No doubt, it's a weird year for running. No Olympics, no World Championships, and really just yourself to run for. Some athletes find it tough -- some take time off, some have babies, and on the flip side, some shoot for National or even World Records with no championships to peak for (but only if ideal conditions arise).
Ryan Vail though, has just decided to straight kill it.
I started following the Brooks athlete because of his blog. Nothing outstanding, nothing super eye-catching, but really, really informative. I followed his training through the 2013 NYC Marathon where he had a decent race in bad conditions (2:13, top american, 13th overall), and man, does he put down the miles. 130+ miles a week for week after week. The dude is an absolute workhorse.
Then he started up training for London (which included a detour in Gasparilla, FL for a half-marathon win) and even though he didn't crack 2:10 (2:10:53) it was still a personal best, another top american, and 10th overall. Now he's casually taken to the track and hitting quick times (close to a PR in the 1500), getting podium performances (3rd at USAs in the 10k) all while training for his next marathon in the fall. Dude is a baller, and he's putting everyone that's going to show up at the '16 Marathon US Olympic Trials in LA on alert.
Ryan Vail is slowly taking over as a threat to all American Marathon Runners whether we like it or not. And to be honest, I'm 110% on board.
**And If you wanna check out his newest venture, Ryan just launched his coaching website PREVAIL COACHING. It's cool because it focuses strictly on remote coaching, yet still maintaining a 1 on 1 relationship with unique plans for any and all athletes. Check it.**