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Volume 20, Number 1, Fall 2015
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Shalane Flanagan, Emily Infeld, and Molly Huddle
2015 World Championships
AO-Fall-2015.qxp_Layout 1 10/26/15 11:31 AM Page 1

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CONTENTS
5 Beijing Diaries: Day 2
6 Women’s 10,000m IAAF World Championships
8 Aries Merritt’s Biggest Hurdle
10 Asbel Kiprop: The Real Gentleman
11 An Interview with David Rudisha
12 Dafne Schippers and Her Changing Fortunes
13 An Interview with Mike Rodgers
14 Fall Shoe Review
24 Usain Bolt
25 Beijing Stories: Christian Taylor, Ashton Eaton
29 Evan Jager
I I I
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ON THE COVER:
Shalane Flanagan, Emily Infeld, Molly Huddle

Beijing Diaries
Christian Taylor is a clutch jumper, among
many other things. This guy can pull out
a final effort that wins competitions. I for-
got that fact when I was in Lausanne,
France and let myself be distracted after
Taylor leaped 18.02 meters on his fifth
jump. On his sixth jump, Taylor leaped
18.06 meters! I learned my lesson.
So I was prepared in Beijing. I
watched each jump of Pedro Pichardo
and Christian Taylor.
What a magnificent night!
In August 1995 at the World Champs
in Göteborg, Sweden, Jonathan Edwards
put the triple jump into the stratosphere
with his 18.29 meters, becoming the first
man to jump over 60 feet! In that compe-
tition Edwards broke the world record
twice!
That was my first World Champi-
onships, and that world record was amaz-
ing. Edwards was both competitor and
viewer. He wasn’t sure that it had hap-
pened. And then, when he did it again,
both he and the crowd gasped.
It was truly something special.
The triple jump in Beijing will be re-
membered by many as a similar night.
Pichardo, he of the 18.08 meter leap,
started off the final with 17.52 meters to
get things going. Taylor opened with
16.85 meters.
In the second round Pichardo leaped
17.44 meters. Taylor countered with 17.49.
Then it got weird.
Pichardo increased his lead with a
17.60 meter effort. Taylor countered—
with another 17.60 meter leap! They were
tied.
In the next round the wily Cuban
leaped 17.33 meters. The wily American
leaped 17.68 meters, taking the lead for
the first time.
In round 5, Taylor leaped 17.22 me-
ters. Pichardo responded with 17.52.
Omar Craddock moved into third with his
17.37 meter leap in the fifth attempt.
In the final round Nelson Evora of
Portugal put it together and moved into
the bronze medal position, pushing Crad-
dock back to fourth place.
Then, it happened.
In that moment when perfect timing
comes into play, Taylor did it all right.
Each portion of his jump was better than
the one before. He still had some room
before the plasticine, then BOOM!
We knew it was big, really big.
So did Taylor, although I’m not sure
he actually recognized how far he’d gone.
Then it came up on the board: 18.21
meters! 59 feet, 9 inches!
Christian Taylor had just accom-
plished the second longest jump in his-
tory!
His world-leader also made him the
American record holder, breaking Kenny
Harrison’s gold-medal record of 18.09m,
set at the ‘96 Olympic Games in Atlanta.
Taylor waited for Pichardo to jump.
Pichardo, to his credit, responded
with a long jump, 17.73m, but it wasn’t
going to challenge Taylor.
This was Christian Taylor’s night.
Rana Reider, Taylor’s coach, came over
and gave him an embrace. It was nice
to see that. They’ve been close for a
long time. Martyn Rooney, British
400m runner and Euro champion,
told me recently that Taylor is the
hardest workout performer he’d
ever seen. He also noted that a big
jump had been only a matter of
time.
After I missed Taylor’s former PB
of 18.06m in Lausanne, Taylor sent me
a tweet that it was okay, as there would
be longer jumps to come.
He was right.
18 meters, 21 centimeters!
Unbelievable.
And on the sixth jump!
Day 2 Always, always watch the
last jump of Christian Taylor
By Larry Eder
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5Fall 2015
atf-athlete.com
Christian Taylor at the World
Championships in Beijing

6 Fall 2015
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Women’s 10,000M
If ever a moment exemplified the fine, fickle margins that separate agony
from ecstasy, success from failure in sport, it was the climax of the women’s
10,000m final at last month’s IAAF World Championships in Beijing. For
one American athlete – Emily Infeld – there was stunned joy at the finish,
the 25-year-old’s face lighting up in a glow of jubilation after snatching a
surprise bronze medal.
For US teammate Molly Huddle though – who had eased up in the
final 20 meters, surrendering third place just before the finish – there was
nothing but a look of despair.
It was the full spectrum of everything this sport is: clinically objec-
tive, yet sometimes grossly unfair; emotionally uplifting, but often cloaked
in gut-wrenching dejection.
IAAF World ChampionshipsBy Cathal Dennehy
Molly Huddle, Shalane Flanagan, Emily Infeld at the World Championships
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For the victorious to be anointed as champions, dozens of others
must lose – the burden of failure coming to rest on their tactics, their
training, or other shortcoming.
For Molly Huddle, though, there was no one to blame but herself,
and the 30-year-old – who had taken the lead for much of the final kilo-
meter and only surrendered the bronze medal right at the line – knew as
much afterward.
“I blew it, pretty much,” she said. “I let up, and Emily was right there
with more momentum. I thought there was no one battling me down the
home stretch, but she was there the whole way, and I just wish I had that
one last step.”
With Vivian Cheruiyot of Kenya taking gold in 31:41.31 and Gelete
Burka of Ethiopia silver in 31:41.77, it was left to Huddle and Infeld to
scrap for the bronze. Although Infeld was visibly delighted by coming out
on top, she couldn’t help but feel for her older teammate.
“It stinks, because she’s worked so hard,” said Infeld. “Molly is so
great, so sweet. I saw her after the race and immediately burst into tears
and [Huddle] said, ‘Those better be happy tears.’ I just wanted to give her
a hug, but there was nothing really you can say.”
Afterward, Huddle bravely faced the press and
tried to summon some words to describe the race, but
Infeld was right; in a situation like that, what could
she really say to make it better?
“I blew it in the last steps,” said Huddle. “I don’t know when that
chance will come again. The Olympics are usually really fast from the gun.
I’m old, so I’m probably not going to get another one of those. This will
take a lot of time to get over.”
Get over it, though, she did.
Showing a level of resilience for which she is renowned, Huddle
bounced back from the sucker punch of Beijing by taking victory at the US
20K Championships in New Haven, CT on Sept. 7 before going on to win
the US 5K Championships in Providence, RI on Sept. 20, running 15:12.
While Huddle may not be keen to relive the pain of Beijing, her mis-
take was what allowed her younger teammate to step into the international
limelight for the first time, and Infeld, at least, will have happily replayed
the race several times over the past month.
“I had no idea I got it,” said Infeld of her photo finish with Huddle.
“I saw Molly letting up. She didn’t know how close I was. I was trying to
give it everything I had right to the line.”
That lesson, as it turns out, had been drilled into her by her Bower-
man Track Club training partner, Shalane Flanagan, over the previous
couple of months.
At the US Championships in late June, Infeld surprised many by
making the team, but not Flanagan, who had trained alongside Infeld and
mentored her for much of the year.
“We’ve been all about closing,” said Flanagan in Beijing, shortly after
finishing sixth in the final in 31:46.23. “I beat Emily at nationals and
we’ve been working on running through the line since then. I feel like I’m
living vicariously through her. We literally do everything together, and
I’m taking a lot of pride in what she’s done.”
In Beijing, Infeld was quick to credit the influence of Flanagan after
a period in which she returned from the depths of injury hell in February
– having not run a step for two of the last 12 months due to a sacral stress
fracture – to become a global medalist in August.
“I have the best teammates. I’m so grateful to them,” said Infeld.
“Shalane is phenomenal; she works so hard, loves it so much, and is so
dedicated. It’s one of those things you have to fully commit to and she
does it the right way. It’s a lifestyle.”
In the six months leading up to Beijing, Infeld lived that lifestyle
like never before.
After coming back from injury, Infeld hit the pool for two to three
hours a day through the spring, trying to regain fitness for the outdoor
season, but it was a slow process.
It wasn’t until the US Championships in June that the World Cham-
pionships loomed as a realistic proposition. A medal was never in her
mind, at least not until coach Jerry Schumacher spoke to her and Flanagan
shortly before the event got under way.
“Coming into Beijing, Jerry said to us, ‘You have a chance to medal.
You guys are just as good as Molly. The Americans can do something really,
really special,’” recalled Infeld.
As the 10,000m field entered the final kilometer, Flanagan realized
Schumacher’s confidence was well-founded. “I was getting chills those last
few laps,” she said. “We had three American women fighting for medals.
The coaches told us all three women can be contending. I believed them
but didn’t believe as much in myself.”
Although Flanagan had to make do with sixth and Huddle fourth,
their efforts weren’t forgotten despite Infeld’s deservedly taking the lime-
light with her bronze medal.
The race, in the end, was many things: It was a lesson to Huddle and
young athletes everywhere about the importance of running through the
line. It was a demonstration of the value of the persistence and never-say-
die attitude of Infeld. And it was also an exposition of all that is beautiful
and brutal about high-level sport.
Above all, though, it was proof – if it were needed – that when it
comes to US distance running, the tide is irrepressibly rising once more.

