Before he even ran the 2010 Boston Marathon, where he set a new American record in 2:08:xx (but still finished in 4th place), Ryan Hall announced that he would run the 2010 Chicago Marathon and attempt to set a new American record there. A new American record, which would be 2:05:xx, doesn't guarantee a win on any major marathon course these days. Is Hall trying to merely break records or win a major marathon?
After running nearly 64 minutes for a half in Philly two weekends ago (4 minutes slower than his PR and the current American record), Hall announced that he had withdrawn from the 2010 Chicago Marathon, citing poor training. Hall's American record in the half (59:xx) and his fastest marathon to date (2:06:xx) came after a solid track season. Since then, he's been racing two marathons/year. It seems that the 130-mile weeks, week in and week out, have finally gotten the best of him. A lot of people are saying that he needs to get back on the track, race some shorter distances, etc. Others are saying that he needs to change coaches. Still others are saying that he'll never break 2:08 again and that he's done. I don't believe that, but I do believe that something is amiss. It's been long-known that Hall likes to self-train and train alone, so a coaching change may not be the answer. Meb is up in Mammoth Lakes as well, and he's doing just fine. I wonder what'll be next for Hall.
Hall's marathon times:
4/22/07 London 2:08:24
11/3/07 New York City Trials 2:09:02
4/13/08 London 2:06:17
8/24/08 Beijing Olympics 2:12:33
4/20/09 Boston 2:09:40
11/1/09 New York City 2:10:36
4/19/10 Boston 2:08:41
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