Ryan Hall: Post-Olympic Blog
Posted August 28th, 2008 at 12:17 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/
“This is not exactly how I envisioned it”, I thought to myself as I descended down the cement path into the quiet of the tunnel that would lead me into the Birds Nest.
I had never physically been into the Olympic Stadium before but I had run through this tunnel thousands of times in my minds eye during training. For the past decade, whenever I ran through a tunnel I would always picture myself running into the Olympic Stadium, of coarse, in my dream world I was always winning the marathon, not struggling in in 10th place. Never the less, as I made my way into the stadium I decided I would enjoy the moment. My eyes circled around the stadium in amazement. This is what I pictured heaven to be like.
Coming down the homestretch I saw a sea of red shirts that made up a group of 15 or so of my family members wearing the “Hall Believe” t-shirts. I waved to them as a sign of appreciation for all they had supported me through. It was comforting to see my family. It had been a difficult two hours and twelve minutes of running and this final stage of my Olympic marathon would be somewhat of a consolation. As it turned out it was one of the most memorable moments of my life.
My watch read 3:13 am when I first opened my eyes on August 24th. I had set my alarm for 4:30 am to be ready in time for the 7:30 am start but this was the day I had been waiting for my whole life and I was glad to
have the night passed over and the day at hand. About half an hour after I woke up I heard a loud booming noise outside. I looked out the window and saw the most freakish lightening storm I had ever seen before. In hindsight I speculate that the Chinese may have seeded the sky because it was a super intense storm with lightening flashing brightly across the dawn sky for about ten minutes then there was torrential rain for two minutes and then it just seemed to vanish out of no where. It seems too random that there would be a freak thunderstorm just three hours before the start of the Olympic marathon. Regardless, I was glad for the clear skies and somewhat cooler temperatures.
We headed out to Tieneman Square on a bus at 5:30 am. The atmosphere was buzzing. I jogged for seven minutes with Dathan and Brian. The mood was lighthearted as we circled around on the cobblestones near the starting line. The temperature was slowly starting to rise so we slapped on our ice vests in an attempt to keep our core temperature low.
Finally I was here. After years of struggle and wanting to throw in the towel I had made it to the start of the Olympic marathon. I took a minute to remember all the American guys back at home that hoped to be on the starting line. I wanted to do my best to represent them well. I fell to one knee and prayed, “Lord, I will do my very best for you no matter what happens out there.” A few minutes later the gun fired.
From the very first hundred meters Samuel Wanjiru, of Kenya, made it clear that he was feeling good. He sprinted straight to the front and asserted a fast pace. During those opening kilometers I was forced to make a tough decision: either go with the leaders and hope that I wasn’t committing suicide or try and win by out smarting the lead pack knowing that they had gone out too hard and wait for them to slow in the later stages.
I knew that above all I had to listen to my body, the pace felt fast and my breathing felt heavy, and when I finally saw the first 5k split (I never saw a mile or kilometer split before 5k) of just over 15 minutes I knew that I couldn’t go out any harder than I was running. I also knew that if I kept running three minutes per kilometer I would win the race, however, much to my surprise three minutes per kilometer would have only earned me the silver medal.
I figured the best plan was to run similarly to how I raced the World Road Running Championships in 2006 when I went out way slower than the leaders and worked my way up to a top ten finish. I saw my coach at 10k and he affirmed that the leaders went out too hard. He was right, the leaders did go out at a pace that they couldn’t hold to the finish, but unfortunately for me, even before I hit the half waypoint I felt my legs tiring and tightening. I just wasn’t as fluid or strong as I had been in previous marathons. By 30k I pretty much knew, by the sight of the helicopter in the distance following the leaders that I was slowing down more than the leaders. There would be no medals for me this time around. I set my mind on the only thing I could still accomplish in the race: giving 100% of all that I had on the day. I may not have my “A” game but I was determined to give all of whatever game I brought on the day.
In hindsight I wish that I had gone out with the leaders and just hung as long as possible. I think the way I ran was smarter and probably did yield a higher finish than if I had gone out two minutes harder for the opening half, but part of me also wonders if I would have been more excited being with the leaders and been able to rally with some supernatural strength and pull off a medal. Although, if I would have blown up I know I would have been telling myself that if I would have just went out slower I could have held the pace all the way to the line. In the end, I wasn’t physically on top of my game. I had put in a lot of hard work but for whatever reason my training hadn’t been nearly as quality as in my previous marathons. I was running my tempo runs 10-15 seconds slower than is my typical. As an athlete this can be hard to swallow. When the big day arrives I want to have my very best, so naturally it is disappointing to only have my B, or C, game.
After the race the disappointment was setting in, especially when I saw how fast Sammy ran. I couldn’t believe that 2:06 was possible in those conditions. He clearly owned the day. It was also disappointing because I knew I had run with those guys before and had been able to hang till late, yet today I was six minutes back and six minutes back from my personal best.