For virtually all the hundreds of international athletes
who have traveled to Beijing from all corners of the
globe to compete in this 15th IAAF World Champi-
onships in Athletics, their competitions here not only
represent the most important and unforgettable mo-
ment in their lives, but also pose the greatest challenge
they will ever face. But this is not the case for American
hurdle star Aries Merritt.
The 30-year-old Merritt—the world record
holder and reigning Olympic champion in the 110
meter high hurdles—is facing an even greater moment
and challenge in his life. Upon arriving in China, Mer-
ritt met with IAAF officials and revealed that for the
last two years he had been battling a deteriorating kid-
ney situation that would require an immediate and
delicate transplant surgery promptly upon the conclu-
sion of these championships. Merritt’s communication
with the IAAF about his critical kidney situation and
the subsequent release of this information by the
media represented the first public news of Merritt’s pri-
vate medical struggle.
Knowledge of the world record holder’s kidney
dysfunction helped promote understanding of the
hurdle star’s lackluster performances over the past two
years. After a storybook year in 2012—when the
Georgia native perfected his seven-step approach, won
the World Indoor hurdle championship, struck 110H
Olympic gold in the London Games, and concluded
his year with a flawlessly executed and breathtaking
world record [12.80] high hurdle race on a windless
night in Brussels—his listless hurdle performances over
the past two outdoor seasons had confounded all who
follow track & field.
Merritt’s kidney issues, which emerged late in the
summer of 2013, stem from a rare genetic disorder
found predominantly in African-Americans. Cur-
rently, the hurdle star is struggling with 20% kidney
function. After Friday’s finals, Merritt will fly back to
the US to Phoenix where he’ll meet his sister Latoya
Hubbard—his donor—for a kidney transplant, sched-
uled to be performed Tuesday morning, Sept. 1.
The former University of Tennessee athlete has
embraced these championships as not only an athletic
opportunity, but also as a coping mechanism to allow
him to transfer his focus away from the delicate sur-
gery that awaits him and his sister. His first two per-
formances in the Bird’s Nest stunned both Merritt and
his followers. In Wednesday morning’s opening round,
Merritt skimmed the hurdles in 13.25 to win his heat
and advance to the next round. In Thursday evening’s
semifinals, Merritt again claimed victory, winning his
semi in a sparkling, cleanly run 13.08. His clocking
was his season’s best, his quickest in the last two years,
and the fastest time of all the semifinalists here. After
his semi, the incredibly composed winner addressed
the media in the mixed zone. “It’s my season’s best this
year [13.08],” declared Merritt to the assembled press.
“I’m very pleased with that. And I’m just pleased to be
here. I am pleased to be able to put everything together
in the semifinal. And hopefully I can put it together
again for one more race tomorrow. And hopefully I’ll
make the podium.”
Merritt was happy to offer his analysis of his crisp
and clean semifinal performance. “The race was very
clean. I executed my start very well. And then I just
tried to build my momentum from there,” he ex-
plained. “I executed my race. I tried to be very clean
over the hurdles because I’ve been having that issue
where I’ve been hitting hurdles all year. It’s been not
clean. It’s been ugly. And so I really wanted to clean it
up and have a technically sound race. And I pulled
that off here today.” When pressed to explain why
he—in the face of his health woes and all that awaits
him back in the States—is just now starting to look
15th IAAF World Championships in Athletics/Squawks from the Bird’s Nest
By David Hunter
It has only been in the last few days that Aries Merritt publicly revealed that he had a rare genetic disorder, predomi-
nantly found in African-Americans, that will require surgery on Sept. 1. On Friday night, Aug. 28, at 9:20 p.m.
Beijing local time, Aries Merritt will be lining up for the 110 meter hurdle final.
On Sept. 1, in Phoenix, Aries Merritt will enter a hospital to receive, from his sister, a kidney transplant, as his
kidneys are working at only 20% of capacity.
Here is his story ...

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9Fall 2015
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more like the Merritt of old, the hurdle star confessed, “I have no idea.”
When asked how he can possibly concentrate on his event with
the upcoming critical surgery less than a week away, the Olympic
champion calmly explained how he has turned the medical situation
to his advantage. “It’s been mentally tough for me to compete and to
take losses and to know that you’re the best ever and to not be able to
perform at your best. But I’m not thinking about that right now,” ex-
plained Merritt. “I’m thinking about just execution and trying to be
the best that I can through every round. And now that I’m in the final
I’m going to try to do the exact same thing: try to be the best that I
can, try to run a nice clean race, and hopefully a medal will be there
waiting for me at the end.”
The high hurdle world record holder, who throughout his career
has always been upbeat and cooperative with the press, was candid about
the anxiety he felt over next week’s procedure and how he has elected to
deal with it. “After the finish line tomorrow definitely scares me. It’s going
to be tough after these championships to know that I have to have a
transplant. It’s very tough and very scary,” he shared. “But I can’t focus
on that right now. I have to focus on these championships. I have to take
my mind off of what’s going on with my physical condition and try to
be mentally tough for this final.To be honest, there is nothing that makes
me more nervous than the surgery that’s impending. But competition is
a good distraction from that. And I just want to go out there and com-
pete to the best of my abilities.”
Merritt—who had privately harbored information about his serious
medical condition for two years—has been buoyed and comforted by
the support he has received since details of his health struggles have been
made public. “I’ve gotten a lot of support from my fans—and from peo-
ple I don’t even know,” revealed Merritt. “They just come up and say,
‘We support you. We’re so inspired.’ And it is just a blessing to have so
many supporters.”
Before concluding with reporters, the man who completely dom-
inated the high hurdles just three years ago offered a glimpse into what
winning a World Championships medal would mean to him. “It
would mean the world to me because I don’t have a world champi-
onship medal of any color. So I don’t care what color the medal is. As
long as I get one, I’m happy.”
During these World Championships, there have been many out-
standing and special moments. For example, Barber’s stunning and un-
expected pole vault victory, Bolt’s sprint double, Taylor’s spectacular
American record triple jump, Felix’s 400 meter domination, Silva’s late-
event snatch of the pole vault crown, Infeld’s surprise medal in the
10,000, Wlodarczyk’s crushing win in the women’s hammer, to name a
few. And there will be more such moments to come in the
remaining days here. But none will compare if Aries Mer-
ritt—with all that is swirling around him—can find a
pathway to the podium in tonight’s 110 meter hurdle final.
Aries Merritt, World Championships in Beijing

Before the finals of the men’s 1500m race, there
were rumors in social media that Asbel Kiprop
was not feeling well, was unlikely to run well. I re-
membered an interview I had with him early in
the season in which he had told me that his main
focus for this year was to win a third consecutive
championship title in a row, and that he was even
going to skip a number of races to focus on it. His
preparations had gone well, and he had picked up
a great form at the right time by running a sensa-
tional time of 3:26.69 in Monaco. The thought
of a sudden illness crushing all his dreams was
scary.
Having practiced to run either at the front
or from behind, Kiprop chose to run from behind
this time around. His compatriots set a comfort-
able pace at the front. Even with less than 300m
to go, he appeared to be out of contention, but
then started to move easily toward the front from
the outside lane. At the front, Taoufik Makhloufi
and Abdelaati Iguider looked as though they were
going to take the two top positions, but Kiprop
was able to run them down with a strong kick on
the home straight and won the gold as Elijah
Manangoi also came through from behind to take
the silver medal.
Kiprop’s gold medal was the last one for
Kenya in Beijing. It was the gold that saved
Kenya from ending up third and ensured that
the country would remain on top of the rest at
the medal standings.
I met Kiprop for the first time back in 2006
before he became a track star. It was during a cross
country race in Eldoret, Kenya (the Tuskys
Wareng Cross Country), and I had finished at
some position slightly behind him. I was unable
to get aT-shirt because only the first 20 or so ath-
letes got them. And as Kiprop admired hisT-shirt,
he noticed that he had accidentally received two.
I asked him if I could have one and, even though
he’d never met me, explained to me how he had
ended up there in the first place thanks to his
brother, who agreed to cover for him by herding
the cattle so he could come to run. “Perhaps it was
his luck. I should take it to him as a present,” he
said, and I agreed with him.
Here are two reasons why I was rooting for
Kiprop to win this race.
First, he is a worthy role model. He is a man
who cares for and keeps friends, despite his change
in status from a village boy herding cattle to a
multiple world champion. I know most of his
long-time friends who are still friends with him,
and they all highly regard and respect him. He is
one man who cares about the welfare of others. I
witnessed this when he had broken a stadium
record previously held by a fellow Kenyan and
posted it on his Facebook page. But when that
Kenyan failed to run impressively in another event
somewhere else, Kiprop pulled down the post.
When his car is full of riders, he gives
money to his fellow athletes so they have
the fare to attend local competitions.
These are only a drop in the sea of
many instances in which I have seen him
acting as a real role model and gentleman.
Second, he is one athlete who has al-
ways urged other athletes to shun drugs
and compete clean, besides advocating
for life bans for drug cheats. A number
of times, he has supported me in sharing
the same message with athletes. With as
much as he and Sebastian Coe have in
common. I hope that the new IAAF
president will consider working with
him at some time in the fight against
doping, given the passion the two have
for a clean sport.
I don’t stay with all the Kenyan ath-
letes, but whenever our paths cross, they
have always made me believe that they
are not only heroes on the field but in
their daily lives as well. Ezekiel Kemboi,
in 2013 when I was in his training group,
out of his own pocket sponsored 16 ath-
letes by providing them fare and two days’ ac-
commodation to compete in a track & field
event in Nakuru, Kenya. That touched me.
I always root for such athletes who want the
best for others and for the community in general.
Asbel Kiprop is one such athlete.
AsbelKiprop,the real gentleman, wins his third
1500m world title in Beijing By Justin Lagat
10 Fall 2015
atf-athlete.com
Asbel Kiprop, 1500m, World Championships, Beijing
PhotoRun.NET

