I'm not sure that registering my name proves anything, but I admire those who have done so, and so I'll do the same. (Though I'm not sure if I succeeded or not.)
To those who have mentioned my 1992 RW mag article, "White Men Can't Run," thanks for remembering it. I was wrong in 1992, but you might want to check the Beijing 2008 men's running results. Then answer this question: Which way is the pendulum swinging?
As I've said before, I consider Ryan Hall and Terrence Mahon incredibly smart in their approach to Hall's training and racing. (I've interviewed both of them on a number of occasions.] This includes their mental approach, which I consider an important factor in the marathon.
One of the things that makes them so smart, in my opinion, is that they're realists. They understand where Ryan stands now, and what it will take for him to climb higher. They don't underestimate the odds, nor are they intimidated by them.
I applaud the path Hall and Mahon are following, and root hard for Ryan whenever he races, even though we journalists aren't supposed to do that. But Ryan's an incredibly talented, hard-working, and humble guy. What's not to root for?