It is going to take some time to figure out why my preparations weren’t as good as typical. Was it the pressure and anticipation of my first Olympics? Was it living apart from Sara? Am I just not as good as others in the heat and humidity? Was I trying too hard in practice or not trying hard enough? Did I not take enough time off after London? Should I have run London? The hard part about running is there are so many variables that come into play. Trying to identify the ones that really impacted your performance on the day can make your head spin.
A little less than twelve hours after I ran into the Olympic stadium I hobbled back in to take part in the closing ceremonies. I stood
just feet away from the three marathon medalist as they were presented their medals to kick off the closing ceremonies. At first I was bitter, I had worked so hard, sacrificed so much, and wanted so badly to be up there, but by the time the Kenyan national anthem had finished its last note my bitterness had melted into inspiration. I could see myself up on that podium. I know that it is possible with God, but even if it is not God’s will for my life I will still praise Him and make the most of the gifts He has given me. What the Olympics has taught me is that I need to live a life surrendered to the will of God. It is my prayer that I will be able to have the same heart as Christ before He was nailed to the cross, “not my will, but Your will be done.”
Thank you for all of your support!
- Ryan
P.S. Check out ryanhall.org, and join me in what’s even greater than gold!
To comment on this entry and to send questions & feedback to Ryan, please click here.
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Related Stories:
- 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) - Ryan Hall’s Post-Olympic Video: Passion for the Run
- Ryan Hall: Olympic Memories
(Elite Athlete Blog Entry 15)
Tags: beijing olympics, olympic mens marathon, Ryan Hall, ryan hall blog
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The Final Sprint
Ryan,
August 28th, 2008 at 12:32 pmYou have been such an inspiration to me and others. You help me in my running and faith. Keep doing what you’re doing and congrats in the marathon! By the way,when are you gonna run another half?
When are you going to run another half marathon Ryan? I think it would be exciting to see what you can do since you last did you ONLY one. I smell sub 59…
August 28th, 2008 at 12:35 pmRyan,
August 28th, 2008 at 1:06 pmFrom my experience in running I have found that there are always ups and downs as far as performance is concerned. I have no doubt that you will be able to rebound and do very very well in up coming marathons. I had been waiting for so long to see you, Dathan, and Brian run the Olympic marathon. You said you wanted to represent all the Americans that wanted to be on that starting line but didn’t make it. I thought you did a great job representing them and and the US in general. I was overcome with pride when I saw you and Dathan run into the stadium. Awesome job! Thank you for being an inspirationto me in running and in my walk with God! God bless!
Craig
[…] Original post by Ryan Hall […]
August 28th, 2008 at 1:16 pmHey Ryan! My wife and I were praying for you throughout the race all the way from Alpharetta, Georgia. I have shared your story with so many people. Keep up the great work and know that your life is making a difference!
August 28th, 2008 at 1:20 pm[…] Original post by WP-AutoBlog Import 27042 Add to del.icio.us Digg This Subscribe to RSS feed Leave a Reply […]
August 28th, 2008 at 1:22 pmRyan, Our entire family pulled for you during the entire race. I must have hit refresh on my browser a thousand times. NBC should have had a camera-cycle to track the three US athletes. We prayed for you–and will continue to do so. Don’t give up on your dream. Win London 2012. You can do it.
I trudge along at 10 min per mile in preparation for the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC. I’m running on behalf of showhope.org to raise money for families who want to adopt. I am an adopted child and we have adopted a precious little girl ourselves.
I will continue to be inspired by your life and effort.
Stay focused. Stay close to Jesus.
My life verse is Phil 3:12-14. Sounds like you need to heed that advice as you look ahead.
Go get ‘em, Ryan.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:49 pmHey Ryan,
August 28th, 2008 at 1:55 pmThanks for being such an inspiration. My son and I talk about it all the time: sometimes, it’s just not your day.
We’ll look forward to watching you in whatever comes next. For now, I hope you take some time to relax and remember, “it’s not the triumph but the struggle.”
You and Sara are so inspiring! I admire how you are using your athletic ability to be a witness for Christ. I am running the Chicago marathon for Team World Vision and you guys have motivated me to stick to my workouts! I recently traveld to Zambia and know that the work you are doing through World Vision will make a huge difference in their communities. Thanks for setting a great example. It was great to watch your run at the Olympics!
August 28th, 2008 at 1:57 pm[…] Original post by WP-AutoBlog Import 27090 Add to del.icio.us Digg This Subscribe to RSS feed Leave a Reply […]
August 28th, 2008 at 2:25 pmI am a new runner and ever since my first 2 minute run in March you have been an inspiration to me. Your running motivates me and your faith encourages me. While I could never run with you at your pace, I can come alongside you by supporting World Vision in prayer and giving.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:49 pmI still think you have abandoned your God-given speed. If you had been in 27:00 10k shape you would have a medal.
August 28th, 2008 at 5:59 pmBut 10th in the Olympic marathon is nothing to be ashamed of, especially when you know you were not at your best.
Cordner Nelson
Wow, you are such an inspiration. It fills my eyes with tears of hope. Thank you for representing the USA…you are truely amazing! Godbless!