For David Rudisha to win in Beijing, he had to get out
of his comfort zone.
And the fact that his knee did not hurt when he did
speed work for the first time in two years must have given
him some confidence.
But the way that Rudisha dominated, first the
rounds, then the final, must show 800 meter runners that
this guy has some moves they didn’t realize he’d ever use.
Like slowing the pace down, so he could finish even faster
over the last 200 meters. When Nijel Amos, he of the fast
closing speed, found himself still short of real estate to
move on to the semifinals, Rudisha had figured out how
to slow it down and leave room to sprint at the end.
Our interview, which you can listen to by scanning
the QR code below, took place after the exciting 800 meter
final. Rudisha was relaxed and talkative. He wants to run a
4x4, and he finished the interview with “I can run a 44-sec-
ond quarter.”
The King is back.
An Interview with
By Larry Eder
David RudishaGold Medal 800m“Gold Medal 800m”
PhotoRun.NET
The Moment of Truth, 50 Meters to Go, 800m Final
11Fall 2015
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Dafne Schippers, 200m, World Championships, Beijing PhotoRun.NET
12 Fall 2015
atf-athlete.com
When Dafne Schippers crossed the line, having
run 10.81 seconds to reset her national record and
claim world championship silver in the 100m, the
Dutchwoman must have already realized that
things would change once she went home to the
Netherlands. At least for a while.
So when four days later she smashed her
way to the 200m gold in a championship record
21.63 seconds, the third fastest time in history,
not to mention the fastest in 17 years, it kicked
in that things would definitely change. For bet-
ter and for worse.
“When I walk down the street with my dog,
it’s almost impossible,” Schippers joked as she
took the media through her life changes since Bei-
jing in the press conference before her 200m face-
off with Elaine Thompson and Allyson Felix at
the Brussels Diamond League.
“It’s all new. It’s a crazy world. It’s nice, but
it takes a lot of energy,” she added.
“For now it’s a little bit difficult, but I stay
relaxed and that’s what’s important, after all. It’s
also nice when you walk on the street and people
see you and they know who you are.”
Aside from the struggles of walking the dog
and being inundated with media requests, the
Dutch athlete says she’s been given a new perspec-
tive since China. She admitted that she hadn’t ex-
pected to achieve the times she did.
Now she’s set new standards and new targets,
including one day the world record: “Before the
200m final in Beijing, I didn’t know I could run
this time so I surprised myself,” she said.
“I’m 23. I have all the time [I need to break
the world record]. I hope so. We will see what
happens in the coming years. I’m training as a
sprinter. It’s step by step, I think.
“I hoped to run under 22 seconds in Beijing
and I did. It was faster than I hoped. Maybe
[breaking the world record] is possible, but I need
some time. That’s normal. I think more about it
than before.”
In the short term, however, Schippers must
overcome the strong competition in Brussels.
Having been recovering from a slight injury that
prevented her from competing at the Zurich Di-
amond League, the world champion says she feels
okay now and looks forward to seeing what she
and her rivals can do. “I feel good. I think all the
girls are a little bit tired at the end of the season.
That makes me a little nervous.
“I’m a little bit nervous, but that’s good. ... I
hope to surprise myself tomorrow [in Brussels].”
A year ago Schippers finished third in the
race that Felix won, although she insists a lot has
changed: “I’m a better sprinter now. I think I’m a
better athlete.
“It’s nice to compete against the girls and
have some fun.”
While Schippers has accepted once more
that she’s done with the multi-events, the 23-year-
old said that she hoped to compete in the long
jump again in 2016, although not in the
Olympics à la Carl Lewis, adding that she believes
she can jump more than 7 meters.
Dafne Schippers won the European Championships at 100 meters and 200 meters in 2014. Then she ran a 10.92 NR in the London Diamond
League in July. In Beijing she took the silver in the 100 meters and gold in the 200 meters, setting NRs twice in the 100 meters and an NR in the
200 meters. Schippers’ life has changed. In the Netherlands, she’s a superhero. Her fortunes could become even greater with success in Rio. This
season the former heptathlete has been concentrating on the sprints. Schippers had a knee problem in Götzis, Austria and pulled out of the
competition. Yet her season in the sprints has been nearly flawless. Here’s her story ...
and her changing fortunesBy Alex Mills

Mike Rodgers is the hardest-working man in
sprinting.
Over the last weekend of the season, he
raced 100 meters in Brussels, then 16 hours later
raced in Gateshead, England, then 16 hours
after that raced 100 meters at the Deca Nation
in France.
Rodgers is one of the guys I see most on the
circuit. He is always in the lobby of the host hotel
hanging out, working out, or racing. That’s his
life during the summers.
In Beijing Rodgers had a rough day at the
office. When no one wanted to anchor the 4x100
meters, Mike Rodgers took the position, running
against Usain Bolt. The team had been changed
since the World Relays due to injuries and fitness
issues, among others reasons.
In the final of the 4x100 meter relay,
Rodgers took off about two steps early, andTyson
Gay could not catch him. Rodgers could not stop
in the zone and get the relay baton. Although he
finished, the team was disqualified for an ex-
change out of the zone.
Rodgers took the hit for the relay miscues,
although I’m not sure he should. In the interview
Rodgers put it delicately: The athletes need to put
the time in to get the baton around the track. I
concur.
It’s not the guys. It’s the speed with which
those hand-offs are done. Why do we take four
of the fastest runners in the world and not con-
sider that this is a tricky activity that must be
practiced? One or two track camps isn’t enough
time needed to be successful in a pressure cooker
global final. The faster the team, the more work
involved.
We need to get past the idea that because
these guys can run fast over 100 meters, it means
they can successfully transport a baton around
the track, handing it off in the legal exchange
zone while running fast. These are different
skillsets. This is a coaching issue.
Get the 4–6 best guys, not fastest, but guys
who can run relay best and take the year needed
to train to kick butt. They should sleep with the
baton. It is their friend. They need to practice
mistakes, miscues, and recoveries.
In Beijing, if the last hand-off had gone
well, the US would have been in the fight and it
would have taken 37.2 or .3 to win. That would
have been a race, not the route taken.
I am sure if NIKE put up serious $$ for four
men to practice all year (plus two subs) and the
goal was to win the 4x100m, this would be solved
in a heartbeat.
Interview with
By Larry Eder
at the Great City Games
Mike Rodgers at the World Championships, Beijing
PhotoRun.NET
13Fall 2015
atf-athlete.com

MOTION STABILIZING—3 • PERFORMANCE—4 • NEUTRAL—5
People make the shoes you run in. There are people who design them; people who develop them;
people who assemble them; and people who sell them.
We’re the people who get an early look, take the opportunity to test, and then review the shoes
that eventually make their way to the stores which sell them to you. We thank you for your trust,
and we hope that our efforts are valuable to you. The process of developing the content for our
shoe reviews involves a lot of running, meetings, running, phone calls, running, emails, running,
research, running, travel, running, writing, and finally, running. If it seems as if there’s a theme about
running, you can rest assured that first and foremost, running shoes are about running.
There are improvements in the materials we’re seeing in these shoes, as well as some new
approaches, new patents, and the adoption of new practices. What results is a tremendous amount
of parity among many of the brands. Because there are so many good shoes, it’s more important
than ever to find the shoes which work best for you. I’m frequently asked, “Who makes the best
running shoes?” I can honestly say that there are some shoes from each of the brands that work
for me. That said, there are some that fit and work better than others, and just like you, I’m always
looking for the shoes which work best for me. We’ve said it many times before, and it remains true:
Use this guide as a starting point, then try to make your first stop a running specialty store to find
the best running shoes for you.
— Cregg Weinmann, Running Shoe Reviewer for the Running Network, LLC
presented by

2015 Fall Shoe Review — 2 — FORTIUS Media Group, LLC
Welcome to our 2015 Fall Shoe Review, your guide to some of the best running shoes in the marketplace. It’s the result
of a lot of hard work by our team, but remember that it’s only a start.Read through our reviews, then head to your local
running store.Try on 6–7 different shoes, run in them, talk to the staff, and figure out which is the best shoe for you.
Local running stores are a huge part of the running culture. In the early days of the first running boom, the local
running store was a place to hang out,check out products, find your next race, and get training tips. My store was
Goettelmann’s Ryan’s Sports in California’s Silicon Valley.
Gary Goettlemann was—and still is at heart—a real runner, doing track, cross country, and marathons.Through runs with
him, talking with him,reading from his stack of old magazines (full confession: I still have one of his Track & Field News
issues from July 1974), I learned about our sport.
It was perhaps 1977 or ’78 when I first went to Gary’s store. Now a few decades later, Gary and his son Steve run the
shop together. If you want to be patronized, please go to another running store. But if you want honest comments on
what shoes could work for you,how to improve your training, and how running can positively impact your life,then by
all means ask Gary or Steve.
Gary influenced me in many ways.One of my favorite memories was when I was trying to break 33 minutes for the
10K. I had tried and tried, and it just wasn’t happening.Gary looked at me and said, “Maybe it’s not to be.” Those words
got me so wound up that I focused on the training I was missing and about a month later I broke 33 minutes for the
first time.
When I returned to the store to show Gary, he smiled and said, “I knew you could do it.”
Read our reviews, then go ask some questions at your local running store. If you need help finding a great store in your
area, email me at runblogrun@gmail.com with the subject line “running stores,” and I’ll help you find one.
All of the good running stores have characters—and we all need a few good characters in our lives.
Larry Eder
Publishing Director
FORTIUS Media Group, LLC
Project Coordinator/Editor: Christine Johnson
Reviewer: Cregg Weinmann Designer: Kristen
Cerer Proofreader: Marg Sumner, Red Ink Editorial
Services Shoe Photography: Daniel Saldaña,
Cregg Weinmann Advertising Sales: FORTIUS
Media Group, LLC Publishing Director: Larry
Eder, 608.239.3785, fortiusmedia@gmail.com Ad
Manager: Adam Johnson-Eder, 608.556.9164,
adamlawrenceeder@gmail.com Legal Counsel:
Perry F. Goldust
This 2015 Fall Shoe Review is produced independently by
FORTIUS Media Group, LLC for its partner publications
and websites. All shoes reviewed were tested by
experienced, competitive runners who were matched to the
biomechanical purpose of each shoe model.
Copyright © 2015 by FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. All Rights
Reserved. No part of this publication may be stored, copied,
or reprinted without prior written permission of FORTIUS
Media Group, LLC.
FORTIUS Media Group, LLC and its partner publications
and websites suggest that, as with all fitness activities, you
meet with a healthcare professional before beginning or
changing your fitness regimen.
FORTIUS Media Group, LLC
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adidas Supernova
Sequence Boost 8
New Balance
Vazee Pace
Mizuno Wave
Enigma 5
PerformancePerformance
Fall 2015
361º Sensation HOKA ONE ONE
Clifton 2
RENOVATIONRENOVATION
Fall 2015
NEW SHOENEW SHOE
Fall 2015
Motion StabilizingMotion Stabilizing
Fall 2015
NeutralNeutral
Fall 2015
2015 Fall Shoe Review

