• Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Login
  • Home
  • Archive
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Archive
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
Home IAAF

The drought is over! Meb Keflezighi wins Boston, by Larry Eder

Larry EderbyLarry Eder
April 21, 2014
0
0 0
0
SHARES
1
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

RelatedPosts

Mouhcine Outalha and Meseret Belete won in Doha Marathon by Ooredoo

ATHLETES HOPE FOR FAST TIMES IN HOUSTON ON SUNDAY

Neely Spence Gracey : ”Like Father Like Daughter?” A Breakthrough Performance For Another Spence!

No American male has won the iconic Boston Marathon since 1983, when, Greg Meyer, a midwesterner with the legs of a steeple chaser and the arms of a wrestler, won the most American of marathons. 

Now, Meb Keflezighi, an Olympic silver medalist and victor of New York City has added the mantle of Boston Marathon winner to his resume! 

Keflezighi_MebFVH-Boston14.jpg

Meb Keflezighi breaking a 31 year drought! 
by PhotoRun.net

The 118 th Boston Marathon will be remembered for so many reasons. High on that list will be Meb Keflezighi’s stunning victory over the best field ever assembled in Boston history. Mary Kate Shea, John Hancock’s elite athlete field developer wanted a woman under 2:20 and an American win. Well, she got three women under the course record, two under 2:20 and an American win! 


Keflezighi_Meb-Boston14.jpg

Meb on a roll, photo by PhotoRun.net


Meb Keflezighi, in a performance reminiscent of Frank Shorter in Munich, took the lead at eight  miles in the 2014 Boston Marathon, and just build up a lead, at times to 35 seconds. What Frank Shorter did not have to contend with, however, was that runners came back after him. Meb Keflezighi held off his competitors, over the last two miles. The chasing pack, which included Dennis Kimetto, Wilson Chebet, Markos Geneti, Ryan Hall, among others, just watched from afar. When it came time to attack, no one would follow Wilson Chebet and Frankline Chepkwony. 


Early on, Meb Keflezighi ran with Josephat Boit, and they passed the 5k in 15:09 and 10k in 30:28. At 10k, Desisa Lelisa was up with Meb and Josephat. By 15k, reached in 45:46, it was down to Josephat Boit and Meb Keflezighi. 


Keflezighi_MebFistPump-BostonM14.JPg

Meb Keflezighi, photo by PhotoRun.net

Meb looked good as he ran, reminding me of what his coach, Bob Larsen had told me earlier this week. ” Meb had some good weeks of training and he is fit.” Bob NEVER talks like that. Heck, Meb never has over six to eight weeks of healthy training. This time around, Coach Larsen, about as smart as they come, Meb had some good solid training, but also, some accommodations to his age. There was a decrease in the mileage, and a focus on recovery between the strong workouts. 


“Muscle memory” is how David Murphy, 1984 second place NYC Marathon, and long time press room announcer at the BAA Boston Marathon. “The marathon takes a lot out you, all the way to the mitochondria level.” 


Meb Keflezighi, a man who has run 13:11 for 5,000 meters, 27:18.81 for 10,000 meters (long time AR), and finished fourth in the 2012 London Marathon, in 2:11:06. Since then, Meb ran a 2:22:47, virtually on one leg, at the 2013 ING NYCM. He should not have done what he did today. 


But, as usual, I have digressed. Back to the race. 


Keflezighi_MebA-BostonM14.JPg

Meb Keflezighi, holding up a trophy for all of America, 

photo by PhotoRun.net

Meb Keflezighi and Josephat Boit hit the halfway in 1:04:20, not a pedestrian pace, but not fast, by any standards. The chasing pack, lead by Ryan Hall, Nick Arcianaga, among others, was 35 seconds down at this point. 


And then, at 25k, Meb Keflezighi took off. In mile 14, Meb ran 4:48, then, 4:53, then, BOOM!, 4:37 and Dynamo Hum, Meb Keflezighi had eight seconds on Josephat Boit. 


Meb Keflezighi is a seasoned competitor. Give him five and half weeks (his average healthy training over the past six years, BEFORE a marathon), and the guy delivers. It did not click when Coach Larsen told me on Saturday that Meb had done some pretty good training. Not one to brag, nor one to underestimate, Larsen is prone to honesty. He is not a good bs artist. 


