On today’s episode, we are talking to Ted Jaleta, a world-class master runner and former Ethiopian refugee who is now a citizen of Canada. He is now a motivational speaker, a Hall of Fame athlete, and a former winner of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal. He has carried the Olympic torch and has received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
In short, his story of how he overcame leaving a war-torn country on his own is inspirational.
Today Ted talks to us about how it was to leave Ethiopia and settle in a new country. He also shares his advice for people who are having trouble seeing positivity in their own lives.
Some of the topics discussed include:
- Ted’s background in Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, and finally Canada
- How he got back into running after his intercontinental journey.
- How his personal struggles have increased his motivation for running.
- What it was like to carry the Olympic torch.
- What Ted loves about Canada.
- Some information about Ted’s family.
- Ted’s favorite blog, his pre-running meal regimen and the best advice he’s ever received.
Questions Ted is asked:
3:15: Can you share your story about your background?
7:48: Did you move to Canada on your own or with your family?
9:40: Did it take you a while to get back into running?
13:45: What times did you run in Ethiopia?
15:25: What specifically about running do you enjoy?
16:30: Why did you decide to write an autobiography?
17:35: Do you think your struggles gave you more motivation in your running?
19:10: What is your favorite place that you’ve visited?
20:15: What did carrying the Olympic torch mean to you?
21:10: What prevented you from running for the Olympics in 1980?
21:45: What do you love most about Canada?
22:50: Have you always wanted to be a leader and make a difference?
24:25: What would you tell someone who is struggling to stay positive?
26:45: What did the election in Saskatchewan entail and what did you learn?
30:10: Do you have a good relationship with your family? Do you go back to visit often?
33:45: What cultural things have you brought here to share with your wife and kids?
34:26: Does Ethiopia approach running differently than they have in the past?
37:50: Why do you think people try to hide their vulnerability?
40:50: What do you see as your future?
[bctt tweet=”Each and every runner has a story, this podcast with @TedJaleta is incredibly inspiring” username=”Runners_Connect”]
Quotes from Ted:
“Every Sunday, the other refugees and I got together for coffee…. Sometimes the resistant to accept us by local people, that was understandable, but I would get tired of it and I needed something different.”
“When I came to Canada, I started running when I was 29 or 30 years old. At 42, I could run a half-marathon in an hour-five.”
“My mom and dad didn’t even know that I was in Canada until 1987…. They thought I was dead.”
“I’ve always loved competing. Every day I run.”
“Carrying the Olympic torch relieved a missed opportunity and gave me a wonderful opportunity to be an actual member of the team.”
“I’m so grateful to Canada — They gave me a second chance to establish myself.”
“Life isn’t smooth… There are bumps. Don’t take it as the end of the world. Use failures and setbacks as a learning experience. It will make you a better person.”
“When I left Ethiopia, even though I established my life in Canada, Ethiopia was home…. Things have changed, and going back has given me some sense of closure.”
“”Things have changed and evolved very much in Ethiopia when it comes to running.”
“Running is the simplest forms of exercise. You don’t need much gear. Set a goal, be consistent, and be patient.”
“Things evolve. Opportunity knocks and it’s things I don’t plan.”
“My number one advice to new runners is to join a running club. Have someone guide you.”
Take a Listen on Your Next Run
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Links and resources:
Last week’s show with Drew Watts
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Never Give Up: Ted Jaleta’s Inspiring Story
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Next week, we will be talking to Chris McDougall, the author of Born to Run, about the next book he’s working on……here’s a hint, it involves Donkeys!
You need to tune in to find out about, but until then, take a listen to the previous interview with Chris McDougall, so we hope to see you soon!
