Ryan Hall: Olympic Memories
(Elite Athlete Blog Entry 15)
Posted August 20th, 2008 at 12:52 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/
I have always dreamed about what the whole Olympic experience would be like. I have seen portrayals of the Olympics in many movies, the most memorable of which was “Cool Runnings,” but to experience it for myself has been both exciting and boring. I know that “boring” wouldn’t seem to be the adjective of choice when describing the Olympic experience, but the truth must be told that the Olympics is not all excitement, all the time for us athletes. I have been telling people that I want to go back to the Olympics sometime when I am not competing so I can get the full experience.
My journey started nearly two weeks ago when I left my hometown in Big Bear after an exciting send off party held in my honor where nearly two thousand people turned out to support me. Upon arriving in San Jose for team processing I was surprised to learn that I was the only athlete going through team processing that day. I had pretty much the whole staff waiting on me, which made a four hour process go by in a little under an hour. I was the last of the nearly six hundred US Olympians to pick up all my gear, which meant that I had to settle for some oversized items, such as some size 44″ cargo pants (I hope that I don’t fit into those anytime soon). Even though processing was pretty much empty it was still exciting to finally get the official USA gear. It was surreal to try on the opening ceremonies gear.
After a ridiculously early morning run I caught my flight to Beijing. As the plane descended into Beijing I got my first glimpse of China and thought to myself that I had way underestimated the pollution. I had been downplaying it to the media since I qualified in November but as I looked out over the thick haze I realized that I was wrong. But fortunately, since then I’ve heard that things have cleared up a lot and it doesn’t seem to be a factor in any of the races, just as the Beijing Organizing Committee promised! After catching a crowded bus I entered the Olympic Village. The village definitely lived up to my Hollywood expectations of what an Olympic Village should be like. There were people from all over the world, speaking all different languages making their way through the intense security checkpoints. The Chinese people take excellent care of us here. They won’t let you pick up your bags and escort you wherever you need to go.
After settling into our spacious room I headed out for an easy shakeout jog. I have never sweat so much in my entire life. By the end of the 30-minute easy run I was dripping in sweat. I was glad that I was there 2 ½ weeks early to get used to the humidity. I had practiced in warm temperatures and over dressed in practice but there was nothing I could have done to totally prepare for this level of humidity besides getting over here early to make the adjustment. Now that I have been here for nearly two weeks, I am used to the humidity and the extra sweating that comes with it. The weather isn’t something I lose too much sleep over because I know that there is nothing I can do about it. It is going to be what it is going to be on the day. It might be super hot and humid or it might be cool, or anywhere in between. I will be ready for whatever comes.
After my run I was secretly wishing that I had brought my opening ceremonies gear so I could walk. I hadn’t brought it because the pre-determined plan was to avoid the exhausting process that walking in the opening ceremonies entails. I tried to watch the opening ceremonies on TV from the village but it was only on in Chinese so I had no idea what was going on. I figured that I could watch it when I got home. I was ready for bed by the time the ceremonies started so I decided to retire. When I woke up in the morning I lost all regret about not running in the ceremonies. After a good night of sleep I was feeling good and ready to resume training. Then when I talked to teammates who did walk and learned that they had to leave at 5pm and didn’t get back till after 1 am, I was especially glad that I passed on the opening ceremonies. I heard many stories about the extreme heat and standing that made me glad to not be there. With that said, I would love to watch the opening ceremonies some time from the stadium. It looked like an amazing show from what I did catch on the TV replay segments.
So that first 24 hours concludes the exciting portion of my Olympic experience thus far. The next day we flew to Dalian where we are staying in a really nice and secluded resort hotel right on the beach. Everything here is great: the food, the people, the staff, the rooms, and the security. It is not the place that is not exciting rather it is the nature of the marathon. These last few weeks are basically filled with a lot of resting. I don’t think I have ever spent this much time in a hotel room and I certainly have never watched so much of the Olympics. I am really glad that Sara decided to join me here in Dalian otherwise I would certainly be going crazy by now.