The new Sensation is a shoe from a brand that’s new to the U.S. market, though 361º isn’t
new to shoemaking, having produced some award-winning shoes for other companies.
The details in the Sensation evidence a mature approach to design and a familiarity
with the craft of shoemaking.The upper is straightforward, with open minimesh and
traditional overlays offering a well-supported fit and good breathability.The midsole is
a two-part system: a lower portion of quality dual-density EVA with a post to stabilize the
foot and an upper element that’s a new proprietary process of plastic-coated foam,called
Quickfoam, that offers an outstanding ride.The outersole is a proven setup of blown
rubber in the forefoot and carbon rubber in the heel,resulting in good flexibility and
durable traction.The sole is well-segmented, allowing the foot to flex throughout the gait.
The effectiveness, ride, and quality construction of the Sensation earned it our award for
Best New Shoe.
The art of the update is a delicate dance in which both designer and runner hope for the
best.The Supernova Sequence Boost 8 is updated with some new touches that will be
appreciated as all of the vital parts of the previous version remain intact.The upper is
closed mesh with no-sew overlays in the forefoot, more open than previously and with
better toe room.The gusseted tongue continues,and the saddle is brawnier,although the
pliable material holds the foot well without feeling stiff or irritating.The interior’s lining
is smooth enough for sockless wear, if that’s your preference, and it offers a fairly plush
feel. Minor adjustments have been made to the midsole components so there’s a bit
more support medially, and the lateral side exposes more Boost foam, adding a bit more
flexibility in the forefoot.The Continental rubber outersole continues as before, with
its proven durability and effective traction.The fit, stability, and ride of the Supernova
Sequence Boost 8 earned our award for Best Shoe in the Motion Stabilizing category.
For more than two decades, the foundational shoes of the 1000 series have represented
value and performance to runners. Round 4 of the GT-1000 has developed into a
full-featured stability shoe, providing value without cutting corners.The upper is an
engineered mesh (with a bit of stretch to it) that breathes well and holds the foot
securely without needless friction.The midsole features a traditional medial post,which
shores up the arch and stabilizes the overpronating foot.The midsole is sculpted to flex
with the foot, and a crashpad under almost the entire heel facilitates the touchdown of
heelstrikers in a most accommodating way.The outersole is AHAR+ carbon rubber in the
heel, with blown rubber in the forefoot and segmented throughout to allow foot flexion
in its most natural manner.All in all the GT-1000 4 delivers stability,solid performance,
and value without stressing the budget.
The Paradox carries on Mizuno’s tradition of motion stabilizing shoes,managing the
heavy-duty motion end of the tandem, the counterpart to the Wave Inspire.The upper
has been completely rebuilt, gone are the welded overlays that covered the entire upper
in Round 1. Instead there’s a uniformly woven fabric supported by traditional overlays
and is tied to the Runbird logo, which forms a saddle-like midfoot support.The midsole
is U4ic foam, sculpted for support, but a nicely cushioned layer that responds well to the
road.The asymmetrical wave plate is solid for stability; here it’s a full-length version with
a springy forefoot.A foam Strobel board offers a cushier feel.The outersole is full-contact,
X10 carbon rubber in the heel and blown rubber in the forefoot with Mizuno’s Smooth
Ride technology laterally.The flex grooves are oriented to forward motion,with an eye
to curbing excess inward roll. Round 2 Paradox is deserving of your consideration, as its
aesthetics belie its seriously stable nature.
Saucony has had a strong reputation for motion stabilizing shoes.As has been true since
its introduction near the turn of the millennium, the Omni does its job effectively without
much fanfare.The upper continues with a stretch mesh similar to Round 13, with some
of the traditional synthetic leather overlays replaced by no-sew suede with a softer feel
to the support.The midsole is slightly reshaped, deeper flex grooves into the sidewall
allow for better flexibility, and a larger crashpad softens the touchdown.The second
density extends a bit further, stopping behind the first metatarsal region.The outersole
features the same placement of flex grooves in the same radial design as before, but the
sculpting of the lateral side allows more give to the pods.The medial side is slightly more
supportive, with new shaping, which also lends a bit more durability.The nudge from the
accumulated changes wrings out a little more performance from a shoe that was already
a successful performer—good news to those in need of a supportive shoe.
“Has a good secure fit and a quality feel to it. Good
amount of cushion—bouncy even—and a good
stable base.”
New Shoe
Sizes: Men 6–12,13,14; Women 5–12
Weight: Men 11.7 oz. (size 11);
Women 9.5 oz. (size 8)
Shape: semicurved
Construction: Strobel slip-lasted
Recommended for: medium- to high-arched
feet with mild to moderate overpronation
“The heel surrounds and holds the back of the foot
very securely. Fits well with good toe room.The
Boost foam gives the shoes a lively feel despite
being a stability shoe.”
Updates the Supernova Sequence Boost 7
Sizes: Men 6.5–13,14,15; Women 5–12
Weight: 11.9 oz. (men’s 11); 9.5 oz. (women’s 8)
Shape: semicurved
feet with neutral biomechanics to moderate
overpronation
“Really good fit, roomy and flexible in the toes,
and cupped the heel well. Nice cushion; good
stable feel. It was a really good shoe for me.”
Updates the GT-1000 3
Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15,16,17 D,2E,4E;
Women 5–12 B,D
Shape: semicurved
Construction: Strobel slip-lasted,
EVA Strobel board
feet with mild to moderate overpronation
“Really, really stable. No, I mean really stable. Fit
great, springy,this one is for serious mileage.”
Updates the Wave Paradox
Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15,16 D,2E;
Women 6–12 B,D
Shape: semistraight
Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, U4ic foam
Strobel board
feet with moderate to severe overpronation
“Super solid feel, and nicely finished—pretty plush
interior. Really stable through the arch, and really
flexible where it needs it.”
Updates the Omni 13
Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15 D,2E; Women 5–12 A,B,D
Shape: semicurved
EVA Strobel board
Recommended for: low- to medium-arched feet
with mild to moderate overpronation
361º Sensation
adidas Supernova Sequence Boost 8
ASICS GT-1000 4
Mizuno Wave Paradox 2
Saucony Omni 14
Motion StabilizingMotion Stabilizing
Fall 2015
NEW SHOENEW SHOE
Fall 2015
MOTION STABILIZING
$
120
$
130
$
100
$
135
$
130

