NAIROBI, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge from Kenya has opened up about his ambitious project dubbed the INEOS 1:59 Challenge, where he hopes to become the first human to run under two hours for the marathon.
Speaking to global athletics body IAAF on Sunday, Kipchoge said he had a busy week after the London marathon race where he won in fast time of 2:02:37.
"I was really happy to run the second fastest marathon time in history and to become the first man in history to win the London marathon four times," Kipchoge said.
"Over the coming months I plan to share my story on my journey to the INEOS 1:59 Challenge - where I hope to create history and become the first human to run under two hours for the marathon," he added.
Kipchoge had taken full rest after the London marathon to recover and have some quality time with his family. He has since returned to training ahead of the race in October.
"Post-London, I have taken three-week total rest. I have started my early phase of training which includes gym work three times a week and jogging 18-20km three times a week on the days when I'm not at the gym," he said.
Kipchoge, who has won 12 of the 13 marathons he has competed in since 2012, believes in the importance of determination in a marathon.
"It is in the mind and that is why I do gym work, which entails weightlifting, some steps with weights, and aerobics with an instructor and some other mobility exercises.
"In my mind the gym work helps chase away the injuries and train the muscles. My fitness is measured by my work in the gym," he said.
Kipchoge, however, said he has no plans set on running any other race.
"Before returning to full training in camp, the work I carry out in this phase is critical as it provides the foundation in terms for my preparation for the INEOS 1:59 Challenge," he added.
