Peter Nduhiu is the long-time physio of Eliud Kipchoge. He has worked with the Kenyan distance running great for 15 years and is based out the Global Sports Communication camp in Kaptagat.

I first met Eliud as part of the pre-Olympic training camp in Kenya ahead of the 2004 Athens Games. My initial impression when first treating him was of a man who was quiet, not very talkative but also assertive.

I got to know Eliud a little better at the Athens Olympics and we become closer. I think he became more confident in my abilities and the next year we formalised our relationship, whereby I became his physio.

People ask me why is Eliud unique? And I say it is his commitment and discipline; it is military. He wakes up every day knowing exactly what he wants and he will go on to achieve it.

I know he is the one person in camp who if he woke at 6am for training and nobody else woke up, he would still go out and complete the training session. I also know that if we have an appointment he will always be there in time. He does not go out on the town drinking; he is teetotal. He is a guy who is always very true to himself.

Eliud is also very diligent when it comes to carrying out the right instructions for injury prevention. He will always complete his core stability exercises, which has prevented him from picking up very few injuries.

If he ever has an issue with his body he will always tell me straight away. This allows me to get on to any potential problems. If only all athletes were like Eliud and could listen to what their bodies were telling them. It would then be much easier to control any issues that may arise.

Although, I also have to give a lot of credit to Global Sports Communication – Eliud’s management company. If Eliud has any issue they step in fast to resolve any issues.

Eliud is also an athlete with an amazingly high pain threshold. He can put the pain to the back of his mind. Sometimes I ask, ‘how were you able to do that?’ It is one of his gifts.

He is such a reliable character. Over time I’ve come to realise that he will not fail you, it is my job to not fail him. That is a big challenge. I was saying recently to him; ‘now you are a huge name I have to behave like a huge name too.’ I don’t want to be caught napping. I don’t want to be the one to blemish Eliud’s legacy.

I have dealt with many athletes over the past 15 years and our relationship has developed beyond that of physio/client. We have become family friends. Without working with an athlete of his calibre it would have been difficult to have walked the path that I have. Personally, I owe him so much for his amazing dedication.

As for the INEOS 1:59 Challenge; he is the main actor and my role is that of the supporting cast. Throughout my time with him I’ve supported Eliud to achieve his dreams. But to help him achieve that you have to believe what he believes in. To be a good partner you cannot have any self-doubt. As for 1:59, I say, let’s get this done!