12/26/2020
Just a few months ago, the veteran American distance runner Sara Hall seemed to be facing her own version of pandemic misery. She had failed to qualify for
the Olympics, dropping out of her last two marathons. Now everything was canceled and she was caring for four daughters at home.
She was 37, an age when many elite athletes’ careers start winding down.
Would she get another chance to prove herself?
As it turned out, she created one. On Sunday, at an elite race in Arizona called the Marathon Project, Ms. Hall ran the second-fastest marathon ever for an American woman. It was more than just a hard-fought victory. This year she has become a powerful example of how resilience — built from pushing through years, even decades, of setbacks — can reap unexpected rewards.
Especially this year.
Our culture embraces stories about winners, but Ms. Hall’s story hasn’t been so simple. She spent most of her career outside of the spotlight — always excellent but rarely the best. In her sport, success is often measured by making the Olympics; Ms. Hall never has. She spent much of her career in the shadow of her record-setting husband, Ryan Hall.
Through it all, she was always out there training: steadily, quietly, unglamorous. It was unclear whether the work would ever pay off.
But 2020 is perfect for people who have learned how to be scrappy. Right now, the ability to grind is a superpower in itself. And Ms. Hall is used to striving without guarantees.
“My whole career has been learning how to say: ‘OK, I just missed out on what I wanted so badly. What opportunities do I still have?’” Ms. Hall said in an interview this week. “In the pandemic, it was the same. I had to think: ‘I know what I can’t do. But what is still on the table?’
It wound up leading to some of the best training in my life.”
For me, an athlete who grew up behind Ms. Hall (in both age and speed), watching her thrive this year has been surprisingly moving. I was one of thousands of girls across America in the 2000s who realized sports could serve as a vehicle for our ambition, and we tried our very best. Ms. Hall actually was the best: a national champion from California who got top grades and always found something kind to say about anyone she beat. She went to Stanford and thrived there too. She was so good — I figured she would be famous someday.
Now we’ve grown up. I learned that who makes history is complicated — but there are other ways to find satisfaction. Watching Ms. Hall’s kept pushing was so exciting, even if it was mostly for herself. Seeing her finally succeed more than two decades later, in the pandemic, through a dogged and sometimes thankless career, has felt like a catharsis, vicariously at least.
It’s not to say that we all should go out and run a marathon in the middle of a pandemic. (I certainly haven’t). This is not just Ms. Hall’s passion; it’s her job. But her success made me hope that the rest of us might also still have something to look forward to.
It made me wonder if in some ways there could be a long-term benefit to losing. Nobody likes it, but not getting what you want, for decades, could help you find other, more creative reasons to keep showing up. Reasons that are less about outside rewards and more about yourself.
Working outside the spotlight of success lets you experiment and try things differently, too. In Ms. Hall’s case, she trains alone, swapping in new challenging workouts — even running two major races 11 weeks apart this fall, the kind of milestones many athletes pace out over years. And she successfully integrated other parts of her life into her career: Since she adopted four daughters in 2015, she has taken more than 27 minutes off her marathon time.
“We can be an instant-gratification culture, but I’ve had to cultivate a long-term approach to my career,” Ms. Hall said. “I figured as long as I could keep working on my craft, chipping away, finding joy in the mundane, then that had to be enough.”
When everything else is hard, and we’re balancing so much, and we’re still going somehow — why not just shoot for the most audacious thing you can come up with? The worst thing that could happen couldn’t be much harder than where we are. And if this year has taught us anything, it is that we may not have more time.
After Ms. Hall lost what was probably her last chance to make the Olympics, she went back to her bathroom mirror, where she had written “Olympic Marathon Trials Champion” and replaced it with an even harder goal: “American Marathon record-holder.”
And then she got to work. At first, all she could do in lockdown was race a half marathon on her treadmill. Then she raced a half marathon alone on a bike path, running even faster. Then the London Marathon invited a few athletes to a small, safe, elite staging of the race in October. Ms. Hall became the first American to reach the medal podium in 14 years.
Last weekend, she sought to be the best in American history.
As she closed in on the finish, she exploded into a sprint. Her face was strained, an expression of pure effort. She runs the same now as she did in high school: explosively. I realized how much I missed seeing women performing on a public stage like that: unabashedly ambitious. No matter your speed and regardless of your gender, there’s something universal and authentic about the look of determination when you’re trying your best. You can’t fake it.
In the end, Ms. Hall didn’t have her fairy tale ending. She didn’t hit her goal — her time was 2:20:32, second best in history, less than a minute off the mark.
But it was far better than a year ago, before the world shut down.
“The pandemic drew something out of me I didn’t know I had,” Ms. Hall said. “At times I felt sorry for myself. But if there’s anything I learned this year, any opportunity is something to be grateful for. Take it while you can.”
When you fail a lot, your “why” becomes really strong.
I’ve learned not to judge from afar people who are in the arena. Just as you’re probably trying the best you can, so is everyone else. Trying to have my first reflex be empathy.
Rarely do we know the full story.
