but I think he should have been more like fifth. Perhaps I am naïve or uninformed, but Vail has all the essentials. I know I saw at least two if not three pre-race 150-mile weeks in his log, and another 140-mile week. Thus, it seems to me that Vail is putting in the work. Just read his bio, and one knows he is obviously talented. He has a prototypical marathoner's physique (short/lean). Why was he not up there with Meb? What I am missing?
I mention these things not--in any way--to denigrate his performance, as ninth in a major marathon is excellent. But what else can Vail do? Is he simply missing the "seasoning" of a marathoner?
Vail seems like a nice guy. I wish him all the best.