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Ryan Hall: Olympic Trials and Running Shoes [Part I & II]
(Elite Athlete Blog Entry 13)

Posted July 18th, 2008 at 12:00 PM by Ryan Hall

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Olympics, Elite Athlete Blogs, Ryan Hall

Welcome to the official blog of top U.S. distance runner Ryan Hall as he begins his quest for Olympic gold! Check back every other Friday for Ryan’s latest entry at http://ryanhall.thefinalsprint.com/

PART I

This past Tuesday I returned to Mammoth Lakes to put in my last hard month of altitude training after spending a week in Eugene to watch Sara compete in the Olympic Track and Field Trials. Watching the trials was one of the most emotional week-long experiences of my life. Watching some of my teammates and friends qualify for the Olympics kept me up late at night as a result of my excitement for them. However, my heart broke with my wife and some of my other teammates who failed to qualify. I could feel their pain as my own. I know all too well what it feels like to dream big, invest everything, and come up short. It is a risk we all take as athletes and when it all comes crashing down there is really very little one can say in the face of shattered dreams.

When I was a senior in high school I had a huge dream to run a sub-four minute mile. I can remember very clearly my last crack at it.

It was a warm summer day at the Maine Distance Festival in 2001. I was finishing off a volatile spring track season in which one week I would be running 4:15 all out and the next I would run an easy 4:04. I went on to run 3:42 for 1500M a week after my state meet, which was converted to a 4 flat mile. I was right on the edge of accomplishing my dream. However, it was not to be. No matter how bad I wanted it, no matter how hard I trained, no matter how much those around me invested in my dream, I couldn’t make it happen. After the race I remember slowly jogging to a deserted grass field and collapsing in failure. It hurts to go all out in something. Sure you have no regrets but caring deeply is what makes it hurt all the more.

Before hoping on the airplane back to California I was burning some time in a bookstore and stumbled across a book called “Shattered Dreams.” I thought to myself that the title pretty much summed up how I was feeling and I bought it. I still have the book on my shelf today. I look back at it sometimes and remember what the basic message was in the pages beyond the title. Basically it said that God lets some of our dreams shatter so that we can realize bigger dreams. As a kid in high school it didn’t make perfect since to me at the time. What could be bigger than breaking four minutes for the mile while in high school? But today I realize what the author was getting at. In this world we tend to dream of big performances. Maybe it is setting a world record or getting a medal in the Olympic Games. However, having some of these dreams shatter might teach us that there are things that are more important to strive after than records and medals. Nothing made this point sink in more than this past Olympic Marathon Trials in New York when I lost and friend and training partner in Ryan Shay. His tragic loss reminded us that we need to celebrate life not only when things go well but just because we are alive. Truly life is a gift and I am sure that if Ryan were to come back and share something with us he would want us to not take one day for granite, no matter how the running is going.

Perhaps we shouldn’t be watching TV dreaming of what we can achieve in athletics, but rather what kind of fulfilling lives could we live if we prioritized what really matters. So what really matters? Well, I realize that I am only 25 years old but I have had a lot of dreams come crashing down on me. I had been told that if I believe and work with a passionate focus towards my goals than they would come true. However, like I said, sometimes no matter how hard you try you just come up short. Some of the goals we have may not even be possible for everyone to accomplish. For example, I know that every guy on the starting line of the Olympic Marathon on August 24th will have dreamt of winning the gold medal, but only one can win. What I have realized through many shattered dreams that I experienced is that it is not about the medals or the records it is about the condition of our heart on a daily basis. Having a heart that is at peace is far more precious than gold. I know that my heart should be set on making the most of everyday. I am excited about things like the Olympics that is a huge honor for me to partake in and is a huge opportunity to shine to the world. I am tremendously excited about the idea of running into that stadium first, hearing the roar of the crowd, and standing on the podium as they play America’s national anthem. However, if I don’t come into that stadium first and my dreams don’t come true I know that it is still possible for me to accomplish my bigger dream. My bigger dream is the dream that the author of “Shattered Dreams” was eluding to. It was the dream that I couldn’t see as I cried in disappointment after my last high school race. I have learned that my bigger dream, even bigger than winning a gold medal, is to praise God with every step. No matter what. Win, lose, DNF, no one, not even my own physical body can keep me from accomplishing my goal. It is a goal that frees me to run. When I run with a heart full of praise, released from the burderns of having to perform, I feel like I am soaring.