Thanks @lindsaycrouse for sharing my story of how this helped me make 2020 my best year yet.
“Distance running is just as much mental as physical, it’s what I love about running.
“The secret to happiness is freedom…And the secret to freedom is courage”
When I can get into a flow state, and my mind and body are in unison – it’s a beautiful feeling.” – Sara Hall, ASICS Elite Athlete
To celebrate the culmination of Women’s History Month as well as Women’s Running Power Women of the Year cover featuring Sara Hall, four ASICS team members joined a virtual conversation that covered everything from inspiration and innovation to advancements in product development (and the increasing role athletes like Hall play in that process), plus their hopes and goals for 2021; moderated by Women’s Running Editor-in-Chief Jen Ator.
WATCH: ASICS – Sound Mind, Sound Body™ I Sara Hall | Facebook
Sara Hall, ASICS Elite Athlete
Hall, 37, is an American distance runner who has excelled in the sport of running since high school. Hall grew up in Santa Rosa, California where she won four state cross country titles, three state track titles and won the National High School Cross Country Championships.
RELATED: Sara Hall is Running With Her Whole Heart
She would go on to attend Stanford University where she was a seven-time All-American and three-time track and field runner up in the 5000m and 3000m. While attending Stanford, Hall competed in the 5000m finals of the United States Olympic Trials.
In the past few years, Hall has won several marathons including the 2018 Ottawa Marathon, 2018 Gold Coast Half Marathon and 2017 USA Women’s Marathon Championship. Most recently, Hall finished second at the 2020 London Marathon with a personal best (at the time) of 2:22:01. Just two months later, Hall finished first at The Marathon Project in Chandler, Arizona, securing a new personal best and second fastest women’s American marathon time of 2:20:32.
Hall married fellow runner, Ryan Hall, whom she met at college. In 2015, the couple became parents to four sisters who they adopted in Ethiopia. Their oldest is following in their footsteps currently running at the collegiate level.
RELATED: The Road to Sara Hall’s London Marathon PR
WATCH: Sara Hall and ASICS Celebrate Women’s History Month (womensrunning.com)
Sara Hall, ASICS COMMERCIAL – Bing video
Sound Mind, Sound Body™ I Sara Hall
Sara Hall (née Bei; born April 15, 1983) is a professional American distance runner. She won the 3000 meter steeplechase at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico representing the United States.[1] Hall’s personal best time for the marathon is 2:20:32 set at the Marathon Project in Chandler, Arizona on December 22, 2020, making her the second fastest American woman in history.[2][3]
Hall has won several notable mile road races including the Drake Relays Grand Blue Mile and the US National Road Mile Championships.[4][5] She also has won prestigious 1500 meter titles including one at the Millrose Games.[6] She is a two time world team member for the United States at the world indoor track and field championships. Her best finish came in 2006 where she finished 12th in the finals of the 3000 meters at the 11th IAAF World Indoor championships. She was also a member of the 2006 and 2015 United States world cross country championship team.
Hall won the 2012 American title at the USA Cross Country Championships, edging Molly Huddle at the line.[7]
Contents:
1 Early life and high school
2 College
3 Career
4 Personal life
5 References
6 External links
Early life and high school.
Hall was born in Santa Rosa, California and competed for Montgomery High School,
winning four state cross country titles. At the CIF California State Meet she also earned three state track titles in the 1600 and 3200 meters, and won the Footlocker National High School Cross Country Championships in 2000.
College.
Hall was a three-time NCAA track and field runner up in the 5000 meters and indoor 3000 meters, and a 7-time All-American, competing for Stanford University. In 2003, she finished 3rd at the NCAA Women’s Cross Country Championship, leading Stanford to a team title. As a college athlete she competed in the finals of the United States Olympic trials in the 5000 meters.
Career:
2015
On March 15, 2015 Hall made her marathon debut at the Los Angeles Marathon and battled through cramps, finishing 22nd with a time of 2:48:02 (6:25 minutes/mile).[8][9][10][11]
On March 28, 2015 Hall led the USA Team with a 20th place 2015 IAAF World Cross Country Championships – Senior women’s race after placing 5th at 2015 Boulder USA Cross Country Championships.[12]
Sara finished 10th at 2015 Chicago marathon in 2:31:14, running an Olympic Standard time.
[13] 2016
Hall improved her marathon best with 2:30:06 on April 24, 2016, finishing 12th at the 2016 London Marathon.[14]
2017
On February 26, 2017, Hall again improved her marathon best with a 2:28:26 sixth place performance at the 2017 Tokyo Marathon. [15]
On October 1, 2017, Hall won the Women’s US 10 mile road championship in the Twin Cities, in 53:43, 2 seconds ahead of Natosha Rogers.[16] She narrowly lost the equalizer competition male winner Shadrack Kipchirchir, but later it was discovered the women were supposed to be given a 6:18 lead, while they were actually given 6:10, so both runners were give the $10,000.[17]
On October 29, 2017, Hall again improved her marathon best with a 2:27:21 fifth place performance at the 2017 Mainova Frankfurt Marathon.[18]
On December 3, 2017, Hall won the Women’s U.S. Marathon in California at 2017 California International Marathon in 2:28:10.[19]
2018.