COMING 2016
Get the story at itsthenerve.com
© 2015 Flex Pharma, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The Charged Bandit is a bit of a hybrid in the Under Armour running line,with a more
mainline approach than its siblings. Using a traditional construction approach, the
upper is engineered mesh called Armour-Vent, with no-sew welded overlays lending
structure and support (as well as prominently displaying the UA logo).The midsole is a
multidensity EVA, with an insert of UA’s Charged foam under the forefoot.A thermoplastic
medial support lends a touch of stability to the ride,effective for minimal wobble (though
for many that’s enough), especially when it’s coupled with full-contact geometry as it is
here. If you’re flat on the ground, it’s hard to wobble.Add another layer of Charged foam
in the insole that rides on top of an EVA Strobel board, and the package is complete.The
full-contact outersole has been pared back, both saving weight and improving flexibility.
The rubber compound is pretty sturdy—all the better to pile on the miles. Overall, the
Charged Bandit is quite a good buy, delivering cushioning and durability.
What do you do when you’re named after the world’s most iconic marathon? If you’re
the Boston Boost, you wear it with pride. In this round (the second to be “Boosted”),
the focus is on lightening things up.The upper features two kinds of forefoot mesh that
are layered with a small mesh near the foot, a more open mesh on the outside, with a
traditional overlay at the toe of microsuede and a saddle of the same, incorporating the
logo stripes.The rearfoot uses a thin, minimesh and a stitched heel counter to provide
support. Breathability is maximized: The linings are kept to a minimum, but are sufficient
for comfort.The midsole is still Boost foam supported by a frame of EVA, though the
percentage of the heavier Boost is increased for better rebound. Even so, the overall
weight is reduced a bit, and the improved cushioning adds to the bargain.The outersole
is the same proven Continental rubber, which continues to be effective for adidas users.
The Boston Boost is a great choice for faster running, long races, and even a share of your
daily training.
Altra is known for zero-drop running shoes that match the shape of your foot.The Torin
was the first of the Altra shoes to dip a toe into the mainstream running shoe scene.
Round 1.0 employed a traditional approach with materials, but used a flat last with an
oversized toebox and, like many of the brand’s shoes, has gained a growing following of
runners.Version 2.0 steps things up a notch.The upper is a closed minimesh with no-sew
overlays, minimal heel and toe structure (though enough to do the job), and a smooth,
roomy interior, especially up front.Taking a page from almost every brand on the market,
they have a proprietary midsole foam—called A-bound—and it’s nicely resilient with good
cushioning underfoot and, of course, zero-drop geometry.The outersole is carbon rubber,
used sparingly in strips on the lateral side, at the heel, under the metatarsals,and at the
big toe.The remainder of the sole is toughened A-bound, and it does the trick well.With
attributes like these, the Torin is definitely a shoe worth considering.
The Clifton was a surprise when it came out last year: It was crazy light and cushioned to
the max. Round 2 shares the ride and feel more broadly, thanks to some minor tailoring
changes, but it really ups the performance level for more runners. Round 1 had few
options to secure the shoe. Now an extra eyelet on either side allows the shoe to fit better,
and the addition of foam in the tongue and ankle collar and a beefier insole improve
comfort. More runners can experience the Clifton’s ride with these changes,but runners
who found the forefoot snug before will probably have to size up.The midsole and
outersole are unchanged: Again, don’t fix what ain’t broke.The shoe remains about as
light as you get and with as much cushion as you need (or even a bit more). So recover
to your heart’s content—or rock some big miles if that’s your thing.The Clifton 2 won’t
care; but it’ll take care of you. No surprise that the Clifton 2 earned our award for Best
Renovation.
The range of New Balance performance shoes has expanded over the past several
seasons.The Vazee Pace replaces the 890, though it has a different fit, ride, and function.
Its name is a play on French slang meaning “let’s go,” because it can really go.The
upper is mostly minimesh with traditional overlays over most of its surface.The heel
employs a bellows-like construction that flexes as the foot moves, and allows the shoe
to fit and adapt to the foot’s motion through the gait.The midfoot fit wraps the arch
more effectively than previous New Balance shoes have—particularly for those runners
with higher arches.The midsole is Revlite foam that’s lightweight, resilient, and nicely
cushioned.The outersole is carbon rubber at the heel and toe and is segmented to better
cover forefoot, midfoot, and rearfoot. Blown rubber provides durability in the midfoot
section. The combination of fit, ride, and value earned the Vazee Pace our award for Best
Performance shoe.
“Fit was pretty good, room for the toes, and flexed
well. Good cushion and pretty stable.They even
look pretty decent.”
New Shoe
Sizes: Men 7–12,13,14,15; Women 5–11,12
Shape: semicurved
Construction: Strobel slip-lasted,EVA Strobel board
Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet
with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation
“Close-fitting, stripped-down upper, but not
uncomfortable.The ride is totally the ‘thing.’
They have great cushioning and they’re fast.”
Updates the Boston Boost
Sizes: Men 6.5–13; Women 5–12
Shape: semicurved
feet with neutral biomechanics
“Very comfortable.The fit has ample room for the
toes and is secure enough in the heel. Plenty of
bounce and pretty stable. I liked the feel.”
Updates the Torin 1.5
Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 6–11
Shape: semicurved
feet with neutral biomechanics to very mild
overpronation
“The upper fits snugly, securely, and [is] pretty
smooth. Light[weight] and well-cushioned.They
are really cushy.”
Updates the Clifton
Sizes: Men 7.5–14; Women 6–11
Shape: semicurved
Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, perforated EVA
Strobel board
“Perfect fit—and moves with the foot—with really
great cushioning. Great for tempo runs, intervals,
going for an iced beverage … you get the idea.”
New Shoe
Sizes: Men 7–13,14 D,2E; Women 6–11 B,D
Shape: semicurved
overpronation
Under Armour Charged Bandit
adidas Boston Boost
Altra Torin 2.0
HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 2
New Balance Vazee Pace
RENOVATIONRENOVATION
Fall 2015
PerformancePerformance
Fall 2015
$
100
$
120
$
125
$
130
$
110
MOTION STABILIZING
PERFORMANCE

The Sayonara fills an important niche in Mizuno’s performance running line.Although
Round 3 may look different, it functions similarly.The upper changes from the no-sew
overlays over the entire surface to an open mesh with traditional overlays.The fit is a bit
freer with the flexible stretch mesh, and the overlays and internal strapping effectively
support the foot.The midsole maintains its 10mm geometry with the usual minor tweaks
to the molding, but its effective cushioning continues, as does its good,full-contact
stability—though with less of an assist from the waveplate.The outersole is X-10 rubber
in the heel with a change to blown rubber in the forefoot.This combination provides
reliable traction and good durability.The net effect here is a reasonably lightweight shoe
that can hold up to all types of daily training.
TheElitenamehasadornedNikeshoesfor40years,withonethingincommon:performance.
TheNikeZoomElite8sharesthatlegacyandbacksitupquietlyandefficiently.Theupperis
anengineeredmaterialcalledFlymesh,thoughhereit’stwoseparatepiecesseamedtogether
andmarriedbyFlywire,whichsupportsthefitof thelacing.Theinteriorliningissmooth
enoughforsocklessuse,andthetongueisgussetedsothatitstaysinplaceandmakesthe
liningalmostcontinuous.ThemidsoleismoldedPhylonwithaforefootZoombag,and
theycombinewellforprotectionandresponsivenessandgivetherideagoodbounce.The
outersoleisdividedintothreezones:aforefootof softbutdurableblownrubberthatholds
upwell,amidfootthat’ssupportedmediallybywafflesmoldedintothetoughenedPhylon
midsole,andaheelandlateralmidfootof durablecarbonrubberwhichprovideanextratouch
of stability.Thisisoneof those“thesumisgreaterthanitsparts”equations,whetherspeeding
throughthefaststuff oraddingsomeziptoyourdailytraining.
As a new brand, all 361˚ shoes are new to our market, but they’re not unproven, having
done factory work for other top brands.As its name suggests, the Spire is 361˚’s pinnacle
shoe.The upper features quality stretch mesh, with a combination of traditional synthetic
leather/suede and no-sew overlays.The midfoot benefits from a secure saddle,while the
external thermoplastic heel counter keeps the rearfoot aligned.The midsole is where this
shoe really shines: A new compound called Quickfoam produces a comfy ride and makes
the shoe more responsive and bouncy than expected.The outersole is a typical setup:
carbon rubber in the heel, blown rubber in the forefoot, and a thermoplastic shank for
torsional support.The finish work here polishes the shoe with some quality touches,and
the ride points to even better shoes to come.
Long the workhorse in ASICS’ Neutral lineup, the Cumulus sports upgrades from top
to bottom, improving its stock with Round 17.The upper is open mesh with no-sew
overlays extending along its full length; only a stitched toe bumper and ankle collar take
a traditional approach.The quality ankle and tongue linings give the interior a luxe feel.
The reshaped midsole employs the FluidRide system that features two layers of foam
sandwiching heel and forefoot Gel elements. Each component contributes to the ride,
providing a well-cushioned feel.The outersole is newly configured in a wavelike pattern
that exposes more surface area, offering excellent grip and a touch more cushioning.The
thorough overhaul of the Cumulus 17 has reinvigorated and raised the capabilities of
this proven performer.
The Ghost has figured prominently in the success of Brooks’ running line,and Round 8
shows the good result of much effort.The upper shifts to an engineered mesh supported
by no-sew overlays, and minimally stitched overlays at heel and toe lend necessary
structure to those critical areas, improving the fit in the process.The midsole now features
a full-length, lateral crashpad which aligns with the Omega groove and allows the foot
some freedom to move in its gait.The good news for Ghost fans is that the cushy ride
they relied on continues in Round 8—perhaps even a bit better.The outersole is similar
to Round 7: a luggy series of carbon rubber strips on the edges with a section of blown
rubber under the ball of the foot, each grouping segmented to allow the foot to flex and
move. Put simply, it works.The result is a shoe that continues to provide cushioning,fit,
and overall durability to a wide variety of runners.
“Good all-around shoe. Light enough for long
races. Good cushioning. Fits well. Comfy for long
runs. Have to say they did everything I needed.”
Updates the Sayonara 2
Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 6–11
Shape: semicurved
“Fit well in the toes; secure in the heel. Has a go-
fast feel, but also plenty of cushion, traction, and it
adds in good looks to boot.”
Updates the Zoom Elite 7
Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 6–11
Shape: semicurved
overpronation
“Very comfortable fit with good quality linings.
Has a very smooth feel to the ride: plenty of cush
but with really good rebound.They are really nice
to run in.”
New Shoe
Sizes: Men 6–12,13,14; Women 5–12 B,D
Shape: semicurved
“Good ASICS fit, as expected. Snug heel with
plenty of room for the toes. I was impressed by the
great ride to the shoe.”
Updates the Gel-Cumulus 16
Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15,16,17 D,2E,4E;
Women 5–12 B,D
Shape: semicurved
EVA Strobel board
“Snug in the heel and soft inside.They feel good
and protective. I’ve really piled on the miles in
these.”
Updates the Ghost 7
Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 5–12
Shape: semicurved
Mizuno Sayonara 3
Nike Zoom Elite 8
361º Spire
ASICS Gel-Cumulus 17
Brooks Ghost 8
$
110
$
115
$
140
$
120
$
120
PERFORMANCE
NEUTRAL