August 28th, 2008 at 7:13 pmI must say it has been quite a turn around for me in my running career, after watching you race. I just wanted to say thanks for giving me some motivation as I enter my junior year cross country season here at Shippensburg University under Steve Spence’s wing. I had a rough summer of training and was loosing motivation, but watching you in the olympics got me really excited and ready to go. thank you for giving 100%, even though you knew you didn’t have your “A” game. Take care and God Bless.
-Jeremy Brady
LETS GO SHIP XC!
August 28th, 2008 at 7:43 pmRyan,
Please know that you are an incredible inspiration and you have legions of fans who are very proud of you and your Olympic performance. You are awesome!
God bless,
Monica C.
August 28th, 2008 at 7:49 pmGood job, Ryan! You ran a smart race in Beijing. Who knew that anyone would be able run 2:06 under those conditions. Keep on doing your best with your training– I’m sure you’ll have more wins at major races. I am inspired by your running and your faith. Thanks for representing God and the United States in such an awesome way!
August 28th, 2008 at 10:05 pmHi Ryan!
You were my favourite for the marathon race in Beijing.
August 29th, 2008 at 2:20 amAlthough it must have been amazing to finish an olympic marathon, I am pretty sure that You feel a bit disappointed with the result, given Your talent and previous results.
Remember, though that it is the tough times that brings us closer to the lord:
Having it all to soon just makes us forget what it’s all about.
Remember the lords words: The smallest amongst You is the biggest: Maybe to lose is to win.
Hang in there kid: You have a lot of fans out here, that wish You all the best, not only on the marathon course, but also in life.
Ryan,
August 29th, 2008 at 2:39 amIt was such a pleasure to watch you and Dathan and Brian give your all. And even a greater pleasure reading your blog … As you well know, we are far more defined by how we respond to disappointments than how we respond to successes. You are a testimony of what Christian character and giving your all is about. Thank you, and I look forward to the next chapter in your career.
Bob Guild
I really enjoyed reading this entry. Great job in Beijing Ryan. I am so proud of you buddy. All the best.
August 29th, 2008 at 3:54 am-Austin
Ryan:
August 29th, 2008 at 4:36 amAll of us runners know the feeling of, despite all the preparation, there are those days and races where “you just don’t have it”. Sometimes in the end analysis, you just cannot figure out why. (All the questions you are asking)
It’s the challenge of running; doing those races so that on those good days (you in NY) you can do it almost effortlessly. You will have those days again in the future. I know you have what it takes. I look forward to following your career in the future. Keep letting us know what’s on your mind. Peace brother.
Very inspiring Ryan.
August 29th, 2008 at 6:10 amAs an spanish, you can imaging, I was supporting our runners. I see now in your text that you faced same decissions than one of our runners Chema Martinez was facing. He took the other way, he decided to go for it, to go with the leading group at the brutal speed but he only was able to go with them for 15km. He felt very strong and thought that since he wanted a medal he could not leave a large group to go without him. He thought the lead pack was going too fast, but probably they would run slower later. But that did not happen, at least, not before blowing him. At the end he finished 16th, so you probably took the right decission (I can tell you that before the race Chema was feeling very well and with medal chances, he was coming from winning the Madrid marathon, a very tough race, and I think that with a different strategy, slower beginning, he would had been close to 3rd; 1 and 2 were too good that day…).
So, as you perfectly say, you never know, but in this case, probably you took the right decission, and it is better to end 10th and at least to have some strenght to enter the stadium and see your friends, family, etc than to go beyond your limits sooner and end the race before the stadium or to to finalyze completely destroyed and with nothing inside, not even to smile to your people.
Congratulations and better luck next time, there are many more races.
God will help you, for sure.
Toño (a new fan of yours from now on; well if you are not running against our country runners ;-) ).
Ryan,
You did more than your best and I’m sure that you will run in the 2012 Olympics marathon for de medals. You were one of the youngest athletes on the Olympic marathon, you have a beautiful future in front of you!Over a few months you can focus on a new marathon in 2009 en for a time under 2u06′, I’m sure you can do it!
August 29th, 2008 at 9:19 amAre you also come tot Merksem (Belgium) like Meb en Sara? I’m from Belgium but I want buy an Hall believe t-shirt!
Grtz Stijn http://www.bloggen.be/stijnfincioen
Ryan and Sara,
I use both of you as examples on my XC team. I coach NCAA D-III in CA, and you are doing a great job of praising God. Your ability to touch others and inspire them in their faith is incredible. I know you desperately wanted to be on that medal stand, but I can assure you that your fans here in CA are stoked for what you are doing and we look forward to seeing you wear the crowns and medals you are earning and will wear in the Kingdom.
Have a good run,
August 29th, 2008 at 9:28 amMike
Ryan,
I know Beijing didn’t quite go according to plan, but I can’t tell you how proud I was as a runner and an American to watch you. You could have easily thrown in the towel early in the race, and no one would have blamed you. But the courage you displayed in giving your all shows a tremendous amount of character and is truly inspirational. I also appreciate the openness with which you discuss your faith and the extraordinary role it plays in your life. You are a fantastic role model for us all.
