“In my 20-plus years of running, this trip was truly the trip of a lifetime. The altitude challenged me, the people inspired me, and the red dirt trails stole my heart.”
Runner Profile
- Name: Susan Loken
- Age: 55
- Occupation: Running Coach & Founder (Believe Train Become) / USATF Certified Coach
- Country of Residence: USA (Phoenix, Arizona)
- Camp Attended: February / March 2019 Kenya Experience Camp
A Veteran Champion Seeking a New Adventure
With over two decades of competitive distance running, including qualifying for four US Olympic Marathon Trials and winning three USATF Masters Marathon national titles, Susan Loken is no stranger to high-level training. As a full-time running coach based in Arizona, Susan spends her life inspiring others to chase their potential.
In early 2019, Susan decided it was time for her own bucket-list adventure: traveling to the legendary Rift Valley to experience the “Home of Champions” firsthand.
“Running alongside the Kenyan greats in Iten wasn’t just a training trip; it was a deeply spiritual and humbling immersion into the heart of distance running culture.”
Running Alongside the Kenyan Greats
Susan’s time in Iten put her right in the middle of the world’s most famous running community. From staying at the High Altitude Training Centre (HATC) to tackling the legendary dirt trails, every day brought a fresh dose of inspiration:
- Training on the Iconic Dirt: Taking on the famous Iten Fartlek and morning easy runs across pristine red dirt, surrounded by hundreds of dedicated local athletes.
- The High Altitude Effect: Adjusting to training at 2,400 metres (nearly 8,000 feet) above sea level—where every breath reminds you of the effort required to build true endurance stamina.
- Rubbing Shoulders with Legends: Sharing trails, meals, and conversations with world-record holders and marathon champions, discovering their remarkable humility and dedication to the sport.
- Cultural Warmth: Experiencing the vibrant, welcoming spirit of the Iten local community and local school visits.
Coaching Takeaways & The Iten Philosophy
As a professional coach, Susan returned to the US with invaluable insights to share with her own athletes.
She observed that the secret to Kenyan success isn’t complicated equipment or complex metrics, it comes down to simplicity, consistency, community, and resting as hard as you train.
“I came to Kenya to experience the running culture, but I left with so much more: lifelong friendships, renewed coaching wisdom, and memories that will forever shape how I view this sport.”
Inspired by Susan’s Story?
Around 90% of our guests arrive solo—ranging from everyday runners chasing 5K goals to veteran marathon champions and coaches like Susan. Everyone finds their fit on the red dirt trails of Iten.
