Former world half marathon champion Florence Kiplagat says she is back guns blazing after being ‘lazy in training’.
The two-time Berlin marathon champion returned to action at last month’s fourth edition of Kapsowar Half Marathon.
“I have been lazy at home, no injury or maternity leave... just lazy. I even cancelled my races abroad,” she said. “But I have decided to return and am serious this time.”
“I added some weight but I am back. I want to shine again,” said Kiplagat, who has a lifetime best of 2:19:44, set while winning the 2011 Berlin Marathon.
“I want to start this return by competing in Indonesia next month.”
However, she is also keen on local races.
“Running at home is great. I want to test myself and ensure my body will be ready for foreign races. One cannot go hard in professional races after a lengthy absence,” she said.
This gradual return, she said, will help her secure sponsors as she targets the world marathon majors.
“I don’t have any sponsor at the moment but I know they will come once I perform well. I want to market myself. To do that, I’ll have to be at my best,” said Kiplagat.
During her ‘sabbatical’ Kiplagat focused on her businesses and farming.
“I was running my petrol station and farming,” she observed.