Why is ryan hall running so fast?

Is it that he is married? Some people are more likely to excel when they are not on the prowl.

There is this rumor that he started to work out with Richard Dawkins just some days ago, what gave him a huge boost, just imagine how fast he is gonna be once he has read all the books by Carl Sagan.

let's not forget that he has the 'born in' advantage of growing up at altitude, in Big Bear, California; an advantage that most of the top distance runners in the world SHARE these days. Obviously, not a small thing , as it's becoming apparent.

it's also the coaching of T. Mahon that is making a difference.

zuzu wrote:

it's also the coaching of T. Mahon that is making a difference.

right; no doubt about it. You have to have all of the other pieces of the puzzle come together too, to get the kind of results that Hall has broken thru to the last couple of years. (desire, hard-smart training, coaching, ability, etc), you put an altitude trained Vo2 system in the mix; then you are up there with all the other world class altitude raised and trained runners from north Africa.

I agree. His inner consistency coupled with his external focus is most likely the biggest difference between him and others that are considered as or more talented (ie Ritz and Webb). Although all have had great success, which is certainly good, I THINK ( disclaimer--just my thoughts on the matter )his upswing has been due to his studied approach which seems to mirror his spiritual path as well. I don't think it is any coincidence that some of the best in the world (Tergat, Geb, Bekele, and Hicham El G.) all have very strong belief systems as well.

Just my opinion, but I don't think it is a coincidence that his view of how his running fits into the bigger picture is not affecting how he is running

I know what many on these boards people have said when Kenyans/Ethiopians have had runs which were equally impressive. Guess it only applies to them though....

Hall is an enormous talent. He ran 3:45 as a junior in high school. Webb, Ritz and Hall was the greatest high school year ever:

http://www.letsrun.com/highschool/hall.html

He grew up at altitude. He is perhaps the most graceful runner I have ever seen.

But lets not act like he's always torn things up. He struggled for years in college and last year after shining in 2005 and dominating US Cross in February, really struggled on the track.

Here are his 5k track runs (he also ran an 8:14 3k)

13:40.55 8 NC Indianapolis IN 23 Jun

13:34.89 4 Spitzen Luzern 6 Jul

13:28.89 SB (106) 10r2 KBC Heusden 22 Jul

13:58.69 13 Norw Union London 28 Jul

I still think he might have had some anemia or something going on. But within a month of this he was crushing the field in New Haven at 20k. So maybehe is just really suited to the longer distance (besides having great natural speed). Paula Radcliffe was meant for the marathon. Maybe Hall is the same way.

I completely agree Wejo. I think Hall is probably VERY suited to the longer distances based on his very few but impressive efforts at anything over 10k. His threshold system and running economy are obviously through the roof based on his 20K and 1/2. It will be interesting to see what happens WHEN he goes to the marathon. The only real question remaining is how efficient his fuel system is and I'm guessing it's going to be very good as well - assuming he figures out how to make his middle distance background work in his favor.

As far as all the mental training, spiritual stuff, etc that's been referenced... That's all fine and dandy but if the training and fitness aren't in place then it ain't gonna happen.

Have you ever seen him run? He has an insanely beautiful grace. He just floats along. It all looks so damn effortless. Truly beautiful to watch. I'm sure that that means that he has an economy that is off the charts.

He also always seems internally focused. He doesnt talk about others, but just about being his best. Wonderful. The most stunning performance I can remember since the summer of the Chinese women runners (not that that implies in any way that I think Ryan is on the juice (er rather, mushrooms), like they were). Just a mind-blowing performance. So damn liberating. Remember what his 5k did for the Americans over the last two years - he set a new standard and others followed. Lets hope that this happens now for the half and the marathon. I'm sick of having effectively no one with anything substantially under 2:10! Is he the fastest white guy half marathoner on the planet. Holy s**t

his brother has the same stride-they just float over the ground

When Ryan ran in the World Champs. 20km race last year, he was one of the few runners to run an even pace the whole way....it was somewhere around 29 mins splits for 10km portions.....and he proved that he was good that day...

He is not the fastest guy on the track (13:16) but, he is a "floater" well suited to the roads...despite his height (over 6 ft...unusual in distance running).

If he manages to transfer his ability to the marathon distance, he might eventually be the first American to run under 2:07....but, and this is a big "but" we will see if his body is able to deal with fuel economy issues inherent in marathon running...remember Ritz running a great half marathon and 10.000 but not running up to what was expected in New York..(2:14)....I thought Ritz would run 2:09-2:10....

Marathon running....a big mystery for many people..

Yes, I've seen Ryan run and I agree with everything you're saying about him. However, running economy has nothing to do with how smooth you look. ie. Paula Radcliffe's running economy is also VERY high.

What are some of the other great non-African half marathon times for the 1/2? I'm pretty sure Steve Moneghetti ran just over 60 minutes.

MikeM wrote:

I agree. His inner consistency coupled with his external focus is most likely the biggest difference between him and others that are considered as or more talented (ie Ritz and Webb). Although all have had great success, which is certainly good, I THINK ( disclaimer--just my thoughts on the matter )his upswing has been due to his studied approach which seems to mirror his spiritual path as well. I don't think it is any coincidence that some of the best in the world (Tergat, Geb, Bekele, and Hicham El G.) all have very strong belief systems as well.

Just my opinion, but I don't think it is a coincidence that his view of how his running fits into the bigger picture is not affecting how he is running

95% of the world's population are deists; to try to correlate religious belief to running performance is akin to noting that most of the top runners in history are speak a language; so does everone else.

fullofcrap wrote:

I know what many on these boards people have said when Kenyans/Ethiopians have had runs which were equally impressive. Guess it only applies to them though....

my thoughts exactly...

I mean, come on, I'm pretty sure that 12:37 and 26:17 were out of pure, honest, and clean talent.

According to Terrence Mahone, Ryan Hall will most likely run a spring marathon....WOW!

www.flocasts.com

iloverunning wrote:

fullofcrap wrote:

I know what many on these boards people have said when Kenyans/Ethiopians have had runs which were equally impressive. Guess it only applies to them though....

my thoughts exactly...

I mean, come on, I'm pretty sure that 12:37 and 26:17 were out of pure, honest, and clean talent.

No doubt. Read up on Ethiopiam blood chemistry; it's unlike any other in the world.

In personal bet I picked Craig Forys at Footlocker to beat Chad. However, In watching Chad I was saying same thing, damn what a nice stride. He is just great to watch and just floats. I also thought in the Footlocker that Chad was just playing around! He looked like he was So strong and just playing with the field. Like a runner who has been training with some older, elite runner at the top of his game...and now gets to run against little Footlocker guys and have fun. Maybe this is to much, but I had that feeling watching him he looks so light on his feet. Way to go RYAN HALL and CHAD!

As the others have said, Ryan's movement through space is nothing short of art. I recall seeing him running up "poopout" at the Mt. SAC course in high school, and he already looked better than any of the guys I saw at the collegiate race.

A superb talent, to be sure, but he deserves high praise for nurting his gift.

Makes me proud to be living in Big Bear.