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- The Herd | Edition 21
The Herd | Edition 21
"Catherine the Great," 10 questions you should ask any runner, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone at GST Philadelphia
Micah Kinde
June 07, 2025
The Herd | Edition No. 21
Welcome back to The Herd! This week, you’ll learn about Kenyan and women’s distance running trailblazer Catherine Ndereba. As summer warms up, you’ve probably seen more runners out - keep reading for 10 questions to get to know any fellow runner! And stay tuned to the end to read about Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s escapades in the short sprints at Grand Slam Track Philadelphia!
Catherine Ndereba
Catherine Ndereba, known as "Catherine the Great," is one of the most celebrated marathon runners in history and a trailblazer for Kenyan women in distance running. Born in Nyeri, Kenya, she began her running career in the 1990s, quickly rising through the ranks thanks to her resilience and remarkable consistency. Ndereba became the first woman to win the Boston Marathon four times and the Chicago Marathon twice, establishing herself as a dominant force on the world stage (1, 2, 3).
Her most iconic achievement came at the 2001 Chicago Marathon, where she shattered the women's marathon world record with a time of 2:18:47 (1, 4, 5). Battling cold conditions and a slow early pace, Ndereba surged ahead after the first 5 kilometers, gradually building a commanding lead and completing the second half of the race several minutes faster than the first (6). Her performance not only broke the previous world record by 59 seconds but also made her the first woman to run under 2:19, inspiring a new generation of female marathoners and setting a new standard for the sport (4, 5). Nderebaʼs legacy endures through her world titles, Olympic medals, and the barriers she broke for women in distance running.
🏃♀️ Runner-to-Runner: 10 Questions to Spark Conversation
Whether you're on a group run or chatting post-race, these questions go beyond "How far did you go?" and help you really get to know your fellow runners:
1. What got you into running in the first place?
Every runner has a story—what’s yours?
2. Do you prefer long runs, speed workouts, or race day best?
Find out what part of the grind they love most.
3. What’s your favorite race you’ve ever done—and why?
From scenery to swag, this one always brings great stories.
4. Do you have a pre-race ritual or lucky charm?
Shoelace superstition? Same breakfast every time?
5. What running goal are you chasing right now?
Big or small—goals keep us going.
6. How do you stay motivated when training gets tough?
Share those mental tricks we all rely on.
7. What’s your go-to post-run snack or meal?
Recovery fuel = very serious business.
8. Do you listen to music, podcasts, or run in silence?
We all have a soundtrack (or a total lack of one).
9. If you could run with anyone—famous, fictional, or personal hero—who would it be?
Deep, fun, or hilarious… there are no wrong answers.
10. Would you rather have perfect race-day weather or guarantee a PR in terrible conditions?
Because hypotheticals make for great banter.
Grand Slam Track | Philadelphia, May 31 - June 1, 2025
Last weekend, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone switched up events on the track and competed in the 100m and 100m hurdles. Renowned for her multiple 400m hurdle world-records, Sydney put out all her closing speed and finished second with a time of 11.21 in the 100m and fifth in the 100m hurdles in 12.70.
That’s a wrap! Thanks for reading this week and enjoy those miles! Also let us know… Would you rather have perfect race-day weather or guarantee a PR in terrible conditions?
