 are my training shoes for this year’s Boston. I’m also wearing Puma clothing, which fits very well and I love the colours.”
The two-time world champion has been alternating her training between her US base in Longmont, Colorado and Kenya ahead of the race and is considered among the fovourites even at 43.
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