Ben Flanagan closely observed the Chicago Marathon last weekend, paying more attention to details than in previous years, as part of his long-term research and preparation for his upcoming debut at the Toronto Waterfront on Sunday. Reflecting on his competitors’ strong performances, Flanagan acknowledged feeling slightly behind due to his relative newness to marathon running but found motivation in their success.
Among his competitors is Alex Masai from Kenya, a member of HOKA Northern Arizona Elite, who achieved a personal-best time of 2:04:37 in Chicago and finished ahead of Flanagan in a previous race. Flanagan initially aimed for a 2:08 or 2:09 finish in his first marathon after recovering from a hip injury but adjusted his goals due to a shortened training period.
Flanagan emphasized that his main focus for the upcoming marathon is not on achieving a specific time but on winning the Canadian championship. His coach, Jon Green, emphasized the importance of Flanagan enjoying the marathon experience and competing for the Canadian title.
Reflecting on his training and preparation, Flanagan mentioned the challenges he faced, including the learning curve of fueling during long runs. Despite setbacks like a recent illness, he expressed readiness for the race and highlighted areas for improvement. Flanagan’s wife and daughter will be part of his support group during the marathon.
In the absence of some competitors, Andrew Alexander and Phil Parrot-Migas are expected to pose challenges to Flanagan’s pursuit of the Canadian title. Flanagan acknowledged the growing competitiveness in the Canadian marathon scene and aims to continue improving his performance, with an eye on achieving top results in future Olympic builds.
Furthermore, elite female athletes like Dayna Pidhoresky and Rachel Hannah are set to compete in the women’s marathon, adding excitement to the event. Pidhoresky, a seasoned Olympian, and Hannah, a consistent performer, bring their own impressive records to the race, promising an exciting competition.