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Lead Stories: Saturday, August 30, 2008

Short of Conditioning, Keflezeghi Withdraws from London Marathon

Posted March 18th, 2008 at 11:45 AM by David Monti

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Olympics

Short of conditioning, reigning Olympic Marathon silver medalist Meb Keflezighi of San Diego, Calif., has withdrawn from next month’s Flora London Marathon. In a statement released by his brother and manager, Merhawi, the man who has twice made the podium of the ING New York City Marathon confirmed what had been rumored for several weeks.

“Meb Keflezighi has decided to pass up on the 2008 Flora London Marathon,” read the statement. “Meb is short of the conditioning he and Coach Bob Larsen would like before racing in one of the finest and competitive marathons in the world. Meb and Coach Larsen feel it would be too risky to rush the workouts in preparation for London, during an Olympic year. While Meb is disappointed he will not have a chance to set a significant personal best in London, he realizes it is better to be cautious during the Olympic year. Meb will now give his complete focus on preparing for the USATF Olympic Trials.”
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TFS News Briefs: 2/11/08

Posted February 11th, 2008 at 12:00 PM by Jimmie R. Markham

Section: News & Results, Olympics, Drugs In Sports, TFS News Briefs

Shocker! Big Brother Backs Gag Order
Who would have thought it? The Beijing Olympic organizing committee agrees with the British Olympic Committee’s zero-tolerance gag order on political protests. Free speech bad. Big Brother good.
Read more at: [Citizen, South Africa]

Dwain Chambers Controversy Intensifies
British sprinter Dwain Chambers, banned for 2 years for doping but now trying for a comeback, is at the center of a controversy that is forcing UK Athletics (the British governing body for track and field) to make some tough decisions. Should he be allowed back on Team Britain?
Read more at: [Google News]

Team USA Bringing Their Own Food To Beijing
The US Olympic Team, trying to avoid tainted and steroid-laden food frequently found in China, is brining its own caterer with it to Beijing.
Read more at: [NY Times]
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Podcast 113: American Steeplechaser Jacques Sallberg on Overcoming Injury

Posted January 9th, 2008 at 6:30 PM by Adam Jacobs

Section: News & Results, Track & Field, Special Features, Interviews, Podcasts

Episode 117 of The Final Sprint Podcast, the most listened to running podcast in North America, features my interview with American steeplechaser and Team Running USA member JACQUES SALLBERG.

After being ranked fourth in U.S. for the 3000m steeplechase by Track & Field News at the end of 2006, Jacques struggled with injuries throughout 2007. However, he is now headed back on track and focused on earning the right to represent the U.S. in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

In the interview Jacques talks about his battle with heel spurs and plantar fasciitis, trying to get back to the success and P.R. performances of 2006, and working towards a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team.

Download the podcast to hear Jacques discuss these topics, as well as, his special relationship with Coach Bob Larsen, how their different personalities have created an advantageous dynamic, Team Running USA, his work as a high school track & field coach, and much more!

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Host: Adam Jacobs | Guest: Jacques Sallberg
Producer: Greg Cherniet
Musicians: Ryan Ahlwardt, Darnell Perkins
File Size: 13.7 MB | Length: 20:02 MIN

Episode Sponsored By: Nike +

Long Live Running!
Nike Plus will improve the way you run. Get feedback from your iPod on pace, time, distance and calories burned.

Log into Nikeplus.com to track your progress,
set goals and challenge friends.

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Team Running USA Athletes Shine in 2007

Posted December 15th, 2007 at 11:00 AM by J. R. Markham

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Olympics

Led by Ryan Hall’s sub-one hour half-marathon in Houston, U.S. marathon debut record at London and Olympic Marathon Trials triumph in Central Park, Team Running USA athletes again distinguished themselves with world class performances, multiple national titles and U.S. records and USA Running Circuit Grand Prix titles.

“Since 2001, Team Running USA athletes have performed well nationally and internationally, and this year was no exception. Ryan Hall, of course, had an exciting, historic year, while Deena Kastor added 5 more national titles and two U.S. records, fellow Olympic medalist Meb Keflezighi took on Kenya’s best road racers this summer and Kate O’Neill had a wonderful marathon debut for third in the heat at Chicago,” said Basil Honikman, CEO of Running USA.
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Podcast 92: Preeminent Running Coach JOE VIGIL

Posted October 11th, 2007 at 7:56 PM by Adam Jacobs

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Cross Country, Track & Field, Olympics, Special Features, Interviews, Podcasts

Episode sponsored by: Bill Rodgers Sportswear
After 21 years BR Sportswear is closing out their line of high -quality running apparel. Visit shopfest.com to take advantage of an unprecedented 50% discount on all in-stock items!

Episode 92 of The Final Sprint Podcast features my in-depth interview with legendary running coach JOE VIGIL.

