I love Shalane and think she is an awesome 10000m runner who could eventually run sub 30; however, she hasn't prepared properly for her marathon debut. In a couple interviews she stated her longest run was 18 miles and on race day it will be the first time shes run over 20 miles. WHAT?
Meb on the hand stated in a recent interview:
Speaking of long runs, what is your opinion on over-distance training? Do you ever run longer than 25 miles when preparing for a marathon?
MEB: Most definitely. For this year’s New York City Marathon, I’ve done up to 28 miles. I’ve done 25, 26, 27, and 28-mile runs. I believe that preparation is the key to success. I believe it was Juma Ikangaa who said, “The will to win is nothing without the will to prepare.” I really believe that. I emphasize it with students in my foundation. If you are going to pass a test, you cannot skip classes; you cannot skip homework or class exercises. If you put the work in, you should succeed. I think the same thing goes with the marathon, whether it’s a run over 26 miles or a race pace for 12 miles or intervals. If you do all that work, you might not hit a home run or get an A++, but you should definitely have a solid performance. I believe preparation is the key to success.