Best of luck and God bless,
August 29th, 2008 at 10:51 amMatt
Ryan,
August 29th, 2008 at 11:04 amYou made your country proud. Keep up the great work!
[…] Ryan Hall’s latest personal blog entry reminds me WHY he is a champion. Yes, he is probably gifted with physical attributes that makes him well-suited for running, but that alone cannot make him, or anyone, a successful athlete. Success relies on attitude. After his 10th place Beijing Olympic Marathon finish, Ryan doesn’t complain or blame, yet he is still honest about his feelings. He is grateful for what was, and he chooses to see the good. He has the ATTITUDE of a Champion. […]
August 29th, 2008 at 11:30 amRyan,
Valiant effort out there in Beijing. I watched the whole marathon– anticipating it since witnessing in person your triumphant 1st place finish in Central Park–from a friend’s apartment in Manhattan, and NBC covered you well, from a video about your background to you actually running the marathon. Every time they showed you running, I cheered and cheered: “Come on, buddy!” I was really pulling for you–and Ritz and Brian. Witnessing the Olympic Time Trials in Central Park was a most memorable moment in my life. Even though I was cold to the bone standing and watching the whole race from the west side of the park, I couldn’t allow myself to miss your final lap. And what a lap it was. I can still see you ascending the hill on the west side of the park, two minutes ahead of Ritz. When you passed where I stood, one man, among many in awe and inspired, said: “Hall’s really on today.” You’re a special talent and exactly what American distance running needs. Keep up the good work, and good luck in your marathons to come.
Best,
August 29th, 2008 at 12:14 pmRyan
Ryan,
August 29th, 2008 at 1:06 pmThe first time I saw you run the marathon (FLM 07), I said this guy is going to be something special at this distance. Then when I stood at the finish area of the trials in NYC and watched you win, I said this guy is going to put the U.S. on the podium in the Olympics. I still think so Ryan! London is your course, and will be your day. Keep going, that dream you dreamt, will come true and be even sweeter coming from disappointment. That’s what’s great about the Olympics, it’s the stories of struggle, of triumph against the odds. I’ts not always the best, or the favorite that wins. It’s often the one who persevered and over came and never gave up. Good luck to you! ;))
Ryan - I think 2:12 under those conditions is exceptional for a tall Caucasian runner. Height becomes more and more of a disadvantage the hotter it gets. I think had it been cooler you would have run your normal 2:06-2:07. There was only one runner in your height category (Gharib, and he is still an inch shorter) that beat you.
August 29th, 2008 at 1:52 pmRyan Thanks for sharing your heart with all of us who were rooting for you! I know it was a disappointment not to medal, but Ryan you were in the Olympics! You were among the world’s best! You really couldn’t do better that what you did. Remember Jesus is still your very best freind, nothing beats that very real presence of His being in your life! Thanks again for sharing your heart! I know we have not seen the last of you!
August 29th, 2008 at 3:02 pmRyan,
August 29th, 2008 at 3:35 pmSome days its there and others it is not. I remember seeing you win at New Haven, and then in NY. My friends and I ran back and forth to watch you twice every lap. You are an inspiration to the running community, and apparently many others too.
Have you ever given serious consideration to running Boston? It would be such a thrill to see an American with a wreath!
Ryan, Congrats to you on being a true world-class runner and leading the way for a resurgence of U.S. distance running. I know what it feels like to enter the stadium on a hot day, having given your all, and having done it drug-free to the best of your ability on that given day, yet still 6 minutes behind the winner. That was my experience on the U.S. track team in the 20 km race walk in Rome in 1987 in the IAAF world championship, a few years before you were born. I finished 21st that day out of about 45 starters. I have some inkling of the talent, dedication and sacrifice you need to get to your level — top ten in the world. Don’t listen to any discouraging words. True track fans are happy for you, and inspired by your example. I am not a believer like you are, but I have also in my own way learned to accept things for how they actually are and to keep living my dreams. Best of luck to you, young champion!
August 29th, 2008 at 3:41 pmHi Ryan;
August 29th, 2008 at 6:46 pmThanks for representing the USA, the marathon was the most anticpated event for me as i saw clips of your preparation. I think just the committment to being there with all the news on the pollution as a world class athlete is admirable. Keep your dreams and goal alive. I would like to pencil in the marathon in 2012 as the most important event again. God Bless you and your family.
Terry
Ryan, It was so awesome to see you enter the stadium. Having met you at Footlocker this year where you headed my daughter Sarah’s team, I really felt I knew you. Your face was so easy to read, open in wonder. That is all I could hope for in an athlete representing the USA and beautiful to see. Thanks again for mentoring Sarah’s FLN team and for continuing to be an awesome role model.
August 29th, 2008 at 6:59 pmMy whole family was rooting for you. My son is just starting his freshman year of cross country and he read the article about you in Runners world. He is a Christian as well, and I know it inspired him to see someone who loves his sport like he does and live out his love for Christ through it. Thanks for being so open, and we are so proud of you!
