Joe Battaglia/Universalsports:"But I can't shake memories of Hall's post-race press conference following the Boston Marathon this April. Yes, his time of 2:08:41 was the fastest ever by an American in the race. But beforehand he talked about winning a major, just like he always does before these races, and then finished fourth.
As he slouched into his chair on the dais, Hall was comfortably at ease with having lost to three guys, one of whom (Ethiopia's Deriba Merga) he may have caught had he given chase in the final meters instead of gliding into the finish with his arms extended like a child mimicking an airplane.
Hall was not upset because in his estimation he "ran free."
It became obvious at that moment, and is crystal clear now, that Hall's primary focus is no longer on winning, but coming away from his performances with some feeling of spiritual euphoria. As long as that happens, all is well in his world.
When Hall contends, as he did in his most recent blog, that he has decided to walk away from a proven coach and a highly successful training group, "with full faith that it will allow me to take my running performances to the next level," that next level he speaks of is not on the awards podium. He is speaking in existential terms.
In making this decision, Hall wrote that, "It takes faith and the courage to risk failure in order to realize one's destiny."
From this vantage point, it is looking more like Hall's destiny will not include becoming a major marathon champion, at least until he finds a steady coach that can help him regain that competitive drive."
mzungo.org says: We thoroughly hope Hall proves him wrong. Run, rest, repeat. Coaching is overrated. We were never fans of Hall but this move is so cocky, we love it. GO RYAN!
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