Yong-Sung Leal returns!

talented and tough as nails:

http://www.dyestat.com/3us/4xc/MtSac/pix/2001leal313.jpg

Yong-Sung Leal is as talented a runner as anyone on the planet. It would be a fascinating saga if he could run at an optimal training volume without burning out. If he can pull 80-100 miles per week in due course of progression, watch out world! YSL is scary, scary, scary.

YSL is back, this has me so pumped !!

He was actually 4:42 (not 4:40) per mile for the 6 miles in Sunday's race. He wants to take running as far and as high as he can. His guts and determination have always been there and never changed. He's just got to stay healthy. He knows (and told me) he wants to give his best in the moment, because you never know what can happen. But his goal would be to get into this full-time. He's happiest when he's running.

I have personally witnessed him running on the track at Bancroft MS. He's miles are lower, but he gets his quality in. And does the barefoot running. I know he has determination, heart, and a work ethic. He also has talent. The biggest limiting factor for many, many, many runners is health. This has already been demonstarted in his career. Sometimes you can be smart and conservative, and still get hurt. Something you dont even anticipate. This has been my biggest limiting factor in my 30 years of track, road, XC racing. The good news is he has experience with his being injury prone. The bad news is he is so willing to push, work hard, and train. I think he and his coach can find the balance needed. I think they will. Best of luck to YSL.

Yes, Info, finding the balance is key. You sound like you're local if you know Bancroft Middle School. Email me at bentoleal@aol.com.

This kid has to be tough to hang on and still run that time for 6 miles after his recent training background. I hope he can get there and is over his injury so he can put in the training. If he can I wouldn't be surprised at all if he's at 28:20 for 10k in 8 months.

break it up wrote:

If he can I wouldn't be surprised at all if he's at 28:20 for 10k in 8 months.

You're about a minute too high. YSL is all that.

Can you imagine YSL putting the hurt on today's crop of pvssy distance runners like Rupp? YSL can run through walls and he doesn't need an allergy mask to do it.

It's official, I'm on the YSL bandwagon, this dude is old school and it looks like the next step is securing a sponsorship, maybe Gotcher can help him get on with Adidas?

This is seriously the story of the year. Brojos need to put this on the front page!!!!!!

Did Yong-Sung go to college? I'm sure some coach has a scholarship waiting.

6 miles at 4:42 pace off of 20-30 minute runs... INSANE!!!

Seen Him--are you an SL resident? I went to Bancroft + SL (c/o 2000), and raced Yong Sung Leal. Actually, we were in the same races, that's about it. He was a freshman, and I was a senior. I know he trained at the marina quite a bit and then went to work at Orchard. I had no idea he was working out at Bancroft.

Why would he need to go to college at this point? He could a major deal like Mike Jones... he's already running at an elite level off of 30 mpw, one word... PHENOM

Hoppin on the Bandwagon too wrote:

Did Yong-Sung go to college? I'm sure some coach has a scholarship waiting.

6 miles at 4:42 pace off of 20-30 minute runs... INSANE!!!

Is he still part of that ridiculous cult? Maybe not since looks like he's divorced?

From the looks of his fb page I would say no...

uhhhhh... wrote:

Is he still part of that ridiculous cult? Maybe not since looks like he's divorced?

Yong Sung is a great man, I hope he stays with it, is healthy and can max out his extreme potential to represent the US.

My inspiration is back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He inspired me to run more. He inspired me to give 110% every race. Without him, I don't think I would have the work ethic I have today. And now that he's back? I feel like going out the door to run even though I just finished running like 3 hours ago.

YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

weezyfbaby wrote:

Why would he need to go to college at this point? He could a major deal like Mike Jones... he's already running at an elite level off of 30 mpw, one word... PHENOM

Why? To get a free degree maybe? To get the titles that he probably always wanted? I'd imagine a degree or some sort of backup plan would be smart for an INJURY PRONE runner

Dude, I remember your kid, YOU, ruined that kid. LEAVE HIM ALONE.