August 29th, 2008 at 8:06 pmRyan,
You ran a great race. No one thought a 2:06 was possible under those conditions! Don’t second guess yourself–you ran a smart race, it just wasn’t your day. God loves Sammy Wanjiru as much as he loves you. Continue to be open to all that unfolds in your life. We are very, very proud of you and the race you ran. My best to you and Sara.
August 29th, 2008 at 9:05 pmSincerely,
A.
ps: I run a lot of marathons (100+) and on my way to one (Marshall–in W. VA) last year, met Alicia Shay’s parents when they were on route to NYC for the trials (I live in Rapid City and the airport is the closest one for most of Wyoming). They were so excited–not just about their Ryan, but for all of you. Every day is a gift, as you know. Keep Beijing in perspective, and just keep following your heart.
Ryan you are changing lives all over the world. You are a huge inspiration. See you in Chicago with Team World Vision. I’ll be running with TWV for my second year.
August 29th, 2008 at 10:13 pmYour Brother in Christ
Hi Ryan,
Had the pleasure of watching you run the cross-country nationals at Van Cortlandt Park in 2006 and saw your amazing stride in action. Our club then came out and witnessed your sensational Trials win in New York City.
As you mentioned in your searingly honest post, your stride wasn’t as fluid as we had seen in New York.It was noticeable and worrisome to us early in the race. But to run a 2:12 when you’re not at your best is a truly remarkable achievement, not to mention the heat. Maybe it’s time to schedule the Olympics later in the fall so that the weather won’t be as brutal.
Best of luck in your future marathons, we’d love to see you back in New York !
August 29th, 2008 at 10:50 pmRyan,
You represented the USA well. You ran a great race and should be proud. Continue to trust the Lord and follow His plan for your life.
I’ll continue to pray for you and Sara.
Susan
August 29th, 2008 at 11:14 pmRyan,
August 30th, 2008 at 8:43 amThere is no doubt in any of our minds that you deserved a gold medal last Sunday. For whatever reason, the Lord didn’t will it. On this side of heaven you will never know the legacy and lives you’ve touched all over the world for the kingdom of God. My husband and I work in Beijing and have had multiple opportunities to share the gospe during the Olympics here as a result of your life and story. The RW article has had a lot of circulation here as a result of you being in Beijing for the race and the Lord has also used that for His glory. I have no doubt you will again compete in the Olympics and perhaps the Lord will dawn you with the gold then. . . but your reward will be far greater in eternity and the humbling thing is that you will lay it down at His feet in humility as you give it back to Him as a sacrificial offering. We SO wanted you to walk away with the gold…and can understand your disappointmnt but none of us are disappointed in you! Your perspective is Godly. . . not of this world. . . eternally minded and the Lord has and is glorified in your start and finish. We are proud of you for representing the U.S.A. and even more proud that you represent the Lord. Jia You (Chinese way of saying press on - literal translation is “add oil”)
Love in Christ, Tammy
Ryan,
You glorified God in China and that is all that matters. I know He is probably not finished with using your running to glorify Him yet. Keep on keeping on. Keep your eyes on the prize. Thank you for your witness in Christ.
In Christ,
August 30th, 2008 at 12:09 pmAndrew
Ryan,
August 30th, 2008 at 3:21 pmI am proud of you brother. Thanks for allowing me to share the day with you. Dani and I talked today about our plans to both be there in 2012… and hopefully at the marathons between now and then as well. Next time… I am going to be out on the course. Watching from the stadium is too stressfull. I want to see you on the course. Thanks for all you do…. for World Vision, for the running community, and for so many. You are awesome!
-Michael
Hi Ryan, It was wonderful to be able to pray for you no matter the outcome. Who knows how many people were impacted by your declaration of faith. Nothing is wasted in God’s kingdom, so He will use your story for His glory. You ran a great race and persevered to the end. Congratulations. May God always bless and keep you and your family.
August 30th, 2008 at 6:48 pmEvie & Richard (Kathie’s aunt & uncle)
Thank you so much! you’re true inspiration Proud of you!
August 30th, 2008 at 11:30 pmRyan–I remember first seeing you in person at the Cow Harbor on Long Island several years ago, wondering who was this blonde phenom who blew the field away as I struggled to finish my first 10k. I remember in your victory speech, you generously praised the entire field, saying how one had to be “burly” to finish. We’ve followed your career ever since. Your work ethic, faith, and life story are an inspiration. London, Ryan…I see you on that podium. Keep up your great efforts; we’ll all be watching!
August 31st, 2008 at 10:08 amDisappointment is sometimes essential for progress! End you time off early, bet back in the Saddle ASAP,talk to God your co-pilot and see if he can get you some plane tickets to Berlin in a few months to run the next great race of your life!In the meantime go to some local road races and hand out some cups of water to all us joe average runners out there that still think that you are a hero and you’ll go home feeling that 2:12/10th place finish in the 2008 Olymlics wasn’t so bad after all!Perspective is Paramount!
August 31st, 2008 at 3:52 pmRyan,
August 31st, 2008 at 4:46 pmI quit drugs and alcohol and started to run…..In my running I found God out there on the open road. I lost over a hundred pounds in my first year and then ran and comlpleted my first full marathon. I continued on this past year and am working on qualifying boston now.