Meb just kept running, hitting 30k in 1:31:09, after having run the fastest 10k of the race (30:36)


Hitting the 20 mile mark in 1:37:52, Meb ran strong through all of the hills, getting through Heartbreak Hill and 21 miles in 1:43:04, with a 5:12 mile up the last hill. Now, it was virtually all downhill for the final 8k. 


But, where was the chasing pack. ” We were following Meb, and I heard the 25k split, but no one would go with me. So, I ran after Meb.” noted Wilson Chebet. 


At 23 miles, Meb Keflezighi started to grimace, and was looking back a bit, but, as other observers would tell you, he was looking back the entire race, to see where the field was. The chasing pack was forty seconds back. 


What had happened to the chasing pack? Did they go bowling or something? 


Au contraire, mes amis. Wilson Chebet and Frankline Chepkwony both were chasing Meb Keflezighi. Chebet, cut the 40 second lead at 23 miles, to 12 seconds at 24 miles, to 6.2 seconds at 25 miles. 


Funny thing was, Wilson Chebet , a 2:05:36 (three marathons between 2:05:51 and 2:05:36), was gaining fast. Meb was fighting furiously. 


“Coach Larsen had told me always to keep something in reserve. I knew that Wilson was very fast and that he and Frankline were close.”


This is, however, where a champion shows his or her stuff.


From 40 kilometers to the finish, as Meb Keflezighi was experienced the Miles of Trials and Trials of Miles, quoting author John Parker (cult classic Once a Runner), Meb found another gear and took that 6.2 second lead, built it to 8 seconds, and then to twelve seconds. 


Wilson Chebet, with a kilometer to go, started looking back. Frankline Chepkwony was charging down the road, going for second place, hell bent on that position. 


Meb Keflezighi, he of the Olympic silver from 2004 and a fourth place in the Olympics in 2012, a PB of 27:13.81, just poured it on, the best he could. 


At 42 kilometers, sensing victory, as the Boston crowds, knowing that THEIR Meb Keflezighi was about to make history, Meb started to wave and finished, in tears, exhaustion and happiness, in 2:08:37. 


Wilson Chebet was second and Frankline Chepkwony was third. 


Meb Keflezighi had just ended the drought. American males had not won since 1983. Meb Keflezighi, the American dream, had found the open arms of this country as a child, and after seeing a FootLocker cross country race, built himself from a fine high school runner to a four time NCAA champion at UCLA, to an Olympic silver medalist. 


Meb Keflezighi is the first American male to win the Olympic silver medal, then, win NYC (2009) Marathon, and now, Boston Marathon (2014). ” Winning one medal in the Olympics or one Marathon Major can be put off to a fluke, but winning Boston, NYC and an Olympic medal, that is a true talent” commented TV announcer Toni Reavis. 


For Meb, it was more than that. ” I had achieved 99.9 percent of my goals with the Olympic medal and NYC wins. With Boston, I have achieved 110 percent of my goals.” 


In the post race press conference, Meb Keflezighi hugged Marc Davis, Press room manager for the BAA. Marc preceded Meb at their high school, and Meb noted how much Marc was a role model for him. 


Marc Davis texted the comments from Meb to Marc’s mother, Sharon, who remembers Meb as a junior high student. She texted back to her son, Marc, that, while Meb was winning Boston , she was so excited, jumping up in down in her kitchen, that she burnt her chorizo omelet. Such is the price of victory. 


While I was editing this piece, I came upon Coach Bob Larsen, longtime coach-advisor of Meb Keflezeghi. This is how he puts Meb’s performance:

“We knew Meb could run 2:07 or 2:08, as he had run 2:09 here twice with injuries. His hamstring was an issue in NYC Half, so we decided on an even pace. I knew that he could run a 2:08, I am surprised he could win with a 2:08”. 

How else could I end this story?


Meb Keflezighi, the American dream, just ended one the longest droughts in American sports. 