Training has been going well since being here. With every day that passes my legs feel better and better. It is only when I taper that I realize how tired my legs have been during the past three months of hard training. I am grateful to return to Beijing tomorrow healthy and ready to give it a good run on Sunday. I feel like I am returning to the village right at the perfect time. I have had good training and plenty of rest in a low- key environment. Now the excitement of the village will certainly get me “up” for the Olympic marathon on Sunday. It still hasn’t really set in what awaits me.
As I think about the marathon I know that as big of a deal as it is, I need to get back to the basics and approach it with the same goals that I have for each and every workout. I get nervous when I start thinking about my competitors and how the race is going to play out but it calms me to center my focus back on what running is all about for me: using my gift to praise God by pouring myself out. The deepest desire of my heart is not to win gold but to walk away from the finish knowing that I praised God with all my heart by going all out.
Thank you for all of your support!
- Ryan
P.S. Check out ryanhall.org, and join me in what’s even greater than gold!
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- 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) - Sara & Ryan Hall:
Our Fall Adventures - Part 1
(Elite Athlete Blog Entry 18) - Dathan Ritzenehin: Post-Olympic Marathon Blog
(Elite Athlete Blog Entry 13) - Sara Hall: The Calm Before The Storm
(Elite Athlete Blog Entry 14)
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The Final Sprint
Hi Ryan,
“And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men; Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for you serve the Lord Christ.” COLOSSIANS 3:23, 24
Thanks for your Christian testimony. Go with God.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:33 pm[…] Original post by Ryan Hall […]
August 20th, 2008 at 1:36 pmRyan,
You are such an inspiration, especially in regards to your spiritual nature. I just know you will honor God when you run in the Marathon this Saturday (I will be watching and cheering for you in my Ryan Hall t-shirt :-).
I hope to get the chance to hear you speak at the expo for the Big Bear Marathon - I am sure it will be inspirational and will help me get through the 26.2 miles on 9/6.
All the best!! Have a great time and a great race.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:51 pmDawn V.
[…] The whole story at www.thefinalsprint.com […]
August 20th, 2008 at 2:54 pmRyan,
What an inspriation you have become! You are so very humble and true to your faith. Whatever the outcome is this Saturday we all know you have never strayed from your faith and belief in Christ as our savor. Your strength and safety will be in my. Good luck and give us back home a few fist pumps for team USA!
Kyle R.
August 20th, 2008 at 3:00 pmRyan,
What an inspriation you have become! You are so very humble and true to your faith. Whatever the outcome is this Saturday we all know you have never strayed from your faith and belief in Christ as our savor. Your strength and safety will be in my prayers. Good luck and give us back home a few fist pumps for team USA!
Kyle R.
August 20th, 2008 at 3:00 pmOur family is praying for you on Sunday. Continue to honor God in all you do.
Blessings,
August 20th, 2008 at 5:09 pmSusan
Your attitude towards your race is encouraging and a blessing to God and everyone else. Be true to yourself and I know that you will give it you very best to God. He will honor you for all of it. Remember your work is not in vain. God smiles and is pleased that you live your life fully for Him. I’ll be watching and cheering you on from Washington, DC.
Many blessings,
August 20th, 2008 at 8:17 pmIvy
Ryan,
August 20th, 2008 at 10:15 pmYou inspire us to praise God and His Son
Jesus Christ. We will be pulling for
you on Sunday!
Jake and Dana in Virginia
Ryan,
My thoughts and prayers will be with you these last few days. Hope for the best, expect the worst, then take what God gives you.
ciao,
August 21st, 2008 at 8:47 ammike.
Go get em Ryan! God Bless.
August 21st, 2008 at 9:22 am-Austin
Go get em Ryan! God Bless.
August 21st, 2008 at 9:22 am-Austin
Hey Ryan,
We are praying for you at Calvary Chapel Corona, Ca. “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”
August 21st, 2008 at 2:13 pmeph.2:10
Run smart. Hunt them down the second half and do not be afraid of winning if the opportunity comes.
August 21st, 2008 at 10:40 pmRyan, you’ve been given a great gift.Honor him so with a great effort.Run smart and strong and the lord will do the rest.