I just wanted to tell you, that had I not ran into your story one time, I might no be where I am. God is leading me in my running. I am touching so many people and my story motivates so many. This is email to thank you is long over-due. You made us all proud at the Olympics Ryan!! God bless you brother!!!
Michael MacDonald, Stellarton Nova Scotia
You are an inspiration - hands down!
August 31st, 2008 at 5:12 pmRyan,
September 1st, 2008 at 3:13 amYour testimony on God tube is amazing! You are inspiring others to continue to live out their God given calling and not lose heart when things don’t necessarily go according to plan. God’s ways are so much higher than our ways and you have surrendered to His plan. God bless you abundantly!!
As an Olympian, and as a Stanford graduate, you are a role model for many. So please, LEARN HOW TO WRITE. Or at least have someone who does edit your posts. There are at least a dozen flat-out mistakes in your post. Anyone with a college degree, not to mention a Stanford degree, should be embarrassed by that.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:32 amI am proud of Ryan and his representation of the U.S. at the Olympics. What type of low-brow mouth breather choose to focus on Ryan’s grammar mistakes instead of his inspirational story?
Good job in Beijing, Ryan, and good luck in future endeavors. You motivate many of us to keep training hard.
September 1st, 2008 at 1:49 pmRyan- I have attended the Jim Ryun Running Camp for the past two years and each time I have learned more and more about you. I just want to let you know that you did amazing in the Olympics and are truly blessed to have been able to participate in such an honorable race. I am so inspired by your love for God and desire to run for Him and give Him the Glory in everything you do. God bless you and good luck with your future marathons (I’m sure there will be many more in your future) :)
September 1st, 2008 at 7:49 pmWhy do you think God punished you?!
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:16 amThanks for you inspiration it has touched me personally.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:24 pmRyan; Congratulations on finishing the Olympic Marathon! You may have finished 10th in the race, but after reading your blog entry I realized that your heart and mind were in the right place. Your a true champion in your love for our Lord Jesus Christ.
“Do you not know that in a race, the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it” 1 Corinthians 9:24
Great job Ryan!
September 2nd, 2008 at 4:08 pmRyan, I was so proud when you ran into the bird’s nest. It was a great moment for lot’s of people, but for me it was extremely special. Just knowing you testimony, your faith, all the hard work you put into every race, puts me in a place of awe. Most of all the Lord was able to speak to me through your work. He told me that if we as Christians were to put in that same amount of effort into seeing souls and lives changed how full heaven would be. As I sat there in the stadium I also thought is this what heaven will be like everyone cheering for each of us as we enter heaven, and then we we see the face of Jesus. Ryan you are on the right path, Jesus has laid out a very stratigic path for you, and the witnessing tool that you have is great, I didn’t feel or think that what I do is a very good witnessing tool, until your race. Thanks for being faithful to your call, and inspiring me in my calling.
God Bless, Love
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:10 pmKandle
Ryan, thank you for being such an inspiration to young Christian athletes! My son, Hunter Hall, is running on scholarship at a Christian college here in Tennessee and was so proud and excited to meet you in Eugene this summer. This mom is very grateful for such an inspiring role model. My prayers are with you! God Bless!
September 4th, 2008 at 8:40 pmRyan, you an inspiration to not only me, but to most of the runners that I know.
I know how much dedication it takes just to get to the Olympics, so to me, finishing in the top 10 with the world’s greatest runners is superb. I am also amazed at how you tie your faith in with your running; I greatly admire that.
Congratulations Ryan.
September 5th, 2008 at 4:37 pmRyan,
A great run on a hot humid day! 10th in the world is not bad!!!.
There’s no reason to be Monday morning quarterbacking, hindsight is 20:20. Some people did go with the lead pack at the beginning, and they weren’t there at the end!
Noone is 100%, 100% of the time. Just keep plugging away, and you’ll get that gold medal in 2012!
September 5th, 2008 at 8:14 pmRyan,
I too would have loved to have witnessed you win the Gold. Perhaps that was just not in His plan for you that day, as much as we don’t like that idea. It’ll make winning in London 2012 all the sweeter!
You inspire me, my friend. I love the idea of praising God with one’s body while running. I watch your YouTube and GodTube videos before most runs, and I wind up running 5-10% faster on tempo days!
I hope you realize that, beyond Gold medal quests, media hype, etc, you are doing God’s work. You inspire me deeply with your commitment to the sport and your faith. My wife and I just named our 3rd child Ryan, after you, by the way.
Keep on runnin’!!
-Jeff, Connecticut
September 6th, 2008 at 1:55 pmRyan, I am not a particularly religious man, but I am always inspired by you as an athlete and by your dedication to your faith. I first heard your name as I was finishing the 2007 Aramco Houston Half-Marathon and heard the news that the winner had not only won the race by several minutes over his competition, but had broken the American all-time record. That runner was a boy named Ryan Hall. Over the next 20 months, I’ve been astounded again and again by your natural ability coupled with your faith. It is clear you have a connection to a wellspring of strength.
