HOME IS WHERE THE INSPIRATION IS To me, the African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” means that our environment shapes us. As a runner, I’ve always sought out environments that give me clarity and motivation. Eritrea does this for me. In my book Run To Overcome, I shared how a trip to my home village Adi Gombolo / Adi Beyani in 2002 reignited my desire to compete in the marathon after wanting to quit following my debut. After that trip, I eventually went on to win the New York City Marathon. The communal care, faith-driven contentment and resourcefulness of the people in Eritrea humbles me and inspires me to run to win in my life and career. At the suggestion of my wife Yordanos, our family visit to Eritrea last month was my first trip since retiring from pro running. Which meant this was the first time that running was not my central focus. I got to spend time with family in much needed ways. Most importantly, I noticed my American-born daughters grow a stronger connection to their roots in Eritrea. I smiled watching them intuitively make their way around the village, meeting neighbors and talking to family. It makes me happy to know that they can find a home in Eritrea as much as we do here at home in America. It shows me that maybe Eritrea will be a source of inspiration and motivation for them, just like it is for me. What places inspires you?