Ryan's 59:43 run in Houston a few years ago was so stunning (Has anyone else ever broken 1 hour for the half and won by over 2.5 minutes? If you know please email me) that it might give people unreasonable expectations for what a good run for him is in the half.
So the question is, what does Ryan need to run tomorrow for you to consider it a good run?
Here are Ryan's Half Marathons and place if he didn't win:
1/2007 Houston 59:43
8/2009 NYC 1:02:35 (3rd)
9/2009 Philly 1:01:52
1/2010 Phoenix 1:04:08 (2nd)
9/2010 Philly 1:03:55 (13th)
Houston winning times last 4 years the race has been the US Champs
2010 Antonio Vega 1:01:54
2009 Meb 1:01:25
2008 James Carney 1:02:21
2007 Ryan Hall 59:43
The time Ryan runs is dependent on the race pace and conditions but his half marathons last year were very subpar. Ryan has financial ties to Competitor Group which own both half marathons he ran last year. This year he's running Houston on his own and we can assume he is fit if he's showing up without a contractual obligation.
I don't think it's too difficult to judge Ryan's performance this year, but I won't judge it on time. As long as he is in the hunt for the win, I don't see how it can't be a good run for him.
None of these guys should be able to run away from him if he's fit.