In August, I watched America send its best runners to what was almost certain annihilation - we’ve never dominated in distance on the world stage (at least since the 70’s), and though my idol, the boy Ryan Hall, was among the runners, I couldn’t help but wonder if he could stack up against Beijing’s heat and pollution. I kept my fingers crossed, believe it or not, that he would just finish, and not have to DNF.
And I watched that boy Ryan Hall struggle mightily, not only struggling against his own body, but against the environment - incredible heat, humidity, and pollution - and my heart went out to him. I watched him struggle to keep up with the world’s absolute best of the best — and watched him hold his own. I watched him come in 10th, a few steps behind his teammate, determined, plodding, tired, dazed, on automatic pilot, and humbled.
A boy went to Beijing, and a man came home. And that, too, is inspirational to me.
I believe you’re still growing as a runner and have your best performances ahead of you - perhaps far ahead - first Olympics are rarely productive; but you knew that.
I don’t have to wish you the best - you’ve got all the best on your side already. What I’ll wish you is time and growth. In 2012, surely we will see the man Ryan Hall mount the Olympic podium.
-Cris in Brooklyn
September 7th, 2008 at 5:58 pmHey Ryan! This is Phoebe Lawry (Steve and Erica Lawry’s daughter from Stanford)! I just wanted to say that I am so proud of you for all you did to make it to the olympics! For your hard work and dedication even when life was hard or disappointing!! GREAT JOB!! Also thank you so much for your attitude toward running!! It meant SO MUCH to see you running to praise God!! This really embodies Colossians 3:23 that says “whatever you do, do your work heartly , as for the Lord rather than for men!” Your inspiration has helped me in my own running as I competeted in track this past year in college (though I had to stop out because of medical reasons, but seeing you praising God all the time meant SO much so thanks a ton!! Blessings to you and Sara as you inspire people from all over the world!! YOu both are real treasures!! It was great getting to know you two some while you were at Stanford!! :) God Bless you as you start a new season of life moving on from this year’a olympics!! I love you both and have been and will continue to pray for you both!
September 11th, 2008 at 11:50 amTake care,
Phoebe :)
Ryan,
A great race by a great indivdual! I think your best is yet to come, being only 25. Carlos Lopes was about 37 when he set the world record at 2:07 and 39 when he won the Los Angeles Olympic marathon. London 2012 will be here before you know it. You’ll do well there again as you have at the Flora London Marathon. Beijing was a great effort by you, Dathan, and Brian. All of you made us very proud. I hope you and Sara continue your great efforts in running and in your testifying of Christ and glorifying God. God bless.
Sincerely,
September 13th, 2008 at 11:04 pmKen in Utah
Ryan,
There was a message for all of us that day. The top three all ended their race with the sign of the cross. Regardless of where you placed, God came in first!
You were awesome, outstanding perservance!
September 15th, 2008 at 9:49 amKeep it going,
Jen
Paradoxically, an easy victory is from the God’s Eye View not as good a thing as a harder-fought defeat. It is not possible for a man to tell who the real winner of a race is, and so the accolades and the medals go to those that cross the line first, not to those that give the most of themselves.
I believe that in circumstances the run was as at least as good as any of your previous performances. I watched you in the early stages of the race and your gait and your expression were those of someone running on tired legs. Whether this was due to London, or having pushed too hard in training leading up to Beijing, you weren’t moving as fluidly as you can. In this situation the already great challenge of running an Olympic marathon becomes even greater than usual. But when you realized you couldn’t win you did not relent, and you resolved to continue to put as much effort into the run as possible. To do that is a no less admirable a thing than to secure a podium finish. You can bet that Sammy Wanjiru (who looked fresh right to the end) found it easier to win the race than you did to run 10th…
September 22nd, 2008 at 1:21 amHello Ryan,
I have followed your running since High School and am proud of your accomplishments. It has given me great satisfaction reading articles on you and recently watching your training video’s on You Tube. You are a special person with a great gift. From within you will succeed in running and in life.
September 22nd, 2008 at 10:06 pmMr. Hall,
I am trying to write an article for RunnersWorld on the unfortunate death of Ryan Shay. However, I was considering the reactions of the premier college and high school runners from across the country. Many people have spoken in the professional world about the death, however, according to what i have found, noone has taken the time to consider how it effects the amateur runners of the country. When I pitch this story to Amby Burfoot ( head editor of RW) i think he would at least consider it if i had a big name backing it. Would you be interested in assisting in terms of simply telling Mr. Burfoot what your thoughts on this idea are?
Thank You and God Bless,
September 29th, 2008 at 9:03 amCasey Wilson
Hey Ryan-
October 1st, 2008 at 8:57 pmMy names Hunter, I’m 14 and a freshman at Tift County High School in Georgia. I just wanted to let you know how much of an inspiration you’ve been to me and my teamates on the Cross Country team.To see an athlete of your caliber be so wrapped up in Christ is awesome! I accepted Christ about three years ago and I’ve grown in my faith through running. You also inspired me to spread the message, and not keep God to myself, so we started a bible study on my team, and we’ve had a few of our teamates accept Christ! Anyways man, your an amazing runner and such a good role model to young athletes around the nation. Keep it up…
Hunter
Hey Ryan, I heard you are going to be at the Chicago Marathon on Sunday 9/12 and I was wondering where you were going to be at for autographs and picture opportunities on sunday(race day)?? You are a huge inspiration to me and it would be awesome if I got the chance to meet you!