2014 BAA Boston Marathon, Men’s final, 1. Meb Keflezighi, USA, 2:08:37 PB, 2. Wilson Chebet, KEN, 2:08:48, 3. Frankline Chepkwony, KEN, 2:08:50, 4. Vitaliy Shafar, UKR, 2:09:38, 5. Markos Geneti, ETH, 2:09:50, 6. Joel Kimurer, KEN, 2:11:03, 7. Nick Arciniaga, USA, 2:11:47 PB, 8. Jeffrey Eggleston, USA, 2:11:57, PB, 9. Paul Lonyangata, KEN, 2:12:34, 10. Adil Annani, MAR, 2:12:43, #bostonmarathon

Author

  • Larry Eder
    Larry Eder

    Larry Eder has had a 50-year involvement in the sport of athletics. Larry has experienced the sport as an athlete, coach, magazine publisher, and now, journalist and blogger. His first article, on Don Bowden, America's first sub-4 minute miler, was published in RW in 1983. Larry has published several magazines on athletics, from American Athletics to the U.S. version of Spikes magazine. He currently manages the content and marketing development of the RunningNetwork, The Shoe Addicts, and RunBlogRun. Of RunBlogRun, his daily pilgrimage with the sport, Larry says: "I have to admit, I love traveling to far away meets, writing about the sport I love, and the athletes I respect, for my readers at runblogrun.com, the most of anything I have ever done, except, maybe running itself." Theme song: Greg Allman, " I'm no Angel."

    View all posts

Previous Post

Meb Keflezighi: American Victor! by Dave Hunter

Next Post

Rita Jeptoo Repeats for her third Boston Win: Kenyan Joins select group of three time Boston winners, by Dave Hunter

Larry Eder

Larry Eder

Larry Eder has had a 50-year involvement in the sport of athletics. Larry has experienced the sport as an athlete, coach, magazine publisher, and now, journalist and blogger. His first article, on Don Bowden, America's first sub-4 minute miler, was published in RW in 1983. Larry has published several magazines on athletics, from American Athletics to the U.S. version of Spikes magazine. He currently manages the content and marketing development of the RunningNetwork, The Shoe Addicts, and RunBlogRun. Of RunBlogRun, his daily pilgrimage with the sport, Larry says: "I have to admit, I love traveling to far away meets, writing about the sport I love, and the athletes I respect, for my readers at runblogrun.com, the most of anything I have ever done, except, maybe running itself." Theme song: Greg Allman, " I'm no Angel."

Similar Post

Mekkonen Set for Dubai Marathon’s “Life-changing” Streets
Events

Mekkonen Set for Dubai Marathon’s “Life-changing” Streets

February 1, 2023
Mara Yamauchi Marathon wisdom Part 1
Reviews

Marathon Wisdom, Part 2 by Mara Yamauchi

February 1, 2023
Tickets for the Istanbul 2023 European Athletics Indoor Championships are now on sale
European Athletics

European Athletics streaming nine WIT Silver and Bronze events in 2023!

January 31, 2023
Woody Kincaid sets AR for 5,000m, 12:51.61,  in titanic struggle with Joe Klecker, 12:54.99, both under 13 minutes!
News

Coffee With Larry, the indoor track season is hot, and Dubai Marathon will be offering FREE global streaming!

February 1, 2023
COROS and Kilian Jornet Partner on Limited Release APEX 2 Pro
Gadget

COROS and Kilian Jornet Partner on Limited Release APEX 2 Pro

February 1, 2023
Woody Kincaid sets AR for 5,000m, 12:51.61,  in titanic struggle with Joe Klecker, 12:54.99, both under 13 minutes!
Winter Training

2023 RunBlogRun Winter Training Block, Week Five, Day 2, a day of fartlek

January 31, 2023

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Subscribe to RunBlogRun's Global News Feed

Wake up to RunBlogRun’s news in your inbox. Sign up for our newsletter and we’ll keep you informed about the Sport you love.

*we hate spam as much as you do

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
USATF / Day Four:  USA’s Assembled Team Is Ready!

Abby Steiner replies via twitter, on the curiosity about her new professional running contract

July 5, 2022
What happened to the crowd at Eugene?

What happened to the crowd at Eugene?

July 17, 2022
Oregon 22 World Athletics Champs: False Starts reconsidered

Oregon 22 World Athletics Champs: False Starts reconsidered

November 18, 2022
Wanda Diamond League Final plans, 2023-2027, from World Athletics Website

Wanda Diamond League Final plans, 2023-2027, from World Athletics Website

October 14, 2022
Asafa Powell, Considering Longevity in Sprinting

The RunBlogrun Interview: Asafa Powell

5
What happened to the crowd at Eugene?

What happened to the crowd at Eugene?