Recognized as one of America’s greatest distance running educators, Vigil led Adams State to 14 national championships, guided a plethora of top runners, such as Olympic marathon bronze medalist Deena Kastor, to extraordinary success, and has been inducted to eleven different Hall of Fames. In addition to mentoring a number of coaches and athletic organizations, Vigil continues to coach Team Running USA alongside fellow icon Bob Larsen and will lead American distance runners at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

In the interview Vigil explains why Deena Kastor has had such a significant and special impact on him as both a coach and as a person, he shares his thoughts on the Marion Jones debacle, talks about Pat Porter’s passion for the sport, “improv[ing] achievement motivation”, and the role that Arthur Lydiard and other coaching greats played in his own development.

Download the podcast to hear Coach Vigil discuss these topics, as well as, preparing the American distance running squad for the pollution and warm conditions in Beijing, the upcoming U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, the greatest moments of his career, his opinion on pacesetters and why their absence helps athletes to learn what their “capable of internally”, and much more!

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Host: Adam Jacobs | Guest: Joe Vigil
Producers: Greg Cherniet, Adam Jacobs
Musicians: Ryan Ahlwardt, Darnell Perkins
File Size: 16.3 MB | Length: 23:46 MIN

Episode sponsored by: Bill Rodgers Sportswear
After 21 years Bill Rodgers Sportswear is closing out their line of high-quality running apparel. Visit shopfest.com to take advantage of an unprecedented 50% discount on all in-stock items!

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Bekele’s 10,000m W.R. Assault Tops the Bill in Brussels

Posted September 13th, 2007 at 3:00 PM by David Monti

Section: News & Results, Track & Field

Kenenisa Bekele’s assault on his own 10,000m world record is set to take center stage when the Golden League series resumes at the 31st edition of the Memorial Van Damme in the Belgian capital on Friday night.

At this competition two years ago, Bekele lowered his own record in the event to 26:17.53. Then, he was paced by his brother Tariku, who took him through the first half in just over 13:09, before he eventually lowered the mark with a 57-second closing lap.

“A record is not easy every time,” said Bekele, who’ll be making his first start since winning his third consecutive world title over the distance late last month. “You can have it if you work hard, and if the conditions are right, but it’s not easy.”
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Podcast 77: 2004 Olympian DAN BROWNE on his third 20km U.S. title and more!

Posted September 10th, 2007 at 3:30 PM by Adam Jacobs

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Olympics, Special Features, Interviews, Podcasts

Episode sponsored by: Bill Rodgers Sportswear
After 21 years Bill Rodgers Sportswear is closing out their line of high-quality running apparel. Visit shopfest.com to take advantage of an unprecedented 50% discount on all in-stock items!

Episode 77 of The Final Sprint Podcast features my interview with DAN BROWNE, a 2004 Olympian, on earning his third 20km U.S. title.

In the interview, Dan discusses his championship performance, why experience will be key at the Nov. 3rd U.S. Olympic Men’s Marathon Trials, and his recent decision to leave Alberto Salazar to run in Mammouth Lakes with Coach Larsen, Deena, Ryan, Meb and the rest of Team Running USA

Download the podcast to hear Dan discuss these topics, as well as, the role of faith in his athletic career, his thoughts on triple-jump superstar Jonathan Edward’s renunciation of faith, why an “attitude change” has been the most significant factor in the U.S. distance running revival, and how being a member of the U.S. military affects his opinion of Oscar Pistorius and amputee runners competing against able-bodied athletes.

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Host: Adam Jacobs | Guest: Dan Browne
Producer: Greg Cherniet
Musicians: Ryan Ahlwardt & Darnell Perkins
File Size: 10.1 MB | Length: 14:45 MIN

Episode sponsored by: Bill Rodgers Sportswear
After 21 years Bill Rodgers Sportswear is closing out their line of high-quality running apparel. Visit shopfest.com to take advantage of an unprecedented 50% discount on all in-stock items!

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Podcast 40: Interview with Olympic medalist & running hero Meb Keflezighi

Posted April 21st, 2007 at 5:45 PM by Adam Jacobs

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Special Features, Interviews, Podcasts, Live Race Coverage

Episode 40 of The Final Sprint Podcast features my interview with running hero and 2004 Olympic marathon Silver medalist Meb Keflezighi; who is currently in London preparing for Sunday’s marathon.

Meb, who is currently in London preparing for Sunday’s marathon, captured the national 15k championship earlier this year, has won two Olympic marathon trials, finished second and then third the next year at the NYC Marathon, and, among his many other accomplishments, holds the American 10,000m record.

In the interview Meb talks about tomorrow’s London Marathon, his race strategy, trying to set a PR, the incredible field of competitors and what to expect from fellow Team Running USA member Ryan Hall in his debut.

Download the podcast to hear Meb discuss these topics, as well as, last week’s Boston Marathon; last year’s frustrating NYC Marathon; Coach Bob Larsen; the benefits of training with Deena Kastor, Hall and the rest of Team Running USA; looking forward to the 2008 Beijing Olympics; his family’s incredible journey from war-torn Eritrea; and much more!

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Host: Adam Jacobs
Guest: Meb Keflezighi
Producer: Greg Cherniet
Music: Ryan Ahlwardt & Darnell Perkins
File size: 15.0 MB
Length: 00:21:55

Check out every episode of TFS’s Podcast in iTunes!

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