Round 13 of the Glycerin retains the best elements of its design and forges ahead.The
midsole from Round 12 was then a step forward with new geometry, a new compound,
and a new platform, all of which were well received. So why mess with success? The
expectation that things can be improved sometimes pushes a good technology out
too soon, so maintaining the midsole here is a positive move.The upper now features
a closed minimesh with a stitched toecap, saddle, and heel. However, the upper has
better stretch, and 3D-printed overlays shape and support the shoe with little impact on
the interior.The ankle collar has a smoother feel, and the shoe’s interior (including the
gusseted tongue) is uniform as well.The full-contact bottom continues as before: Its well-
segmented, omnidirectional design allows the foot to flex pretty much as it likes.While
relatively lightly touched, this update is quite well done.
The Enigma has been the premier Neutral shoe in Mizuno’s line and features its most
straightforward and signature waveplate. Round 5 has taken a serious step up in
performance and comfort, which is a pleasant surprise and should be good news to
Enigma fans.The upper returns to a wide-open mesh, with traditional overlays providing
most of the support.The midsole continues with the same full-length waveplate and U4ic
foam. New here is U4ic-X, a second full-length insert layer that adds a plusher feel to the
ride.Another hidden upgrade is the foam Strobel board that adds another subtle comfort
layer to the shoe directly beneath the good quality polyurethane insole.The outersole
continues as before with X-10 carbon rubber in the heel, blown rubber in the forefoot,
and segmented for good flexibility.The bottom line? The performance, fit, and ride of the
Enigma 5 earned it our award for Best Shoe in the Neutral category.
On has gained a reputation for the ride provided by its unique Cloud technology.The
new CloudCruiser is designed for heavy wear, hard surfaces, and high mileage.The
upper is similar to other On shoes: a sturdy, slightly stiff, closed mesh that features a
sueded saddle that securely wraps the foot with adequate conformity, becoming more
comfortable after a few runs.The midsole is a thin layer of EVA, which contains the
Speedboard, a thermoplastic plate that adds rigidity and flex to the sole.The outersole
adds both cushioning and traction, with its 15 Clouds positioned and shaped to
ameliorate the forces of touchdown and toe-off.The Clouds in the heel are the thickest
variety, and those on the lateral side are the largest yet used, effectively encouraging
proper alignment for a variety of heel strikes. For weight savings without a loss in
performance, the interior of the loops now engages teeth that are molded into the EVA
layer instead of rubber.The CloudCruiser treads where others have gone,but it does so
longer.
The new Road N3 is a Pearl Izumi shoe with a laser-like focus on cushioning.In fact, it’s
the cushiest of all PI’s shoes.While similar to other very cushioned shoes on the market,
it offers the Pearl Izumi approach as part of its EMotion line.The upper is closed mesh
supported by 3D-printed overlays that maximize a smooth interior without sacrificing
support.The midsole is the tallest of the Pearl Izumi line at 27 millimeters,but has a
lower feel, while providing a well-cushioned and neutral ride.The outersole is tough
rubber that flares in two directions: in the forefoot toward the lateral side and in the
heel toward the medial.This keeps the weight down while effectively providing traction,
flexibility, and durability.The upshot is that the N3 is a well-cushioned shoe that handles
long runs, recovery runs, and daily training with ease.
The Skechers Ultra has found a following, and many of those runners have been waiting
for a road version.Well, the wait is over.The Ultra Road takes its cue from the GOrun
line—and particularly its trail counterpart—providing a ride that’s springy as well as ultra
cushioned.The upper is an engineered mesh called GOKNIT,which has open and closed
areas across its surface to offer a good fit and breathability.The midsole has a tall stack
height of 32 millimeters in the heel. It’s soft, but surprisingly responsive,and of course
well-cushioned, though it’s not designed for wobbly feet.The outersole is full-length
Resalyte, which is tougher than it looks, but even so, it’s backed up by strategically placed
dots of carbon rubber for added durability, as per other GOrun road models.Whether it’s
big road miles or recovery days the Ultra Road has got you covered.
“Great silky smooth interior. Really hugs the foot
well, but with plenty of room where needed.
Responsive bounce makes training as easy as
possible.”
Updates the Glycerin 12
Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15 B,D,2E;
Women 5–12 2A,B,D
Shape: semicurved
“Fit snug, but felt great.They have good traction
and durability. Overall,this is a great distance
training shoe.”
Updates the Wave Enigma 4
Sizes: Men 7–14,15,16; Women 5–11
Shape: semicurved
EVA Strobel board
“Has a really sturdy feel to it, and a very consistent
ride. It seems the farther you go, the more
responsive the shoe becomes in shielding the
foot. I was impressed with the shoe.”
New Shoe
Sizes: Men 7–14; Women 6–11
Shape: semicurved
“Very comfortable upper that feels good enough
to wear without socks. Easy to run in. Smooth from
heel to toe. Great shoe for high mileage.”
New Shoe
Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 5–11,12
Shape: semicurved
Construction:Strobelslip-lasted,EVAStrobelboard
“Fit really quite well; snugged up with good
wiggle room. Super squishy, but not too mushy.
Weird, but they run really well, and keep you
going on easy days or long days with protection
from the road.”
New Shoe
Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 6–10,11
Shape: semicurved
Brooks Glycerin 13
Mizuno Wave Enigma 5
On CloudCruiser
Pearl Izumi Road N3
Skechers GOrun Ultra Road
$
150
$
150
$
150
$
130
$
115
NeutralNeutral
Fall 2015
NEUTRAL

24 Fall 2015
atf-athlete.com
USAIN BOLTIs King of the Sprint Universe!
By Larry Eder
19.55 win at 200 meters
Usain Bolt came to Beijing and did his business and had some fun!
Anyone who doubts just how good a racer Bolt is, just replay the 200 meters that
he ran tonight, letting up and pointing to himself, as he ran a 19.55 world leader, letting
up over the last 15 meters!
There is no one in the world like Bolt, and there never will be.
It is one thing to run fast. Many people can run fast. But there are few who have
captured the hearts and imaginations of the world. Usain Bolt has done just that since
his first venture into the Bird’s Nest in 2008 when he destroyed how the world looked at
sprinters. Bolt just has fun, and he runs hard, very hard.
Take tonight.
Many thought he was not going to survive the meeting with Justin Gatlin in the
100 meters. Well, Gatlin, after 28 race wins, had some stage fright and did not run his
best race. More dangerously, he competed at a level—that 9.70 to 9.80 world—where
Bolt can run on muscle memory.
2015 has not been kind to Usain Bolt. Just some niggling injuries and a short time
to get ready due to those issues put him on a tough timeline for August 2015.
But in the 100 meters, Bolt ran his race and ran down Gatlin, running away from
him in the 100 meters, 9.79 to 9.80. It was a close race, and that is where Bolt excels.
Truth is, Bolt is in pretty good shape, but he is always in great competitive shape.
The guy just does not like to lose. Not in front of his people.
In the 200 meters tonight, Usain Bolt, with the confidence that comes from
a hard-won 100 meter victory, just took off and had Justin Gatlin by the end
of the curve and off said turn, churning up the track with each of his ex-
plosive, large strides! If the MONDO track could talk, it would be
screaming.
Bolt churned down the track, one seismic stride at a time. By
170 meters, there was nothing that Gatlin could do but finish sec-
ond in 19.74.
Bolt ran out of his mind—and out of his body. His 19.55,
the world leader, is his best mark, but it’s the first time that he
has been under 19.60 since Aug. 23, 2012, when he ran 19.57!
Not that what Gatlin ran was a slouch either. Gatlin’s
19.74 is the second fastest non-Bolt time at World Champs!
The race was deep, with Anaso Jobodwana, RSA, tak-
ing the bronze in 19.87, a national record. In fourth, Alonso
Edward of Panama ran 19.87 as well, his seasonal best. And
the young British sprinter training with Usain, Zharnel
Hughes, ran 20.02 for a new PB in fifth.
This race, however, belongs to Usain Bolt. With Anita
Wlodarczyk of Poland crushing the championship record in
the hammer throw in 80.85m, and then ChristianTaylor leap-
ing 18.21m, or 59’9” for the second longest jump in history,
plus an American record, and then Allyson Felix winning her
400 meters in a PB of 49.26, it has been a real evening of cham-
pionship track & field!
Usain Bolt has a relay in front of him and one
race in Europe, then, time to rest!

BEIJING—Christian Taylor forever lives up
to his given name. He never forgets to thank
his Creator for the gifts bestowed on him.
He never forgets to congratulate his oppo-
nents, whatever the result of their clashes
on the triple and long jump runways of the
world. He never forgets to say that, what-
ever his own results, they were His wish that
they be written into the good book that
way. But still, there comes a time and a
place he could rightfully express an unholy
epithet without The Big Man Upstairs get-
ting too angry about it.
Thursday night at the Bird’s Nest Sta-
dium, for instance.
Taylor knew deep within that this was
the night, the sixth night of the 15th World
Championships of Track & Field he coulda-
shoulda-woulda eclipse Great Brit’s
Jonathan Edwards’ world triple jump record
of 18.29 meters/60’¼” that has stood as the
best-ever by a mere mortal since the 1995
World Championships in Ullevi Stadium in
Göteborg, Sweden.
He knew that everything was aligned
for something stupendous.
And the runway was ultra-quick, the
crowd ultra-supportive, the pressure of just
winning the event ultra-thick.
His best through round 5 was
17.68/58’¼” solid, but dammit, it was still
shaky as an eventual winner, with Pedro
Pichardo of Cuba, Nelson Evora of Portugal,
and USA teammate Omar Craddock capa-
ble of doing something stupendous and
leaping past him in the sixth and final round.
Well, Craddock’s finale was short and
Evora’s inspired finale of 17.52/57’5¾”
passed him to snatch away the bronze.
But, dammit, this thing still wasn’t over.
Taylor was left with one last chance to
widen his margin on Pichardo for the gold.
Sprinting down the runway, everything
seemed to click. He knew that for sure be-
cause there wasn’t an aching muscle in his
body, the usual situation when he’s not at
his best.
The hop was excellent: He’d mastered
the art of switching takeoff legs this year.
The step was even better. And the jump
into the Bird’s Nest sandpit smooth as silk.
His increments were right on the money, the
best ever seen since Edwards mastered the
art of keeping them close to 20'-20'-20'
apiece.
And then the numbers were posted:
18.21m, the best in the world for 20 years,
#2 on the all-time charts. And quickly con-
verted by those clinging to the outdated
imperial system to 59 feet, 9 inches.
But, dammit, they had to show Taylor’s
final stride onto the takeoff board up on the
big screens of the Bird’s Nest, didn’t they.
And they showed that, dammit, he
wasn’t even close to the far legal end of the
board!
The official gap—the tip of Taylor’s
spiked shoe to the end of the board and the
start of the plasticine that is foul territory—
was a full 11 centimeters.
Just do the arithmetic: 18.21 + .11 =
18.32. The Edwards’ record is 18.29.
Edwards, once a deeply religious man
and the son of a vicar, opted out of religion
in 2007. He told some people then, “When
you think about it rationally, it does seem in-
credibly improbable that there is a God.”
So it was likely that Edwards, now a
BBC commentator, was saying something
like “dammit, that was close” after Christian
Taylor’s gold medal hop-step-jump of 18.21
was posted on the Bird’s Nest results
boards.
Now reportedly an atheist, Edwards
wouldn’t have needed holy permission to
utter a dammit or other epithet of choice.
“Myself personally, it wasn’t intentional [to
wait until round 6 to pop the 18.21], but at
the same time I enjoy putting on a show,”
Taylor said later.
“Nonetheless, it was just getting into
the moment. When you get into the finals,
there are a lot of nerves. Every time I jump,
every time I get on the track (or runway), it’s
a new opportunity. I open up and let it hap-
pen.
“I’m big on energy and big on feeding
off others, and seeing [Pichardo, et al.]
jump what they did, I said, ‘I don’t want to
be left behind.’
“With that one jump left, I knew I had
to do something special.”
But, dammit, if only he’d been a mere
11 centimeters better, they’d be talking
about this moment in track history forever
and ever.
Yup, 11 centimeters.
Eleven. Damn. Centimeters.
25Fall 2015
atf-athlete.com
Christian Taylor at the
World Championships
in Beijing
Beijing Stories:
ChristianTaylorandThoseDamned11Centimeters
by Elliott Denman
PhotoRun.NET

