In 1999 US distance running was at a low point. At the previous Olympics, Bob Kennedy lead the 5k in the final mile but his career was ending and there were not many athletes lining up to take his place. The 2000 Games was fast approaching and Americans were struggling to get Olympic standards just to make the US team, much less make the final of an event. Keith and Kevin Hanson at the time owned 8 successful shoe stores and they decided to give back to the sport they loved and do something about the lack of depth in U.S. distance running. They created Hansons Distance Project to help develop US distance runners. The goal was to give runners coming out of college, that could not get a shoe contract, a chance to continue to compete on a high level. The 2004 Trials was a coming out party for the now well seasoned Hansons-Brooks Distance Project: Brian Sell lead for a majority of the race and Hansons-Brooks teammates Trent Briney and Clint Verran finished 4th and 5th, respectively. The 2004 trials solidified Kevin and Keith's belief in the Hansons-Brooks program.
Doing well at the trials is not the goal on Nov 3rd. Top 3 and a trip to the Olympics Games is on the team's mind.
Hansons-Brooks has changed our sport for the better and Flotrack is going to go along for the ride in NYC. We will be getting a ton of interviews and footage of the the Hansons-Brooks' athletes and coaches at the most anticipated marathon........ Can I say ever? I know it is for me, but I am just a young pup. I am pumped because like Flotrack, Hansons-Brooks is all about the grassroots approach. Stay tuned all week as we go back stage with Hansons-Brooks.
No, you're wrong hot stuff, Clint doesn't know his running stuff. Times/PR's define you're abilities as a runner, what the heck are you talking about "who you are as a runner"??? The quote that you've given is horsehockey at best. Clint didn't beat Stefano Baldini in Helsinki, Clint ran 2:17:42 for 22nd place, Stefano dropped out!!!!! Anything can happen? Yes, only if you've got proven credentials. A 2:14 marathoner who is basically banking on runners to drop out to make him look better. That quote that he gave is embarrassing at best. He didn't beat Baldini, Baldini dropped out because it wasn't happening. Then Clint also beat Hendrick Ramaala that day based off that theory. Clint is overrated in his own mind and I never said he was a bad guy, but he is not a top marathoner or even close. Can you explain why he hasn't run faster than 2:14 for over 7 years of training with the Hanson's???? Every time I bring that up to a top runner, they say something like "that's true" or "good point". If I were a 2:14 marathoner I would be ashamed of myself to say that I deserve to be in the top 3 in a race such as the Olympic Trials. How does he deserve to be in the top 3? Can you explain that hot stuff? I'm all ears!! He doesn't have it, period!
Clint's not a bad guy. He knows his running stuff. Times/PR's should not define who you are as a runner.
"The marathon is about managing time. I've beaten some of best marathoners in the world including 2004 Olympic gold medalist Stefano Baldini at the World Championships in Helsinki. So anything can happen in the marathon." Verran.
Told ya, told ya, told ya! Ryan and Ritz go one two, and Abdi was forced out unfortunately by an injury. Clint Verran was not in the top 8 or even close. He is a poser. Brian has a true chance and I actually picked him 4th in a running pool. He was 3rd and I'm glad he proved me wrong my one position. So long Clint!!! A 2:14 marathoner never had a chance in this field, plain and simple.
And for those of you who think I'm a mean jerk, you are wrong. Clint is and always has been a 2:14 marathoner for the last 7 years!!! There is nothing wrong with that, but that's what he is. Winning the trials or being in the top 3, give me a break and yes I am from Michigan and have met both guys. Nice doesn't cut the mustard. Dathan, Ryan, and Abdi are not taking a back seat to Clint Verran and don't go by Dathan's one time marathon, that is ridiculous at best. Clint's not going to improve and run 2:12 on a tougher course than he ran his pr on just because it's the Olympic Trials race. His ability has shown itself for the last 7 years. Trent Briney improved so much in 04 because he ran slow in Chicago to just qualify, therefore the HUGE improvement that everyone spoke of when he ended up 4th.
Conclusion........Clint will not make the team and has absolutely no chance. An unknown who qualified with a 10k race has a better chance because they've never run a marathon. You can post here and tell me I was right tomorrow after noon. Mike Mo. from Michigan
Clint is nuts and has no chance to make the team. Look at his times and get a reality check. He can't even hang with Brian in a workout, but he's going to do it in a race. Nice guy or not, he's not making the team and will be lucky to be in the top 10 at the finish line. Don't go by 04', that was not the field that will be assembled tomorrow. He is was too overrated in his own mind. Brian has true chance, not Clint.
Brian and Clint - Friendly Competition
"The marathon is about managing time. I've beaten some of best marathoners in the world including 2004 Olympic gold medalist Stefano Baldini at the World Championships in Helsinki. So anything can happen in the marathon." Verran.
Conclusion........Clint will not make the team and has absolutely no chance. An unknown who qualified with a 10k race has a better chance because they've never run a marathon. You can post here and tell me I was right tomorrow after noon. Mike Mo. from Michigan