Thanks!
October 9th, 2008 at 7:04 pmHi Ryan! “Apostle Paul” here! Just read your blog and again want to reaffirm that we are all very, very proud of you and your performance. You were 10th fastest racing against the fastest runners in the entire world? And it wasn’t even your best time by six minutes? That’s pretty amazing in my book. You need to recognize that what you accomplished was and is nothing short of astonishing and marvelous. Give yourself some credit rather than a hard time! Way to go Ryan — and hello to Sara!
October 11th, 2008 at 12:45 amHello Mr. Hall,
October 13th, 2008 at 2:17 pmFirst of all I want to say good job on the Chicago marathon yesterday, I had two sisters that ran there first marathon there yesterday, and I’ve ran Chicago four times in the past, so I know it’s a run race. It’s also awesome to have a runner of your ability who is also a follower of Jesus to have as my own motivation.
I have a question to ask. I’m currently in the military and have my personal best marathon in Big Sur Ca. of 3:05:30, but it is my goal/dream to run the qualifying marathon for the 2012 olympics. So I was wondering if you had any training advice you could share. I’ve never been able to train properly for a marathon and put in all the miles that are needed for training, which makes me think that if I could, then maybe I could knock off another hour off my times. How did you first start off? Did you just have to make work time and running time fit somehow? My plan is to try and run Boston 2009 under 2:45 which could potentially make me eligible for the army run team, then I could focus on running more.
Good job again on the marathon yesterday, and I hope to hear from you
Hey Ryan, Tomorrow I will be running against the best runners tennessee has to offer at our xc meet. I’m been pretty discouraged lately with how i’ve been running, and god started pulling me to watch some of your videos on youtube.
In one of those videos,you were being interviewed and you gave a great verse that just is impacting my life. its Proverbs 24:16 “Though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again!” Thank you so much for pointing that verse out.
God Bless
October 21st, 2008 at 9:05 pmLogan Smith
Ryan! I just wanted to write to encourage you to continue to proclaim Christ boldly.
Thank you for your faithful testimony and hard work. I have been praying for you!
Your life and obedience is making a positive eternal difference.
May God continue to bless you mentally, physically, and spiritually!
October 27th, 2008 at 7:42 pmRyan! I just want to thank you for inspiring me as not only a runner but also as a Christian. I had the good fortune of meeting you in chicago at the world vision pasta dinner (I talked to you after the dinner and was wearing your “Ryan Hall, believe” shirt…not that you would remember, I am sure you met thousands of people that weekend) anyway I have a picture of us that I would love for you to sign. Do you have a P.O. Box? If this is not possible I completely understand and just want to thank you again for inspirig me to be a better Christian. Good Luck in everything you do!
How was your trip to Africa?
Tyler
October 28th, 2008 at 10:09 pmThanks for inspiring me so much the past year. The Lord has done so much in that time. Keep worshipping God as you run and everything will work out. Jer.29:11
November 2nd, 2008 at 10:21 pmtom
Hai,I am a christian so I like this is very much I also interest to the games and running. This is so encaurage me and I just want to thank you for inspiring me as not only a runner
November 12th, 2008 at 4:28 amI just want to thank you for inspiring me as not only a runner.
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warne008
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Ryan, I just wanted to say Thank You for plannin on being at the Running Expo in Milwaukee on Jan 31, 2009. I am a fellow Christian, runner, and a fan of yours. I prayed for you for several weeks leading up to the Olympics Marathon. Even though you came in 10th place and not in the top 3, you still did a great job representing the USA and more importantly, representing Jesus. I plan on coming to your speech at the Expo, and hopefully we can talk a little.
God bless you,
November 18th, 2008 at 12:14 pmBill
Ryan,
December 8th, 2008 at 2:41 pmGreat season and one of the best, if not the best, non-African marathon runners this year. It scares me though, that you and many others posting replies have such a strong belief in supernatural beings. Don’t put your faith in non-existing, extraterrestrial beings, you are obviously strong by yourself. Remember ASICS, Anima Sana in Corpore Sano, a strong mind in a strong body.
Sports theme presented nicely with informative stuff and good concepts.
Cosmetic Surgeon Liverpool
July 29th, 2009 at 8:58 amThank you Ryan for your narrative on your race in Beijing. I know you spoke from your heart. My wife and I rooted for you during the race and we were not disappointed in your 10th place finish. I knew you had performed your best.
I ran cross country and the 2 mile in High School and even ran a marathon when I was 18. I am almost 58 now, and watching you help inspire me to do long distance running again. I have been slowly training for about a month and half. Thank you again and good luck in all of your future races.
Gordon
January 12th, 2010 at 11:31 pm