The Decathlon in Beijing ended with a roar.
Ashton Eaton set a new world record of 9,045
points, breaking his old world record of 9,029 set in
July 2012. In the new world record, Eaton had five
events better than in Eugene in 2012 and five not as
good. In the end, it came down to a 44-second last
300 meters in the 1500 meters. That time of 4:16.62
gave him a new world record by the skin of his teeth.
Stuart Weir wrote this piece, short and to the
point, on the decathlon and the nature of individual
talent. Decathletes are talented athletes. Last summer
Eaton needed a break so he focused on the 400 meter
hurdles. He told me, after he ran so well in Glasgow,
that it was the best thing that had happened to him
in some time. He could concentrate on one event for
a while.
But the past two days have been about making
as few and as small mistakes as he could. Eaton is,
indeed, the world’s greatest athlete.
Let’s discuss the decathlon, shall we?
Earlier this week Dafne Schippers was asked
why (female) heptathletes are able to be compet-
itive in individual disciplines while the (male) de-
cathletes seem unable to be. Of course, Schippers
should know as she was third in the 2013 World
Championships heptathlon before switching to
sprints and becoming world champion in the 200
meters. Jess Ennis-Hill breaking the GB record in
the 60 meters and 100 hurdles as well as equaling
the high jump record is another good example of
a heptathlete’s individual feats.
Schippers’ answer was the sensible thought
that heptathletes only do 7 events and therefore
spread themselves less thinly than the men, who
do 10 disciplines.
There’s also what Ennis-Hill’s coach, Toni
Minichiello, calls “spinning plates,” the balance of
training to optimize the ability in each discipline.
Put simply, if you put on weight, you may throw
further but you may also, in consequence, not run
as fast or jump as high.
So that’s settled then. Everybody clear? De-
cathletes are amazing all-round athletes but they
cannot produce world-class performances.
Well, that was until yesterday when Ashton
Eaton ran 10.23 in the 100 meters and 45.00 in
the 400. To put that in context, Christophe
Lemaitre of France qualified for the semifinals of
the individual 100 meters this week running
10.24, and he has been European champion six
times! In the 400, six athletes qualified from the
heats with a time slower than 45.00.
The decathlon can be traced back to the an-
cient Olympics when a 5-discipline event called
the pentathlon was held in which contestants
would jump, throw (twice), sprint, and wrestle.
The 10-event version can be traced back to the
late 19th century. At the Stockholm Olympics of
1912, the King of Sweden is reported to have
called Jim Thorpe, the decathlon winner, “the
world’s greatest athlete.”
One of the all-time great duels in the event
came in the 1980s when Daley Thompson of
Great Britain battled Jurgen Hingsen of Germany.
While Hingsen broke the world record in 1982
and again in 1983, Thompson won Olympic gold
in 1980 and 1984 and the first-ever world cham-
pionship in 1983, remaining unbeaten for eight
years. Their contests gave the event a high profile.
Ashton Eaton has now taken the event to
new levels, winning the 2015 World Champi-
onships (in a new world record) as well as the
2013 World Championships, the 2012 Olympics,
and two World Indoor heptathlons—not to men-
tion running 10.2 for the 100! It’s one thing to
have the talent to master 10 athletic disciplines,
it’s another to put it all together over two days,
and even more impressive to do it repeatedly and
consistently.
So who is the world’s greatest male athlete?
Some people would say Usain Bolt, others Re-
naud Lavillenie—and their achievements in their
discipline are impressive. But for all-round con-
sistency, it must be Ashton Eaton. And I can’t help
wondering what kind of time he could run for the
100 meters or 400 meters if he took them seri-
ously.
26 Fall 2015
atf-athlete.com
by Stuart Weir
PhotoRun.NET
Beijing Stories: Afewwordsonthedecathlon
Ashton Eaton, WR Holder, 9,045, Aug. 28–29, 2015

by Cregg Weinmann
Cross Country Shoes Fall 2015
With fall right around the corner, it’s time to put your summer cross country training program to the
test. Here to get your adrenaline pumping is our review of the latest and best racing shoes available
for your upcoming cross country season.We feature six updated shoes for your consideration. In
finding the brand that best fits your foot, your first stop should be at a specialty running store.As
we’ve said for almost two decades, remember to ease into wearing them before your first cross
country meet, adapting to them gradually by wearing them for some of your speed work in the
last couple weeks before you begin racing. Look for updated information and additional reviews at
runningproductreviews.com, on Facebook at Running Product Reviews and Twitter @shoes2run.
adidas XCS 6 $65
The updated XCS 6 is sweet because, as with each previous round, it’s focused squarely on
high performance. Essentially a brawnier version of the adidas distance spikes, Round 6 throws
in a few new features to keep the shoe up-to-date. The close-fitting upper uses a cross-hatch
of printed overlays called Sprintweb to support the mesh while smoothing the interior and
allowing good flexibility to the upper. The low-profile, molded EVA midsole carries over to this
round as it’s proven effective for cushioning. The lugged Traxion® outersole grips well in both
spikeless and spiked versions, where a six-spike setup adds extra grip. The fit, low profile, and
traction of the XCS 6 deserve serious consideration.
Sizes: Men 6.5–13,14,15; Women 5–12
Weight: Men’s 6.3 oz./6.5 oz. (size 11, spikeless/with 6 spikes); Women’s 5.0 oz./5.2 oz. (size 8, spikeless/with 6 spikes)
Fit: Snug throughout
ASICS Cross Freak 2 $85
The Cross Freak, introduced last season and aimed at elite athletes, has been completely revised
from top to bottom. The upper is closed, ripstop mesh with laminated no-sew overlays to
support the shoe and shed mud when the conditions get sloppy. The new sueded tongue adds
comfort to the fit, along with the seam-free interior. The midsole is single-density EVA with
co-molded medial and lateral shank supports that meet beneath the outersole. The redesigned
outersole is aggressively lugged, with a 5-spike setup to handle the muddiest of conditions. The
fit, protection, and traction result in a successfully updated racer.
Sizes: Men 4–13,14; Women 5–10,11
Weight: Men’s 6.9 oz. (size 11, with 5 spikes); Women’s 5.6 oz. (size 8, with 5 spikes)
Fit: Snug heel, close forefoot
Brooks Mach 17 $100
The Mach series has displayed Brooks’ commitment to top-level competition footwear. Round
17 is a complete overhaul, so only the name and purpose remain. It’s now available only in a
spiked version, but takes a jump up in design and execution. The upper is a closed mesh, sleekly
designed to hug the foot securely, with a small partial cage of thermoplastic anchoring the heel.
The reshaped midsole is a slender wedge of foam that cushions the foot while keeping the shoe
light. The carbon rubber outersole sports small, diamond-shaped lugs down the center of the
forefoot and a horseshoe-shaped four-spike plate at the perimeter. A small sharkskin patch in
the heel completes the setup. The Mach 17 is, in a word, legit for cross country. In fact, it’s so
legit, it won our award for Best Cross Country Shoe.
Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15; Women 6–12
Fit: Snug heel, very close forefoot
SHOE REVIEW
BEST SHOE
Cross Country
FALL
2015