PART II

So the rice husk shoes finally arrived last week. I read about the shoes in a “Running Times” article and contacted Asics immediately to see what the deal was behind the shoes that had produced so many Olympic Marathon medals. It turns out that these special shoes, which are produced in Japan, are designed with rice husk in the sole in order to better grip the road and to repel the heat from the hot black pavement. They were designed after taking an extensive look at the coarse we will face in Beijing.

When I first took them out of the blue shoe bag my first thought was, “wow, these little incredibly simple.” They almost look like some of the old school marathon shoes that are now coming back into style as retro shoes. However, the more I examined them the more I thought these shoes are what elite athletes are constantly scowling the specialty running shoe stores, internet, or paying ridiculously high prices on ebay for. The beauty is in there apparent simplicity. They have a very light and breathable white upper that contribute to the extreme lightness of the shoe but will also allow for breath ability and dissipation of the water (in the same way a steeple spike is designed) that I will constantly dosing myself with throughout the race. No excessive stylish plastic to add any additional weight, just the bare minimum. Then there is the sole of the shoe. That’s were it starts getting more complex than the spotted chartreuse orange speckled foam lets on. The material, embedded with rice husks, is very light and spongy. What I like about the sole, even more than the rice husk technology, is the responsiveness of the shoe. What do I mean by responsiveness? I mean that when you drive your foot down on the pavement the shoe makes your foot want to pop back up off the road quicker than it normally does. Basically, I am referring to spring-like sensation. These shoes are more responsive than any shoes I have worn. How do I know? I took them on there first test drive during an interval workout in Big Bear. Now, I had just returned from a week of emotional exhaustion and travel from Eugene and was expecting to have to re-adjust to altitude during my first interval workout back at 7,000ft. I was surprised when I began my first repeat and saw 4:38 for my first mile of the repeat. It was the easiest 4:38 I had run all season. My legs felt like they were popping off the road and yet still had the support of a marathon shoe that would get me through a little over two hours of running.

I had high expectations for this shoe and with all the hype around them I thought they could do nothing but fail. I was wrong. I am certain these magical shoes will be what Asics Japan calls my sword on August 24th. Having a pair of shoes tailor made not only for the marathon, but also for the coarse we will be running, gives me even more confidence that anything is possible. Now all I need is big eyes on the starting line.

- Ryan

To comment on this entry and to send questions & feedback to Ryan, please click here.

Make sure to check back on Friday, August 1, 2008 for Ryan’s latest entry at: http://ryanhall.thefinalsprint.com/

Support the “Move a Million Miles for Ryan Hall” Campaign:

Donate to Ryan & Sara Hall’s “More Precious Than Gold” Campaign and Support the Humanitarian Efforts of World Vision:

Related Stories:

• Sara Hall: The Fine Line
  (Elite Athlete Blog Entry 21)
• Sara & Ryan Hall:
  Our Fall Adventures - Part 3
  (Elite Athlete Blog Entry 20)
• Sara & Ryan Hall:
  Our Fall Adventures - Part 2
  (Elite Athlete Blog Entry 19)
• Nick Symmonds:
  Post-Collegiate Running
  (Elite Athlete Blog Entry 24)
• Sara & Ryan Hall:
  Our Fall Adventures - Part 1
  (Elite Athlete Blog Entry 18)

Tags: elite athlete, elite athlete blog series, elite runner, motivation, Move a Million Miles for Ryan Hall, one world one dream, Ryan Hall, ryan hall blog, sara hall, support group, team running usa, team world vision, temp run, Terrence Mahon, tfs elite athlete blog series, the final sprint elite athlete blog series, thefinalsprint.com elite athlete blog series, track and field, world vision