August 21st, 2008 at 11:51 pmEnjoy the Race Ryan!
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:24 amYou have to wait at least 4 years for the next opportunity.
You’ve been given a gift, and I don’t mean your running talent. I’m talking about your ability to dscern what is important and then appriciate God’s gift to you.
I’m 63 years old and am proud of you for your attitude. I’m proud just as I am for my own children and the teens I’ve taught in Sunday School over the years.
My message to you as it is to my graduating students is this:
Take God Seriously
Take God at His word
Take God with you.
You have been doing that and It pleases Him.
Have a great race and enjoy!
God bless you.
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:16 pmRyan: Godspeed on Sunday morning. I think God is using you in a wonderful way to bring some perspective to the Olympic games. He may have something really wonderful in store for you and Sara, not ON Sunday, but AFTER Sunday. You may have another brand new life. If so, I am sure you will remain true to him and his gift to us. In any case, I am very proud of you and your wisdom at such a young age. Run hard.
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:52 pmHi Ryan,
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:03 pmYou’ve been an inspiration since I had the joy of watching you win the Cow Harbor 10K in Northport NY 2 years ago. Your gift is inspiring people everyday. Thanks for putting in all the hard work and being a great American champion! The best is yet to come for you. Have fun on race day! God Bless!
Ryan you have really pushed me closer to God and I thank you for that. becuse of ou my faith is stronger and that is a great gif that you gave me, good luck and God bless, all os St. Louis is rooting for you!!
August 23rd, 2008 at 12:03 amRun to Win. That’s what the great Paul wrote thousands of years ago. Win or lose - just run to win - give it your best - however, have fun taking in 26 miles of China, I’m sure the course will be crazy with thousands of spectators. Live it up!!!
Patrick from Hampton, VA
August 23rd, 2008 at 8:10 amI’ll be praying for you this evening and cheering you on. Both your commitment to Christ and your running ability are inspiring.
August 23rd, 2008 at 2:06 pmYou have our hearts, our prayers and our support… whatever the outcome, everyone could not be more proud and excited for you and your family!!! Now.. please run your heart out… we love you
August 23rd, 2008 at 2:15 pmGodspeed, Ryan. I will be praying for you and the other athletes during the marathon, that you all finish healthy, safe and strong. You will surely make God smile by your efforts! Go out there and show ‘em what you’re made of!
August 23rd, 2008 at 4:05 pmOur prayers and thoughts are with you Ryan, now and after the big race. Big Bear stands fully with you as does our Big God! Run stong, run with all your heart!
August 23rd, 2008 at 5:03 pm“…for those who honor me I will honor…” ~ from 1 Samuel 2:30
I prayed during my long run this morning that the Lord will grant you success, not to honor you, America or to make me feel good. Rather I prayed that He would bless you to give you a platform to share the gospel. American Christian runners are thankful for and inspired by you regardless of the outcome of today’s race. But honor the Lord and He will honor you, maybe even by granting victory (which would thrill this running fan).
My college cross-country team had a very simple cheer before races, after team prayer, which I share in its truest meaning: GODSPEED!
August 23rd, 2008 at 5:03 pmCarpe Diem!
Seize the Moment
Brian- Heb 12:1
August 23rd, 2008 at 5:09 pmRyan,
What an encouragement- as your heart is not desiring gold, but to praise God with all your heart- I feel like you’ve helped renew my mind tonight. You’re running right now! God bless you and your family!
August 23rd, 2008 at 8:41 pmAwesome Finish! You did great! God is glorified, you have used your platform of running to be a witness for CHRIST!!!
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:53 pmRyan,
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:55 pmWe just watched you cross the finish line of the Olympic Marathon. It was an inspiring moment to see one who had poured his heart out to glorify God in the Olympics! Thanks for the journey with you in Christ!
Jake and Dana in Virginia
We have been following your running career since your high school days, and then your days on “the Farm.” It was an absolute THRILL watching you enter the Bird’s Nest in Beijing. Congratulations on your fantastic Olympic marathon; and thank you for your efforts to promote good in our world. God Bless you and your family. You are an inspiration to all!
