Julian Matthews seeks a path less travelled back after Games disappointment

Julian Matthews
Julian Matthews at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Photo credit: Photosport

New Zealand middle-distance runner Julian Matthews tries to hit the road before the Kenyan sunrise.

Any later than that, especially in the dry season, and the chaos of the traffic whips the dust into the air and covers him like a cloak.

Running in the African country is different to anywhere else in the world. It means waking up at 4:15am, dealing with power cuts and incessantly snacking on altitude.

Matthews is back in Kenya for the second time, hoping the simple surroundings can help him find his feet after missing out on the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

“I’ve had a really tough two years," he told Newshub from Kenya. "I had surgery done on my Achilles straight after the Rio Olympics and it’s just taken a long time to get back on top of everything.”

The plan was to qualify for this month’s Games on the Gold Coast by running indoor events, but that backfired. His body couldn’t handle the training and fell apart under the pressure.

“It’s frustrating and disappointing, but I made the call to come over here, and really put in a solid foundation for the rest of the outdoor season and the year.”

That’s where the trailblazing Robertson twins come in. Jake and Zane famously left New Zealand when they were 17 in search of the best runners in the world. They’re now the joint holders of the country’s 10-kilometre road record, while Jake holds the half-marathon record.

Matthews used to race against them back home and they’re good mates. He gave them a call and before he knew it, he was back. 

The 29-year-old is at a crossroads in his career. He grew up in Nelson, before heading to the United States on a scholarship.

Matthews finished ninth at the last Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and just missed out on the semi-finals at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

He’s reset his goals for Tokyo 2020, with his African stint all part of the plan.

“Coming here ticks a lot of the boxes," he says. "It’s at altitude.

"I think we’re 2300 metres up... you go for a jog up a hill and you’re suffering. Even if you’re going as slow as you can, it’s hard.”

There are no obstructions in Kenya. It’s a simple, but brutal routine of eat, sleep and run.

“If you just wanna get down and dirty with the training, there’s no better place I think. It’s just kinda getting rid of every distraction and getting into that zombie-training mode.”

The food is basic, but wholesome, consisting of chapatti - a “kinda floury pancake thing” that’s eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even dessert.

“You’re not snacking on any of the yummies like mince pies that we often do, although there’s some really good Indian food in Eldoret actually. It’s a real treat."

Accommodation, food and even treatment are all cheaper, making it an ideal place for runners yet to crack the big time.

“Training among a lot of Kenyan athletes gets you going every day. The biggest benefit you get from training here is psychological.

"You start at the bottom, you’ve given no respect and you’ve gotta climb up the ladder, so you’re pushing yourself to the limit.”

Matthews is sticking around for another few weeks, before heading back to the States and hitting a few races on the West Coast.

He’s trying out a 5000m race for the first time, hoping it’ll be a good stepping stone into the 1500m.

“1500s have always been my baby and I don’t see that changing. I’m interested in the 5km, just to see what kind of endurance I have for that, and I’m excited to try it.”

He’s been building a solid foundation, dining out on base training runs of about 30km.

“I’m really happy with the way things are going. I’m just getting stronger and stronger every day.

"Trying to keep up with these marathon boys [Jake and Zane] is always going to help, as long you don’t run yourself into the ground.”

Matthews finishes his workout by 8:30am. Then it’s time for a feed, a jog through the forest in the evening, maybe a sauna and bed.

Rinse and repeat, step after step, from New Zealand to America to Kenya. There’s one road to success and it’s littered with hard work.

Newshub.