PUBLISHED 11/02/2007
Stephen Kiogora, 32, better known to us by the name of Baba thanks to Matt Taylor's excellent exposure of Kenyan running, was last year's runner-up in New York. Baba was watching the big Bubba and let Marilson escape from the pack "I thought the mzungo (white man) was not strong, that he would come back to us." The Mzungo did not, and although Baba did out-kick his idol Paul Tergat he was left with a hungry taste for 2007. After placing third at Boston this spring he really wants a first place finish.
Runner's World: Baba, what did you eat for breakfast this morning?
Stephen Kiogora: What? Why? It was toast and some tea.
RW: What is the tactic to get the win this year.
SK: I have no tactic, I have to just run.
RW: Compare this year to last year?
SK: I can not say. The training has been going well, some runs have been faster, some slower. Sometimes the body responds, other times it does not.
RW: Have you used the same program?
SK: I have used the same program.
RW: You are forever having problems in every marathon with water bottles and not managing to pick them up in the race. Do you ever practice running by a table and picking them up?
SK: Ah, no. We get them handed from a car, from the coach.
RW: Does this course in New York suit you?
SK: It does as I like roiling hills. I like the people too, so much cheering for us, it is great!
RW: Are we seeing the real you, tell me something about the real you who pushes hard and runs to die out on the roads.
SK: On Sunday you will see inside of me 100% when I am out on the roads.
RW: If someone makes a break at 5k would you follow?
SK: No, I would wait and let the pack pull him in. You know I like running at the front, but you must also be with the pack. It suits me to a be a front runner, but it is important also to be careful if the winds come, or bad weather.
RW: What about a break at 10k, (shakes head no), 15k (no), 21 km (no)
SK: You must be with the pack but watching all the time.
RW: So if Marilson, or Goumri, makes a break at 21km you will let them go?
SK: Unless the pack goes with them. You see last year's tactics do not apply to this year's race.
RW: Who in your mind is the most dangerous man in the field?
SK: It is Martin Lel.
RW: Briefly describe Saturday, what will you do?
SK: Get up, jog for 10km, eat breakfast, shower. Then I will talk wit the Kenyans. Eat lunch, any food is fine, after lunch maybe a little sleeping, then I will go walking for 20 or 30 minutes, gentle, before eating dinner and going to my room.