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19 Responses to “Ryan Hall: Olympic Trials and Running Shoes [Part I & II]
(Elite Athlete Blog Entry 13)”

1. crossn81 said:
   

   I had the same feeling of disappoint after my last college 800. My goal was to break 2 minutes. It was at night and I went out hard, not wanting to leave anything on the track. I was flying and came through the 400 in 53 (a 400 PR). With 300 to go it was like a herd of gorilla’s jumped on my back and I managed a 73 second 400. Very disappointed and I relived that race for weeks before coming to grips with myself and the reality of who I am.

   Thanks for sharing your dreams and disappointments with us.

   July 18th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
2. sub3runner.com » Sub 3 Hour Marathon said:
   

   […] Ryan Hall: Olympic Trials and Running Shoes [Part I & II] (Elite By Ryan Hall My legs felt like they were popping off the road and yet still had the support of a shoe that would get me through a little over two of running. I had high expectations for this shoe and with all the hype around them I […]

   July 18th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
3. Julia said:
   

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   July 19th, 2008 at 11:31 am
4. Sydney said:
   

   God bless you Ryan! You and your wife are such a living testament to Him, and I respect your courage and faith. You two are truly God’s workers and you have your eyes set on the ultimate prize. Keep your strong faith and I wish you all the best in August!

   July 19th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
5. Danielle said:
   

   Nice blog Ryan! Part 1 really hit on what I am dealing with right now. I run for a divison 1 college, but was forced to red shirt due to health problems last season. I get my health back, but then it goes out of wack again. I am hoping to be able to run cross-country this season…but I guess God has a set plan for me and I am willing to go with where ever that leads me.

   July 19th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
6. Patty Barr said:
   

   Ryan we are so excited for you. Know that the entire town has Ryan fever. You are such a great example for my kids and they really look up to you. We will see you on the 4th to give a hometown send off. Good luck and God’s speed.

   July 20th, 2008 at 12:33 am
7. Jared Bierbaum said:
   

   I was just wondering which Asics shoes you typically run in. I am in love with the Asics 2120s, as I am on my 5th pair this year.

   July 20th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
8. shane said:
   

   dear ryan,
   If only you knew how big of an inspiration you are to me. I have followed your progress for the last couple years. Your testimonies and videos have helped me tremendously. I love running and thru you i learned that i can gain a closer relationship with god while I run. I am currently having knee problems and havent been able to run for a few months. LIke your last blog i find myself wishing my days away rather than live in the moment, just wanting to run again. Def killing me but IM sure god has a plan for me and He knows i love to run so he will give it back to me eventually. I really hope to meet you one day and just talk with you about running. Im not sure if you have email or not but i would love to get in contact with you. Good luck with the olympics. Ill be watching every second of it. God bless

   July 21st, 2008 at 10:08 pm
9. Roger said:
   

   Ryan,

   I believe that with Sara not making the team, she will be free to support you more fully rather than needing to concentrate on her own race. This may be the blessing you need as you represent us so nobly. I thank God for you and Sara.

   July 22nd, 2008 at 11:31 am
10. John said:
    

    Hey Ryan,

    I just want to say how awesome it is to have an openly Christian pro athlete succeeding at the highest level. I’m cheering and praying for you! This post also spoke to me; I struggle alot with the performance myth as well, and I’m trying as much as I can to praise God when I run, instead of focusing on winning. Thanks so much for your example!

    July 23rd, 2008 at 10:29 pm
11. David Pritchard said:
    

    I’m very curious and somewhat apprehensive about how effective your training will be once you’re there in Beijing. You’ll have quite a few days before your event and obviously nearly everyone is in the same boat and has to deal with the environment and the facilities provided, but from the moment you step off the plane, until the start of the race in Tieneman Square, you’ll be eating different food, drinking different water and breathing different air. Will you be expected to train right there in the city or have other arrangements been made to get in a few more quality workouts outside of the area? If not then, it would seem that this as a possible huge unfair advantage concerning those athletes who can quickly jet away after the opening ceremonies for a few more days of peace and intense training. From reading your posts, we all know how much you’ve put into this effort mind, body and soul and whatever the outcome, you’re winner! But…. It would really be awful and a shame, if through circumstances out of your control, in any way limited your ability to run your best on that day.

