by Larry Eder
PORTLAND, OREGON (USA): Shalane Flanagan has one goal for the Berlin Marathon on September 28: the U.S. record, reports RunnersWorld.com. The current mark, set by Deena Kastor, in London (2006) is 2:19:36. Flanagan will have two designated pacemakers to help her attack the record, which has stood since 2006. “I’m going to do everything I can get the record,” said the 33 year old, who set her PB of 2:22:02 in Boston this year.
(Shalane Flanagan is focused on this goal. The BMW Berlin Marathon is the place to run the AR this fall, with a fast and downhill section from 38k to the finish. Shalane has a bronze medal from the 10,000 meters in Beijing in 2008.
Under the watchful eye of Coach Jerry Schumacher, Shalane Flanagan has developed into one of the top marathoners in the world. Her Boston marathon last year, with her battling at the front for nearly twenty miles, gave her a current PB of 2:22.02.
The marathon is as tough mentally as it is physically. Those successful at the distance know that the distance demands respect. Shalane Flanagan knows that lesson, and sees, perhaps that going for the AR is a defining moment in her career.
We wish Shalane Flanagan an excellent run in Berlin! )