5
TCS New York City Marathon Broadcast to be Available in More Than 530 Million Homes Around the World on Sunday, November 6

RunblogRun Editorial: The Sorry State of Running Television Coverage, by Peter Abraham, note by Larry Eder

4
Cary Pinkowski did the Heroic Thing–My letter to CNN on the LSB Chicago Marathon

Cary Pinkowski did the Heroic Thing–My letter to CNN on the LSB Chicago Marathon

3
Mekkonen Set for Dubai Marathon’s “Life-changing” Streets

Mekkonen Set for Dubai Marathon’s “Life-changing” Streets

February 1, 2023
Mara Yamauchi Marathon wisdom Part 1

Marathon Wisdom, Part 2 by Mara Yamauchi

February 1, 2023
Tickets for the Istanbul 2023 European Athletics Indoor Championships are now on sale

European Athletics streaming nine WIT Silver and Bronze events in 2023!

January 31, 2023
Woody Kincaid sets AR for 5,000m, 12:51.61,  in titanic struggle with Joe Klecker, 12:54.99, both under 13 minutes!

Coffee With Larry, the indoor track season is hot, and Dubai Marathon will be offering FREE global streaming!

February 1, 2023

Popular Stories

  • USATF / Day Four:  USA’s Assembled Team Is Ready!

    Abby Steiner replies via twitter, on the curiosity about her new professional running contract

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • What happened to the crowd at Eugene?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Oregon 22 World Athletics Champs: False Starts reconsidered

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Wanda Diamond League Final plans, 2023-2027, from World Athletics Website

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Howard Slusher, RIP, 1937-2022, the man behind the new Hayward Field

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Recent Tweets

RunBlogRun Follow

RunBlogRun comments on the global world of athletics, sports & ethics, and the Olympic movement. RunBlogRun is the voice of the sport.

RunBlogRun
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
12h

May I say that @spectrum's internet service sucks? I just love speaking with the robotic voice on #Spectrum. I am thinking of just bringing an old router up from the basement. More reliable. First ...router ever, from #Flickr.

Reply on Twitter 1620636832705937411 Retweet on Twitter 1620636832705937411 Like on Twitter 1620636832705937411 Twitter 1620636832705937411
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
12h

Watch for our link on the free streaming coverage, with commentating by Paula Radcliffe and Tim Hutchings for the 2023 Dubai Marathon, on February 12, 2023! http://www.dubaimarathon.org, ...#adidasrunning, #dubaimarathon, #dubaidutyfree,

Reply on Twitter 1620632910662598657 Retweet on Twitter 1620632910662598657 Like on Twitter 1620632910662598657 3 Twitter 1620632910662598657
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
14h

On Athletics Club is kicking butt! Great job! https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7026361426478858240-wgNb?utm_source=post_nba&utm_medium=member_desktop&utm_campaign=twitter , @on_running

Reply on Twitter 1620596484961103873 Retweet on Twitter 1620596484961103873 Like on Twitter 1620596484961103873 2 Twitter 1620596484961103873
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
15h

Happy Birthday to Danny Grimes! Humboldt State HOF, OT qualifier. Ran 18 with Danny Grimes and Tim Gruber on Thanksgiving 1983, and in the 1970s with Danny, Bob Lucas, Rob Ripplinger and Jeff ...Nicklin. Great guy, HUGE VO2 max (82 I think). Interviewed Danny's son, Bennett!

Reply on Twitter 1620588467213291520 Retweet on Twitter 1620588467213291520 Like on Twitter 1620588467213291520 Twitter 1620588467213291520
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
22h

COROS and Kilian Jornet Partner on Limited Release APEX 2 Pro, from RunBlogRun, https://www.runblogrun.com/2023/01/coros-and-kilian-jornet-partner-on-limited-release-apex-2-pro.html, @COROSGlobal,
...#kilianjornet

Reply on Twitter 1620482532088348672 Retweet on Twitter 1620482532088348672 4 Like on Twitter 1620482532088348672 Twitter 1620482532088348672
Load More...
Next Post

Rita Jeptoo Repeats for her third Boston Win: Kenyan Joins select group of three time Boston winners, by Dave Hunter

runblogrun

RunBlogRun comments on the global world of athletics, sports & ethics, and the Olympic movement. @runblogrun

Browse by Category

Newsletter

Subscribe to our mailing list to receives daily updates direct to your inbox!

  • Home
  • Archive
  • Contact Us

© 2022 Run Blog Run - All Rights Reserved

No Result
View All Result
  • Archive
  • Contact Us
  • Home page
  • My Account
  • Sample Page

© 2022 Run Blog Run - All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist