Kiplagat ran 25:00 for 8k in his first U.S. meet at Van Cortlandt park. 3 weeks later he ran 24:26 for the same course. (Carlisle Stockton)

1. What was your first impression of Coach [Jason] Saretsky when he came to Kenya to scout you?

When I met him, the first time I was nervous because I wasn't used to speaking to a white man.

2. Were you nervous that you had to run well while he was there to scout you?

Of course. During my first race, 10km, I ran so hard to please him because I knew he was eager to see my performances. As a result, I was tired and only finished 2nd with a time of 32 minutes.

3. Did you ever dream that running would help you get to go to school in America?

No, I never had such a dream until I joined Tambach Teachers College and I met one of the coaches there and he helped me with my training.

4. What was your best 5k before you met that coach at Tambach Teachers College?

I don't know, maybe 15:20. Time was not so important. Position in running determined everything in high school.

5. Were you worried about going to school so far from home? Did the fact that Boaz Cheboiywo made a successful transition from Tambach Teachers College to NCAA running give you confidence?

Going far away from home is a normal way of life in Kenya. Boaz coming to America was a motivation for me that I could do the same with good training.

6. Since coming to Iona from Kenya, what has been the biggest adjustment for you in running? In life?

Everything was new. Especially my training schedules, mileage, workouts, I didn't have such a thing before. I didn't even know my miles per week. My training at Iona has been so good because I met people for training together as a team, and of course have motivation from the coaches. It took me a couple days to understand people speaking with an American accent. And socializing in general took me some time to feel comfortable. Iona guys were so warm; they helped me to adjust to America.

7. Is the training at Iona much harder than what you were used to before?

Yeah, very much. I remember in Kenya I used to run 5 miles in a day and now my mileage increased tremendously [to 80-90 mile per week].

8. Coach Saretsky told me you were denied a visa on your first attempt to come to the U.S. Do you know why? Were you worried you would not eventually get one?

They don't explain why you are denied. They only say "try next time." I was confused at first, but I trusted in God that things will go well.

9. What is the hardest workout for you? What is your favorite workout?

Nothing is hard at the moment compared to the first few months. Now, I am used to training hard. My favorite is hill work.

10. What advice would you give other foreign athletes who want to make the transition to the NCAA?

Coming to America is a great opportunity whereby you are in a position to exploit your talent fully. Utilize every opportunity to the best of your ability since not all people have this chance. Your way of living will change, but it is good to still remember where you come from.

11. American distance running could benefit from athletes like you. Have you considered becoming an American citizen?

It is still early for me to make such decisions.

12. After falling (but still qualifying for the final) in the prelims of the mile at IC4A's, you went on to win the final by running your last 200m in 26 seconds. How do you say "nasty kick" in Swahili?

There is no such expression, but probably "kofia nayo." In English: "die for it."

13. What was going through your mind when Alistair Cragg made a move in the 5k at indoor nationals where you ran 13:40 to place 4th?

I knew I was still just a freshman running and I cannot compare myself to other athletes. I am one year old in training and therefore, with hard work I will do better.

14. Do you think the rope-stretching that you do at Iona is better than normal stretching?

Yes. Stretching with a rope is much better than static stretching. When I use the rope, I feel my muscles are relaxed and open and ready to run. After stretching with the rope I don't need to warmup because the stretching makes me sweat.

15. What, to you, was the strangest thing when you arrived at Iona?

The first time in my class I was given an assignment using the computer. This made me totally confused but I worked hard to learn more about computers. Another thing was there were many vehicles. It seemed like there were more vehicles than in all of Kenya.

16. Will you go home to Marakwet, Kenya this summer?

I will use most of my summer for training with teammates and also take summer classes. I hope to go home next Christmas.

17. Do you talk with your family often?

I talk often with my family, but it is difficult to reach them since they stay in the countryside of Kenya where there are not many phones. I talk to them through letters and calling my relatives who live in the cities.

18. Do you like living in New York? Is there too much concrete for training?

New York is a good place to live and train. It almost has the same type of climate as Marakwet except for the winter. Running on the trails near campus makes training enjoyable. Sometimes we train on trails that are hilly like Van Cortlandt Park and Rockefeller [State Park Preserve]. These places are very good for running.

19. Are you proud to be part of the Kenyan distance running tradition? Is your family proud of you?

I am proud to be one of the distance runners from Kenya. My family is happy for my running career since it has given me more opportunities in life.

20. Is there anything you would like to say to all the other fans of running and runners that might read this?

Someone once told me, "training is bitter, but its fruits are sweet." So I would like to encourage everyone to train hard and thereafter you will enjoy the fruits of your hard work.