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:16 pmRyan:
A really, really smart race for a young man. You stayed within yourself, and as you said, gave it all you had. Keep developing as a runner and a christian. You have a beautiful future ahead of you! I’ll be watching your progress.
August 24th, 2008 at 6:29 amRyan,
Way to go!! I prayed during the entire marathon for the Lord’s will. (I’m one of those “crazy” prayer warriors. Even I was asking myself, “Why am I praying so hard about a marathon?!?!) As I watched and saw you weren’t in the very front, I thought, “Wouldn’t it be cool if Dathan and Ryan came in next to each other in the top 10?” Praise the Lord, you both did a GREAT job! Blessing to you, and I will continue to pray for that the Lord will bless your running and your whole life.
August 24th, 2008 at 2:54 pmRyan - you are a national hero! We watched every minute of the marathon and you looked great. Congratulations.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:41 pmCyndee
Ryan,
August 25th, 2008 at 9:47 amI think you are the long distance version of Eric Liddle. Thank you for giving me the honor of praying for you. I was concerned when they said the temperature and humidity at race time but prayed the Lord would keep you safe. Thank you for running for the Lord and not for man.
I know in this life I will never be as fast as you as my 6 hour finish time proves but should the Lord allow me to run fast in Heaven, I would like to go for a run with you someday. May our great God and Savior continue to bless you and all who look at you and see Jesus.
your servant in Christ
bob
Dear Ryan,
I am a 60 year old pastor in Ohio. I have been running for exercise for 36 years now. I started after I committed my life to Christ in 1972.
I watched the GodTube video of your workout, listened to your testimony, saw your involvement with World Vision, and got so excited about you competeing in the Olympics. I have never been so interested in any one event or athlete before. Not even Michael Phelps. I began praying for you last week. that God would strengthen you and let you do your very best for His glory. I don’t have TV so i followed the race on my computer. I was excited to see you finish 10th. I would have loved for you to finish 1st but I know you did your best and I am proud of you and thankful to God for you.
I will continue to follow your running career and your life for Jesus Christ. Thanks for giving me something to cheer about in the Olympics.
A Brother In Christ,
Pastor Bill Heaton
August 25th, 2008 at 11:22 amBerean Baptist Church
Mansfield, Ohio
Ryan: My track coach in high school had many sayings posted in the locker room, one of them was “we all can’t be state champions but we can all be gentlemen” As you stated on you training video that there is only one winner and only for a short time, it is how we run the “race” that matters and that we are not failures because we don’t “win”. Thank you for that insight as I struggle with that in my business daily. Always trying to rank myself against others. Not healthy.
Your awesome attitude reminds me of the Whos down in Whoville, (How the Grinch stole Christmas)the packages and presents (gold medals) don’t matter it’s the heart and spirit.
My family will continue to pray for you and Sara, for a hedge of protection around you to protect you from the evil one as your Christ centered inspiring testimony is powerful and effective. (Job 1:10, 1Peter 5:8, Luke 22:31) God speed.
Brian Helmken
August 25th, 2008 at 3:51 pmPlymouth Minnesota
Ryan,
I wanted to let you know how proud I was of your marathon run in Beijing. Knowing that you were running for God’s Glory made your placing meaningless, and I was glad to see you run your own race and be joyful of the gift you have been given. I began running marathons about 1 1/2 years ago, and I was really working on just qualifying for Boston. I got to within less than 2 minutes, but never did qualify. I watched a video of you talking about how you leave it up to God’s will, so that you can continue to run in his glory (without regard to performance expectations), and it really helped me to just appreciate that I can run 26.2 at all. I am thankful that there is someone like you who is so candid about your faith and about the stuggles that you face. I really want to see you to continue to enjoy life, and show how your relationship with God helps.
Thanks,
Steve
August 25th, 2008 at 4:20 pmRyan,
No gold in the olympics? No worries. In heaven, we’ll have streets that are made of pure gold. Mile and miles and miles of them. Just some thought to cheer you up my brother in Christ. I believe HE’s got something better for you just around the corner.
May the Lord comfort & strengthen you.
Sam
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