--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: My first competition outside Kenya was at…" description: "\"My first competition outside Kenya was at the 2002 world cross country championships in Dublin, Ireland. I finished fifth in the junior race that day b..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ada/eliud-kipchoge-13861_cold_my-first-competition-outside-kenya-was-a_479229.jpg" --- # My first competition outside Kenya was at the 2002 world… ![“My first competition outside Kenya was at the 2002 world cross country championships in Dublin, Ireland. I finished fifth in the junior race that day but the thing I remember the most was that it was very cold.” quote by Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ada/eliud-kipchoge-13861_cold_my-first-competition-outside-kenya-was-a_479229.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ada/eliud-kipchoge-13861_cold_my-first-competition-outside-kenya-was-a_479229.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ada/eliud-kipchoge-13861_cold_my-first-competition-outside-kenya-was-a_479229.jpg) > “My first competition outside Kenya was at the 2002 world cross country championships in Dublin, Ireland. I finished fifth in the junior race that day but the thing I remember the most was that it was very cold.” [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Even in challenging conditions, memorable moments often come from the environment rather than the result. **In simple terms:** Cold weather left a strong impression. Key Takeaway Embrace conditions as part of the experience. Themes sports competition environment memory resilience Mood inspirational reflective Type motivational philosophical When to use this quote - training sessions - cold‑weather races - team bonding - personal reflection Key Concepts psychology of performance adaptation focus Questions to Reflect On - How do you stay motivated in adverse conditions? - What role does environment play in memory? A Different Perspective Harsh conditions can hinder performance and morale. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Cold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cold/) [Competition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/competition/) [Cross Country](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cross-country/) [Day](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/day/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/) ## Related quotes > [We invite all those who have been outside Kenya to come back and join in the rebuilding of our new nation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mwai-kibaki/we-invite-all-those-who-have-been-outside-kenya-to-come-back-and-join/) [Mwai Kibaki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mwai-kibaki/) > [I think one of the laughable things about poor old Brexit is that they're so cross - they're furious with everyone. 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People get killed every year doing cross-country.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charlotte-casiraghi/eventing-is-way-too-dangerous-people-get-killed-every-year-doing/) [Charlotte Casiraghi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charlotte-casiraghi/) > [I found I could also be good in cross country. I don't think my running style has anything to do with it. If you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/catherine-ndereba/i-found-i-could-also-be-good-in-cross-country-i-don-t-think-my/) [Catherine Ndereba](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/catherine-ndereba/) > [Cross country skiing is great if you live in a small country.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steven-wright/cross-country-skiing-is-great-if-you-live-in-a-small-country/) [Steven Wright](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steven-wright/) > [I'm a sprinter man. We don't jog; we don't walk. It's full-out. It's big engines. 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When…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alice-cooper/my-fastest-time-in-high-school-was-a-4-29-mile-i-think-cross-country/) [Alice Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alice-cooper/) > [I used to race up all the time and started cross-country from about the age of six.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denise-lewis/i-used-to-race-up-all-the-time-and-started-cross-country-from-about/) [Denise Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denise-lewis/) > [My first sport was volleyball, and then somebody told me about cross-country. They said it was outdoors, coed, and everybody got to participate. And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daryn-kagan/my-first-sport-was-volleyball-and-then-somebody-told-me-about-cross/) [Daryn Kagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daryn-kagan/) ## More by Eliud Kipchoge > [I'm confident to say that if you want to grow in a profession, consistency is the key... I'm strict about my work goals and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/i-m-confident-to-say-that-if-you-want-to-grow-in-a-profession/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [The best time to plant a tree was 25 years ago. The second-best time to plant a tree is today.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/the-best-time-to-plant-a-tree-was-25-years-ago-the-second-best-time/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [If you have that belief - pure belief in your heart - that you want to be successful then you can talk to your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/if-you-have-that-belief-pure-belief-in-your-heart-that-you-want-to-be/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [I always tell people that this is a really simple deal: Work hard. If you work hard, follow what's required and set your priorities…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/i-always-tell-people-that-this-is-a-really-simple-deal-work-hard-if/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [My mind is always free. My mind is flexible.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/my-mind-is-always-free-my-mind-is-flexible/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [I got into running when I was being mentored by my coach. I tried it and developed a passion for it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/i-got-into-running-when-i-was-being-mentored-by-my-coach-i-tried-it/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [I have only ever done athletics. I was only average at school and I have never done any other sport.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/i-have-only-ever-done-athletics-i-was-only-average-at-school-and-i/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [I want to run with a relaxed mind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/i-want-to-run-with-a-relaxed-mind/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [If you train with fast athletes, it keeps you pushing. I know that good preparation is more important than everything else.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/if-you-train-with-fast-athletes-it-keeps-you-pushing-i-know-that-good/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [Vienna is a city where they love sports.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/vienna-is-a-city-where-they-love-sports/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [I always say: a run in the morning is like eating a fruit a day - it chases he doctor away. It is good…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/i-always-say-a-run-in-the-morning-is-like-eating-a-fruit-a-day-it/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [I think 1:59 is something a human being can run. Or 1:58. Who knows?! If someone trains very well and thinks in a good…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/i-think-1-59-is-something-a-human-being-can-run-or-1-58-who-knows-if/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [No human is limited.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/no-human-is-limited/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [I want to stay for a long time and leave a mark so the young generation can aspire to be at the top like…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/i-want-to-stay-for-a-long-time-and-leave-a-mark-so-the-young/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [If you want to break through, your mind should be able to control your body. Your mind should be a part of your fitness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/if-you-want-to-break-through-your-mind-should-be-able-to-control-your/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) [Explore all 49 Eliud Kipchoge quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) ## More Cold quotes > [Once ye made up yer mind to do somethin', 'tis better t'stumble o'er the small hillock of jump-ahead than t'bash yer head on the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karen-hawkins/once-ye-made-up-yer-mind-to-do-somethin-tis-better-t-stumble-o-er-the/) [Karen Hawkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karen-hawkins/) > [When you're scared - and I mean really scared, not just hearing a noise in the night, or standing toe to toe with someone…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-gordon-smith/when-you-re-scared-and-i-mean-really-scared-not-just-hearing-a-noise/) [Alexander Gordon Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-gordon-smith/) > [From the bitter cold winter at Valley Forge, to the mountains of Afghanistan and the deserts of Iraq, our soldiers have courageously answered when…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/solomon-ortiz/from-the-bitter-cold-winter-at-valley-forge-to-the-mountains-of/) [Solomon Ortiz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/solomon-ortiz/) > [When I get a chance to play golf or go on a boat with good people, take the boat out and put some lobsters…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bernie-mac/when-i-get-a-chance-to-play-golf-or-go-on-a-boat-with-good-people/) [Bernie Mac](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bernie-mac/) > [Of course Messi could handle a cold Tuesday night in Stoke. He'd be drinking tea and relaxing beforehand. Me? I'd probably be the same.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neymar/of-course-messi-could-handle-a-cold-tuesday-night-in-stoke-he-d-be/) [Neymar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neymar/) > [This cold weather has set all the young Folks to providing Bedfellows. I have signed two or three Licences every Day \[as a Fairfax…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-mason/this-cold-weather-has-set-all-the-young-folks-to-providing-bedfellows/) [George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-mason/) > [When my main character in 'Heat' climbs the tower, the highest diving platform, hoping to resume competitive diving after an injury, I am there…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-cadnum/when-my-main-character-in-heat-climbs-the-tower-the-highest-diving/) [Michael Cadnum](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-cadnum/) > [You start playing when it's cold and you want to be playing when it's cold again.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jimy-williams/you-start-playing-when-it-s-cold-and-you-want-to-be-playing-when-it-s/) Jimy Williams > [It would be a piece of ingenuousness to accuse the man of today of his lack of moral code. The accusation would leave him…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jose-ortega-y-gasset/it-would-be-a-piece-of-ingenuousness-to-accuse-the-man-of-today-of/) [Jose Ortega y Gasset](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jose-ortega-y-gasset/) > [I would have touched it like a child But knew my finger could but have touched Cold stone and water. I grew wild, Even…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-butler-yeats/i-would-have-touched-it-like-a-child-but-knew-my-finger-could-but/) [William Butler Yeats](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-butler-yeats/) > [What's to become of the morally sound? Left out in the cold, I suppose. We must heal the sick.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henrik-ibsen/what-s-to-become-of-the-morally-sound-left-out-in-the-cold-i-suppose/) [Henrik Ibsen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henrik-ibsen/) > [When I first started, all the reviews of Cold Chisel would say, 'This singer won't have a voice in six months.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jimmy-barnes/when-i-first-started-all-the-reviews-of-cold-chisel-would-say-this/) [Jimmy Barnes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jimmy-barnes/) > [One of the problems trying to play an instrument outside in the cold is your fingers give up on you and you can't wear…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amy-macdonald/one-of-the-problems-trying-to-play-an-instrument-outside-in-the-cold/) [Amy Macdonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amy-macdonald/) > [God tempers the cold to the shorn sheep.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henri-etienne-sainte-claire-deville/god-tempers-the-cold-to-the-shorn-sheep/) Henri Etienne Sainte-Claire Deville > [Those nights lying alone are not discontinuous with this cold hectic dawn. It is who I am.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anne-carson/those-nights-lying-alone-are-not-discontinuous-with-this-cold-hectic/) [Anne Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anne-carson/) [Browse all 5,381 Cold quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cold/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "My first competition outside Kenya was at the 2002 world cross country championships in Dublin, Ireland. 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