Greg Meyer, in my opinion, is one of the most historic figures in American distance running of the last few generations. Reasons include being American record holder, advocating for developing US distance runners, elite athlete coordinator, and oh by the way the last American to win the Boston Marathon. 30 years ago. And I’m proud to call him a friend. We’ve worked together for the last 15 years, through national championships, athlete development programs, and as host for the Fifth Third River Bank Run 25K, my favorite road race in the entire country. I asked Greg to take a moment and answer a few questions as he prepares for his return to Boston, he’ll be running the marathon this coming Monday.
Will: You’re entered in and training up for the 117th Boston Marathon. How are the legs holding up?
GREG: Legs are doing fine after a few 20 milers. I stay slow and that seems to work just fine. Normal aches and pains for a guy my age who has a few miles on his wheels!
Will: Do you have any particular time standards or goals you will be pursuing?
GREG: Probably under 4 hours. I think I could comfortable run about 3:40, but with the boys running closer to 4.
Will: The mantle as last American to win Boston, now 30 years ago, must weigh heavy. How do you deal with that pressure?
GREG: What pressure? There was pressure to win, but my emotion is more toward disappointment that another American has not experienced winning Boston. I am a fan of US distance running, a win at Boston, NY or Chicago could help ignite the next generation of great US distance runners. Men and women!
Will: Who are the Boston Icons that you most look up to?
GREG: In distance running, Jim Ryun and Marty Liquori were the athletes I followed growing up. I remember them racing each other on national TV on a Saturday afternoon…now I’m lucky enough to know them both. For Boston, Joanie and Billie were amazing. Roberta Gibbs never gets the attention she deserves…and of course, Johnny Kelly the Elder.
Will: You’ve been tireless in your support of developing American distance running talent. What trends make you optimistic about a resurgence to greatness of our homegrown men and women?
GREG: I think the return to training groups is a real plus. We do well at a young age, but I think we fall off in the colleges. I could never figure out why the USOC doesn’t subsidize Olympic sports on the college level. It’s where the talent is developed. If the USOC put some money in maybe the college AD’s would pay a little more attention to the sport and hire better coaches. Finally, I believe the colleges are doing a dis-service to the athletes by doing away with most scoring meets. Athletes learned to race when something was on the line, not just a time to qualify for nationals. Teams should be forced to have a few dual meets or scoring meets that allow the runners to learn the importance of RACING and also allowing the AD to evaluate the coaches on their success as a team, not just a couple of fast runners.
Greg and I hanging out with Kevin Hanson in the elite athlete hospitality suite at the 25K. I’ve made many friends and memories at the event that hosts our USA 25K National Championships. A beautiful course, world class competition, and deep commitment towards American athletes. The best road race in America, I’ll be pinning on a number again this May 11.
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