247. Viola Cheptoo, Pro Runner
This week I’m bringing you my conversation with Viola Cheptoo, a professional runner for Adidas who is — if you’re tuning in on marathon Monday, April 17 — perhaps running the Boston Marathon as you listen to this. She talks to us about the ebb and flow of her love for sport and running, originally motivated large in part by her brother, fellow elite Bernard Lagat. She talks about what it was like to debut in New York and come in second place, plus her big hopes for this year’s 26.2 in Boston.
However, a large part of our conversation focuses on sensitive topics including body image struggles, including what it was like to navigate bullying and abuse from a young age — both at school and within her home, as well as the tragedy surrounding the killing of her dear friend and fellow runner Agnes Tirop. Viola has made it her mission to speak out about domestic and gender-based violence as a result of the tragedy, through her work with a non-profit Tirop's Angels. Although a lot of the topics are difficult, Viola’s outlook is truly one of optimism and hope. I’m so grateful that we were able to connect here in Boston leading up to such a big moment for her! I also do want to thank her sponsor Adidas for connecting us, and plug their AdiClub membership, which has a ton of benefits including free shipping and a 15% off voucher. To learn more, visit adidas.com/adiClub.