New Balance 700 v3 $70/$65
New Balance offers its cross country shoes in three tiers, all of which provide outstanding per-
formance at three budget levels. The entry-level 700 receives some update attention, continuing
to narrow the gap among the three tiers. The upper is a closed, stretch mesh with traditional
overlays at heel and toe. The remaining support derives from no-sew overlays that make for a
smooth, barefoot-friendly interior. The midsole has geometry similar to the v2, but with a bit
more refinement and the performance to go with it. The outersole is thin solid rubber, lugged
with triangle-shaped molding in the midfoot and heel. The forefoot features chisel points and
four spikes in the spiked version ($70), or round nibs in the spikeless version ($65). The result is
a well-done cross country racer.
Sizes: Men 7–12, 13,14; Women 5–10,11
Weight: Men’s 5.2 oz./5.4 oz. (size 11, spikeless/with 4 spikes); Women’s 4.1 oz./ 4.3 oz. (size 8, spikeless/with 4 spikes)
Nike Zoom Rival $65/$50
The Rival is Nike’s entry-level cross country offering, available in spiked (XC, $65) and spikeless
(Waffle, $50) versions. The second round nudges this shoe closer to its top-end sibling, the
Victory XC, even adopting some of its componentry. The upper is a closed mesh, and as in the
Victory, it uses Nike Grind welded overlays to support the shoe while upcycling. The midsole is
unchanged: a low-profile layer of Phylon for a measure of protection. The outersole carries over
as well, mini waffles and either four spikes or four rounded nibs, which are equally successful on
natural surfaces and tracks. The fit is unchanged, close and snug for the racing foot. While aimed
at the high school runner, the Zoom Rival is a rock solid cross country racer.
Sizes: Men 4–13,14,15; Women 5–12
Weight: Men’s 7.5 oz./7.7 oz. (size 11, spikeless, wtih 4 spikes); Women’s 6.0 oz./6.2 oz. (size 8, spikeless/with 4 spikes)
Saucony Carrera $110
The Carrera is targeted at elite cross country performers, as it’s the best in Saucony’s good-better-
best offerings. The upper receives significant attention, with improved fit from the ISOfit system,
wrapping the foot securely. Here it’s more effectively integrated with the mesh than in other iter-
ations of the technology, which were more cage-like. The midsole is the same single-density EVA,
thin and flexible. The outersole continues with the same minimal, full-length plate from Round 1
and a six-spike layout with excellent traction. Round 2 emerges as an effective cross country shoe
that has taken a step up in fit and performance.
Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 5–11,12
While cross country racing shoes are more alike than they are
different, we can’t emphasize enough that the differences in fit and
cushioning are crucial to individual comfort and performance.
Try on shoes from a variety of shoe companies. Differences in fit
from one brand (or model) to the next allow most runners to find
a racing shoe best suited for their particular foot type.
Two factors should influence your selection of a cross country
racing shoe: how well it fits you and how it feels when you run in it.
Wear your racing shoes before the actual race, since the low profile
of the shoe coupled with the intense effort of racing can be tough
on your soft tissue if you haven’t prepared well.
Choosing between spiked and spikeless models should be based on
the racing surfaces you’ll encounter during your season.
Cross country spikes are slightly better than spikeless shoes at
gripping muddy or soggy ground, but they are limited to use on
all-natural courses. In California, they aren’t allowed for cross
country at the high school level; however, they are permitted
during track season.
Spikeless models work almost as well as traditional spiked shoes in
the mud. In addition, they can manage pavement, sidewalks, and
rocky surfaces as well as indoor and outdoor tracks.
Cregg Weinmann is footwear and running products reviewer for FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. He can be reached via email at shuz2run@lightspeed.net Copyright © 2015 by FORTIUS Media Group, LLC.
All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be stored, copied, or reprinted without prior written permission of FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. Reprinted here with permission.
• •
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Tips for Selecting Cross Country Shoes

29Fall 2015
atf-athlete.com
When Evan Jager walked off the track at the Zurich Di-
amond League last month, having finished a tired third
in 8:18.39, he knew, there and then, his season was over.
The residual fatigue from a summer in which he
climbed some lofty peaks—but never quite reached the
highest summit—was apparent in his performance, the
psychological sucker punch from failing to win a medal at
the World Championships still evident in his words.
Jager had been penciled in to run the 5000m at the
Brussels Diamond League a week later but with his tank
nearing empty and his Achilles tendon sending out
warning signals, he decided that with just 11 months to
go until the Olympic Games, it was time to call a halt.
“I’m feeling pretty spent right now,” he said. “I’ll be
okay with shutting it down, taking my break early and
gearing up for next year.”
Before the grind toward 2016 commences, though,
the 26-year-old plans to luxuriate in being able to finally
do something he hasn’t done in a long time: nothing.
“I just finished college,” he said. “I’ve been taking it
part-time since I turned pro, so this will be my first fall
with nothing to do, my first true break since I turned pro.”
Jager, who completed a degree in health studies at
Portland State University, will turn his focus from the
track to his upcoming vacation—likely to include plenty
of outdoor exploring in Oregon—and, he said, “drink-
ing a lot of beer.”
It’s something he’s deprived himself of all season in a
bid to reach the top and although he didn’t quite get there
this year, he got close.
Rewind a couple of months, back to a warm Satur-
day evening in Paris in early July.
Thousands of French fans are rising to their feet, cre-
ating the biggest cheer of the night as they throw their sup-
port behind an American—a long-haired, long-striding
steeplechaser from Algonquin, IL—trying to achieve the
unthinkable and beat the Kenyans at their own game.
Jager entered race as the American record holder
holding a world-leading 3:32.97 in the 1500m from earlier
in the summer. Thus, the Bowerman Track Club athlete
seemed primed to rewrite his mark of 8:04.71 and possibly
even challenge the eight-minute barrier.
There were nine Kenyans in the field, including
many of the best exponents of steeplechasing supremacy—
athletes such as ariu Birech, Conseslus Kipruto, Ezekiel
Kemboi and Brimin Kipruto.
The early pace was strong, but when it began to lag
with two laps remaining, Jager was the first to take action,
moving to the front and opening up that long stride of his,
daring the Kenyans to give chase. Only one, Birech, was
able to match his pace, but soon even he had to give way
as the American poured it on at the front.
“I didn’t really know what was going on until I
looked at the screen with 300 to go,” Jager said afterward.
By Cathal Dennehy
EVAN JAGER
PhotoRun.NET
Evan Jager, 3000mSC, World Championships, Beijing
29Fall 2015
atf-athlete.com

When he did steal a glance on the final lap,
he could see he had drawn clear of Birech and was
on his way, bar a fall, not only to his first Diamond
League victory but also his first sub-eight-minute
clocking.
He turned into the home straight with a 10-
meter lead, but having stumbled off the final
water jump, it was clear the tank was almost
empty. At the final barrier, his trailing foot
brushed the top, causing him to stumble and in-
evitably, given his fatigue, his legs buckled on
landing.
“I don’t know if I was running too fast or was
too tired,” he said. “I gave it everything I had to get
over the barrier, but my toe just barely clipped it. I
couldn’t stop myself from falling. I just tried to get
up as fast as I could.”
As he rose to his feet, Birech powered past en
route to victory in 7:58.83, with Jager gathering
himself for one final sprint to the finish, which he
reached in 8:00.45.
His run, as agonizing as it was, proved a sur-
prise to many, but afterward Jager was aware that
the Kenyans would be ready for him when it mat-
tered most—in Beijing.
“Kenyans have absolutely dominated the
steeple since they started running,” he said. “They’re
extremely proud, train really hard and a lot of them
are really talented. There’s a pride thing with them.
I’m worried that I kind of damaged that pride
tonight and they’re going to come back and tear
my head off at World Champs.”
Fast forward seven weeks, and Jager is stand-
ing in the bowels of the Bird’s Nest Stadium in Bei-
jing, having to face up to the realization that his
prophecy was painfully fulfilled, that the Kenyans
had indeed come back with a vengeance—their
quartet of Kemboi, the two Kiprutos, and Birech
all leaving him in the dust on the last lap of the
3000m steeplechase final.
Jager finished an exhausted sixth in 8:15.47,
having been passed by teammate Dan Huling on
the run to the line.
“I don’t know if I lost form or the way I ran
tonight just sucked the energy out of my legs,”
he said. “It’s really disappointing. I wanted to be
the type of athlete I was in Paris and I feel like I
didn’t show that at all.”
The race, unfortunately for Jager and fourth-
placed Birech, was nothing like Paris. In Beijing,
the field ran the opening kilometer in a pedestrian
2:49.50, the race essentially boiling down to a
300m dash to the line with Kemboi, as ever, prov-
ing the master of the championship setting.
Jager, meanwhile, was left to consider his op-
tions, wondering how he could reload and rethink
his strategy in order to conquer the Kenyans.
In the absence of different race tactics, the
key, undoubtedly, would be speed.
“Kicking that fast over those barriers is really
hard at this point, so I’ve got to figure out how to
change that,” said Jager. “Kemboi is the greatest
championship runner of all time. I’m sure he’s
straight up faster than me over 200, and it’s hard
to sprint with someone like that.”
After Beijing, Jager admitted that falling
below his expectations proved a thumping blow to
his morale. “It took about a week for me to not
want to quit for the year,” he said. “I was in a rough
place and my body generally felt like crap.”
Nonetheless, there were races to be run, Dia-
mond League points to be won, and how better to
get over a recent fall than climb straight back on
the horse and try again?
With that in mind, Jager took himself to
Zurich, but on a cold, drizzly night, his mind was
willing but his flesh was weak.
Jager took to the front in the early part of
the race but had no answer when Paul Kipsiele
Koech turned on the heat over the final lap. Jager
finished a tired third in 8:18.39, eight seconds
behind the Kenyan.
“I tried to run tough from the front as that’s
more my style race than sit and kick but I was al-
ways tired and struggling,” said Jager. “Everyone’s
head wasn’t in the right mentality. It was a con-
trolled death at the end, just hanging on, trying to
run tough and stay as close as I could.”
Once again Jager had turned in a bold effort,
but once again it was not enough to defeat the best
of the Kenyans.
“I’m fine with it,” he said. “It doesn’t really
mean a whole lot, but I’m glad I ran tough and did-
n’t give up when it started hurting early on.”
Unsurprisingly, Jager pulled the plug on the
5000m in Brussels the following week, deeming
the challenge of a sub-13-minute race one which
would be counterproductive to his long-term goals.
Instead, he took a flight back to America to
relax, recover, regroup, and eventually refocus for
the year ahead.
When he sits down with coach Jerry Schu-
macher to review the year, there will likely be two
main areas of discussion. The first is whether he
peaked too soon this summer, running as well as
he did at the Diamond League in Paris, a perform-
ance he’d much rather have produced seven weeks
later in Beijing.
“I did all the training prescribed by my
coach, so it’s not like I missed training or was out
partying or anything like that,” he said. “I was to-
tally focused on [Beijing].”
The most likely adjustment, though, may
come in the form of race tactics. Although Jager is
fast—as evidenced by his 3:32 in the 1500m—he
doesn’t possess the blinding finishing speed of the
Kembois or Kiprutos of this world. Having proved
in Paris he is good enough to beat them, it’s now a
matter of finding a strategy to do so in Rio.
“I’ve got to figure out how to do it my way,”
he said. “I don’t think I can do it their way and beat
them. I’m not as good at [kicking] as I am at going
out and riding that red line and putting myself out
there. They just have that quick step and can put
five meters on you in no time, so it’s really hard to
play their game.”
In 2016, Jager will need a new plan of attack
if he is to reach the ultimate summit.
It’s not as far away as you’d think.
30 Fall 2015
atf-athlete.com

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