On May 27, Hall was third in the 2018 Ottawa Marathon in 2:26:19.[20]
In July 2018, Hall placed 3rd at Women’s US 10 km road championship at Peachtree 10K in 32:41.
On September 3, 2018, Hall won the Women’s US 20 km road championship at Faxon Law New Haven Road Race 20 km in New Haven, Connecticut in 1:09:04.
On October 7, 2018, Hall won the Women’s US 10 mile road championship in the Twin Cities, in 52:47, repeating her 2017 victory and edging out Molly Huddle by 1 second.[21]
2019.
On September 29, 2019, Hall finished fifth in the Berlin Marathon, finishing in a personal best time of 2:22:16.[22]
Just one week later, on October 6, 2019, she won the USATF 10 mile championships for the third time in a row in a time of 53:11.[23]
2020.
On October 4, 2020, Hall finished 2nd in 2:22:01 at the 2020 London Marathon behind Brigid Kosgei.
[24]
What shoes was Sara Hall wearing for the 2020 London Marathon? (runnersworld.com)
On December 20, 2020, Hall finished first at the Marathon Project in a personal best 2:20:32 in Chandler, Arizona, running with male pacers with the goal of breaking the US record, missing Deena Kastor‘s 2:19:36 record by just under one minute.[25][26]
Personal life.
Sara Hall has been married to U.S. Olympic marathoner Ryan Hall since 2005. The two met at Stanford, where they both competed collegiately. In 2009, they formed the Hall Steps Foundation to empower the running community to use the energy and resources that fuel runners’ athletic achievements for social justice efforts. Both are committed Christians.[27] The couple adopted 4 sisters in 2015.[28]
References.
^ “Athletics Results Women’s 3000m Steeplechase Final”. Info.guadalajara2011.org.mx. Retrieved 2011-12-22.
^ “Sara Hall’s Race Results”. The Marathon Project. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
^ Butler, Sarah Lorge (20 December 2020). “Sara Hall Runs the Second-Fastest Marathon in American History at The Marathon Project”. Runner’s World. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
^ “Drake Relays: Alan Webb, Sara Hall win Grand Blue Mile”. Chris Nickinson. Retrieved 7 Apr 2016.
^ “USA Track & Field – Torrence makes it three in a row; Hall takes women’s title at USA 1 Mile Road Championships”. Usatf.org. 2011-12-05. Retrieved 2011-12-22.
^ “USA Track & Field – New champions crowned at 104th Millrose Games”. Usatf.org. 2011-01-28. Retrieved 2011-12-22.
^ Estes, Jim (2012-02-12). Hall and Mack take USA XC titles. IAAF. Retrieved on 2012-02-12.
^ Runner’s World – March 12, 2015 – Sara Hall Makes Her Marathon Debut Sunday in Los Angeles
^ 2015 Los Angeles Marathon results
^ Sara Hall Twitter – March 15, 2015 1:00pm
^ My Debut Marathon by Sara Hall
^ http://www.legacy.usatf.org/usatf/files/f9/f993f31b-b8d1-433e-95ec-388afaf1b486.pdf
^ “Florence Kiplagat Pulls Away Late to Win the Chicago Marathon”. Runner’s World. 11 October 2015. Retrieved 2015-10-11.
^ 2016 London Marathon Results
^ 2017 Tokyo Marathon Results
^ “2017 Medtronic TC 10 Mile – USA Women’s Championships Race Results”.
^ http://www.startribune.com/timing-error-at-tc-10-mile-results-in-new-champion/449635953/
^ 2017 Frankfurt Marathon Results
^ Sara Hall, Tim Ritchie win USATF Marathon Championships at CIM FloTrack. 2017 December.
^ “Results 2018: Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend”. 28 May 2018.
^ “2018 Medtronic TC 10 Mile – USA Women’s Championships Race Results”.
^ “Results: BMW Berlin Marathon 2019 | Watch Athletics”.
^ “USATF 10 Mile Championships presented by Toyota – Official Website – News – 2019 Live Updates / Results – USATF 10 Mile Championships”.
^ “Shura Kitata upsets Eliud Kipchoge to win the London Marathon, USA’s Sara Hall finishes second in the women’s race”.
^ “Athlinks”.
^ “Sara Hall runs the second-fastest marathon ever by American woman”. 20 December 2020.
^ Ryan and Sara Hall Adopt 4 Ethiopian Sisters Competitor.com
External links.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sara Hall.
official website
Sara Hall at World Athletics
Sara Hall on Twitter
USA Cross Country Championships female winners
USA Championship winners in the women’s 5K run
USA Championship winners in the women’s 10K run
US National Championship winners in Women’s Marathon
Pan American Games champions in women’s 3000 meters steeplechase
This Is the Most Popular Cheap Beer in Your State, New Research Shows (msn.com)
The Unhappiest States in America (moneywise.com)
(1) 25 states where the happiest Americans live – Bing