    July 26th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
12. Elizabeth said:
    

    I love Ryan Hall, he’s one of my favorite runners in the world, so I really appreciate this chance to get into his thoughts, BUT, please please please have someone edit these entries before they are posted… I couldn’t go past the first paragraphs… and I am not saying he’s a bad writed, I am just guessing he’s using some voice recognition software to type… I still love you Ryan! ;-)

    July 27th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
13. Jim Gordon said:
    

    We saw you in Central Park the day before the NYC Marathon and I will miss seeing you on the North Shore while doing a loop around the Lake. (This last week I saw your father and brother) You have inspired all of us and we know you will make us all proud…. See you at the Big Bear Marathon

    July 28th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
14. Majorie Ormsby said:
    

    Ryan,
    I am training for two marathons…Big Bear and Medtronics after a friend had choliangiocarcinoma and through the grace of God has her healed and cancer-free for the past two years (yes I am logging my miles). I realized that my body adjusted through running and your blogs, faith, and messages have kept my drive alive in running. Thank you!
    I also know someone who just missed their dream…Brian Alexander is now an alternate for the Men’s Water Polo Olympic team. He has been training diligently for the past 4 years. I mentioned your blog and inspirational messages to him. It is truly amazing how much resilience you athletes have. Apparently you all have experienced setbacks. Both of you are full of grace. However, you are our hope and dreams for the Olympics and no matter how you place, you have proved yourself worthy and a true inspiration to all youth and adults alike.

    Run Ryan Run!!! God Bless!

    August 2nd, 2008 at 11:44 pm
15. Barbara said:
    

    I just received my runners world magazine. I didn’t like the comment that you would settle for second. Go for the GOLD. First and foremost run for God. I think you are the best….GO FOR THE GOLD. I will watch you all the way and praying. I will also be thinking of Ryan Shay’s family. I know this has to be a really hard time for them. Stay Strong. God Bless you and your family.

    August 2nd, 2008 at 11:57 pm
16. Pete Spear said:
    

    Ryan,
    Your blog was so powerful. I appreciate the writing of Dr. Larry Crabb too. I have a son Ryan who did not qualify for New York State XC Championship his sr. year. I am sending him this blog. I am praying for you. God has used you to encourage me.

    Pete

    August 14th, 2008 at 7:57 am
17. Trinity smith said:
    

    Ryan first of all I want to wish you the best on your upcoming marathon for the gold I really believe you can bring the gold home.I also want to say thanks for the signed magazine I have not seen it yet but it should be here early next week well I could not thank you enough that is awesome of you.I have been talking with Josh Cox time to time through e-mail he is such a great guy and I would love to talk with you some and I am sure you will post about your an amazing experince running for gold.Ryan When I get the magazine I will send you a meesage about it.I guess you know now what I do with my running I run to benefit others and I do it all for free,God blessed me with running and I am going to do the best I can with it.I have no sponser but over time I have faith I’ll get one because I am going to keep training hard,keep helping others and keep God first.As long as I stay healthy I do believe in the next 3-4 years I could break over 200 miles non-stop or sooner.Send me a e-mail if you can sometime I would love to hear from you and as always best to you and your wife in running and life.

    August 15th, 2008 at 11:51 am
18. Marie Murray said:
    

    Thanks for your posts! I am praying for you!

    August 18th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
19. bob marvel said:
    

    Hey Ryan,

    I am a pastor and a marathon runner, and was wondering who I would contact about having you come to our church to share your story and running/spiritual lessons. I think you could have a huge impact not only on our church but the running community in our city.

    Looking forward to watching you run on Sunday night.
    bob

    August 21st, 2008 at 4:08 pm

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