Running Toward the White Light

Haile Gebrselassie
Berlin Marathon
2008
2:03:59

In my previous post, Marathon by the Numbers, the photo suggests that another person achieved the world's fastest marathon time.  The picture shows a Caucasian runner with Haile's name and time in the caption just below his feet suggesting he's the dude that shattered the 2 hour, 4 minute marathon. I'd like to clear up any misconception, after all Haile is my hero.

Here's the actual picture of Haile crossing the line in Berlin in 2008 with an astounding time of 2 hours, 3 minutes, 59 seconds.

Let's consider 2 hours, 3 minutes, 59 seconds to put in to perspective.

• 123 minutes, 59 seconds
• 7,439 seconds
• 283.93 seconds per mile

or, cut to the chase, Haile sustained an average pace of 4 minute, 43 second per mile for the full duration of the marathon.  Next time you're trying a speed work out try to maintain that pace for 1 mile!

Go here for what it would take to smash the 2 hour marathon.

Go here for Haile's retirement announcement (bring tissues, it's sad).

We had an excellent 21 mile run today (our average pace was just slightly slower than Haile's ;>).  All in all it was a great day, dry pavement, cloudy, cool, and a little humid.  If only race day would have such favourable condition.

Quote of the day..

"We run toward the white light, the white light of enlightenment".

It was, and still is, a really great day to be alive.

Peace and strong legs to all of you.

Mike