Boston Marathon Monday

The 114th running of the BAA Boston Marathon is, of course, tomorrow.
I don't get excited about much, but major marathons are like Christmas to me. Except better, because I don't even like Christmas.
The weeks and days leading up to the Boston marathon are filled with prevailing anxiety.
I may not sleep tonight.

A big part of the excitement surrounding this years edition is no doubt due to Ryan Hall having a definite shot at taking Beantown crown.

When the elite field was initially announced, it was a formidable one, full of fast PR's and ex-champs, experienced road warriors and fresh faced young guns.

Since then, 4-time champ Robert Cheruiyot, has withdrawn with a hip injury.
2008 Chicago champ, Evans Cheruiyot has withdrawn.

Defending champ, Deriba Merga has DNF'd twice this year, in his only two races and said on Thurs. he is not in to shape due to "troubles at home" complicating his training.

NYC champ and the other American hopeful, Meb Keflezhighi has been battling a knee injury since early winter, hampering his training. He says it's still bothering him.

So what is standing in the way of one Ryan Hall from walking away with the win and into history, fame, and fortune(?)?

Well, two major things.
One, he's American.
Two, he's white.

And then there's 33y-o Moroccan Abderrahim Goumri. With a 2:05:30 PR, and 2nd place finishes in London, Chicago, and NYC.
Is this HIS time to finally step into the spotlight? Or is he forever the bridesmaid?

You also can't ignore the 4-6 other young 2:07-2:08 guys looking to make a name for themselves with their first shot at a major marathon.


So how will this story end? The best possible storyline would be Hall and Meb, side by side with 4-5 miles to go. Another "dual in the sun".
The chase pack 100 yards back.
Stride for stride, step for step they go into the final mile.
A surge from Meb.
A response from Hall.
Again side by side, half mile to go.
Hall surges. This is his final move.
Meb is hurting. He's digging deep but can't match it.
Meb is 5 strides back.
10 strides back.
400 to go.
Hall is flying.
200 to go.
It's all his.
100 to go. He's pointing to the heavens.
The crowd is going nuts. Larry Rawson finally shuts up. This moment needs no senseless commentary.
50 to go. Hall sheds the shades. Praise to the Lord.
And out of nowhere Abderrahim Goumri appears like a flash of lightning and breaks the tape just ahead of Hall.

The end.