The Run4It Podcast

Expert Edition: Inside Ethiopian Running Culture, with Michael Crawley

Chris Bradley, Finlay McAndrew / Michael Crawley Episode 37

The boys are joined by Dr Michael Crawley, author of the book Out of Thin Air: Running wisdom and magic from above the clouds in Ethiopia. (11:35 for main interview.)

They discuss Michael's 15 months spent living and training with a group of elite athletes in Addis Ababa, studying the Ethiopian running culture, and observing what makes the country such a consistent superpower when it comes to producing world-beating long distance runners,

Michael talks about chasing hyenas, getting up at 3am to run up hills, and toeing the line at the legendary Jan Meda cross country race. This episode is bursting at the seams with takeaways to reinvigorate your relationship with running from a culture that approaches the sport in a completely different way, and if you like what you hear, be sure to read Michael's book. 

To get in touch, email: thepod@run4it.com.