by Jeff Benjamin
Abdi Abdiraham, photo by NYRR Media
Abdi Abdiraham is one of those few athletes who remains world class past 40. In fact, some of his best efforts have come past that age. Jeff Benjamin reached out to Abdi this past week, just before Atlanta 2020.
U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials Profile – Catching Up With Abdi Abdirahman
By Jeff Benjamin
“I’m Ready!”
So says the 4-time Olympian Abdi Abdirahman, who, at the age of 43 (!) will vectoring the line in Atlanta next week to try and earn one of the 3 coveted spots for the U.S. Olympic team.
Is his age a factor?
“Not at all,” said Abdirahman, whose 2:11:34 at NYC in 2019 set the National Masters record, the former record holder being his friend and fellow Olympic Trials competitor Bernard Lagat. “I didn’t train any differently in the past 3 months and I’m strong as I can be, said
Abdirahman, whose formula of long runs and hills while training overseas in Sululta, Ethiopia has made him, “As strong as I can be.”
“It really is the buildup I’ve ever had,” said Abdirahman, who credits the guidance of his coaches Dave Murray and Gary Lough. “I can tell the difference that I’m much stronger now than I was in NYC.”
But the marathon is the most unpredictable of running events, especially after what is being described as a series of hilly challenges over the 26.2 miles Atlanta course. “Anything can happen and you can’t control everything,” noted Abdirahman, who withdrew from the 2016 Marathon Trials with injury. “But I feel my style and strength suits the Atlanta course.”
A believer in weight training as well, Abdirahman offered some advice to younger runners out there. “You should always listen to your Coach and love what you do,” said Abdirahman. “Don’t stress when tired and it’s ok to take a day off if you need to.
But Abdirahman has not forgotten the older crowd – myself included.
“I’m representing not only the United States, my friends, coaches and family but also all the over-40 Runners out there next week!”
