My favorite was this steeplechaser Brian Olinger, who went with Hall's batshit first half at the 2012 trials. Dude had never raced over nine miles, if I remember right. Needless to say, he did not survive a 63-minute first half. Read more

For sure. Another guy not on the list but noteworthy is Brett Gotcher. Dude had a bad Boston, 2:17, but he debuted at 2:10 in 2010. He's 29, and he was fifth at the 2012 trials. Even if you get it right the first time, it can be a crap shoot. Read more

If there's a reason for Salazar's drive, it's competition. So who's he going to use to compete in the U.S. marathon? Puskedra hasn't stopped flirting with the roads since joining NOP, having much more of a road presence than any other of their athletes save Ritz. Puskedra is primed, and he's shown proclivity for the… Read more

Exactly. And do you remember what the circumstances were around it? He did it as a collegian after missing most of XC season. It was his first time. 61:36. He could be very, very good. Read more

Got to like your picks of Boit and Biwott. They've both been getting so good, so fast since gaining citizenship, and they race like the East Africans. Boston is the second time Boit's had his ass hanging in the wind, his runner-up finish at the 2013 USA Marathon Champs being the first. Both guys are 61-minute… Read more

WHAT ABOUT LUKE PUSKEDRA?! Read more

It is a beautiful thing to see a good runner in full flight. Read more

1) The guy caught the ball. Read more

Hold on, let me check with Ray before I reply. Read more

I'd go with that. Despise weakness more than strength. Read more