Ryan Hall, who holds the fastest U.S. marathon time ever recorded in 2:04:58, is retiring from competitive racing at the age 0f 33 according to a detailed article about his career in the N.Y. Times.
The reason is due to extreme fatigue and chronically low testosterone which is limiting Hall to minimal training.
Hall, 33, who was one of the last remaining hopes for an American front-runner in this summer’s Olympic marathon, is succumbing to chronically low testosterone levels and fatigue so extreme, he says, that he can barely log 12 easy miles a week.
Most fans of the sport always felt Hall was on the verge of that major marathon win, but it never transpired as his body seemed to break down often and limit his training.
“I’ve explored every issue to get back to the level I’ve been at, and my body is not responding. I realized that it was time to stop striving, to finally be satisfied and decide ‘mission accomplished.’ ”
Hall is at peace with his decision according to his wife, fellow runner, Sara Hall. The couple recently adopted four Ethiopian sisters.
We wish Ryan and his family the best of luck in his retirement. He’s one of the most well-known U.S. marathoners of all time and a great example to many young runners that they too can become a great American long distance runner.
