In what way does discussing Ryan Hall and Ethiopians and Kenyans have ANYTHING to do with playing to the "marathon as a participation sport" audience?
In what way does discussing Ryan Hall and Ethiopians and Kenyans have ANYTHING to do with playing to the "marathon as a participation sport" audience?
It plays to their mindset, tells them what they want to hear.
Hey about some actual logic on this thread?
You don't think the average American who does marathons would like to think Ryan can win Boston? You think they want to be told he can't?
Come on, people.
Dusty Bones wrote:
Hey about some actual logic on this thread?
Okay, you get us started.
If you want to say that Kenyans or Ethiopians will win because they are just plain faster, then that's one thing.
I just don't get his "odds" comment. Everyone at the starting line, not just the white dude, can look around and see 10 people who can possibly beat them. Yes, it's hard to win a marathon. Yes, it's hard to beat the top African runners. Of course, dos Santos has managed it a couple of times, Baldini won an Olympic gold, and even when these guys don't win they still place higher than the Americans in major marathons - because they aren't pussies.
Anyone know who our third fastest marathoner is? Bob Kempainen, 2:08:48. A fine time, don't get me wrong, but that shouldn't be our third fastest marathoner EVER. Italy's third fastest dude is faster than that (2:08:02). Japan has less than half of the population of the US and their 20th fastest guy ever is faster than our 3rd fastest.
It's not that the odds are against us. It's not that we aren't Kenyans. It's that we don't run fast enough. We might never set the world record, but if we had 20 guys capable of running 2:08 then the better record in major marathons will come naturally.
I don't see it as defeatist. I see it as realistic. But I bet you all of the Africans have no doubt that they are going to win.
Does Ryan actually believe that he can?
The best runner on the day will win. I don't care where he is from.
DontFeedTheTroll wrote:
If you want to say that Kenyans or Ethiopians will win because they are just plain faster, then that's one thing.
I just don't get his "odds" comment. Everyone at the starting line, not just the white dude, can look around and see 10 people who can possibly beat them. Yes, it's hard to win a marathon. Yes, it's hard to beat the top African runners. Of course, dos Santos has managed it a couple of times, Baldini won an Olympic gold, and even when these guys don't win they still place higher than the Americans in major marathons - because they aren't pussies.
Anyone know who our third fastest marathoner is? Bob Kempainen, 2:08:48. A fine time, don't get me wrong, but that shouldn't be our third fastest marathoner EVER. Italy's third fastest dude is faster than that (2:08:02). Japan has less than half of the population of the US and their 20th fastest guy ever is faster than our 3rd fastest.
It's not that the odds are against us. It's not that we aren't Kenyans. It's that we don't run fast enough. We might never set the world record, but if we had 20 guys capable of running 2:08 then the better record in major marathons will come naturally.
QFE
We should be seeing no genuine smiles out of Hall until he is on the podium.
RIP: D3 All-American Frank Csorba - who ran 13:56 in March - dead
RENATO can you talk about the preparation of Emile Cairess 2:06
Great interview with Steve Cram - says Jakob has no chance of WRs this year
Running for Bowerman Track Club used to be cool now its embarrassing
Hats off to my dad. He just ran a 1:42 Half Marathon and turns 75 in 2 months!
2024 College Track & Field Open Coaching Positions Discussion