Faith

Meet the American Olympic Runner Who Officially Lists ‘God’ as His Coach

New York Times Profiles Chrisitan Runner Ryan Hall | London Olympics

HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 14: Ryan Hall poses on the winners stage after qualifying at the U.S. Marathon Olympic Trials on January 14, 2012 in Houston, Texas. (Getty Images)

It was the 2011 United States half-marathon championships. Ryan Hall just finished second. As is standard procedure nowadays, he was escorted to a back area to take a drug test. There, he had to fill out a form and list his coach. Hall, a person of deep faith who is known to sing praises to Jesus during his runs, listed “God.” Officials told him he had to list a real person.

“He is a real person,” Hall retorted.

That’s just one of the nuggets revealed in the lengthy, fascinating profile of Hall from the weekend’s New York Times. The 29-year-old with windswept, blonde hair looks 10 years younger than his actual age. He attends Bethel Church in Redding, Calif. And he’s running with a purpose: not only to win gold this summer in London, but also to bring glory to his creator.

And he really does get training guidance from the Almighty. From the Times piece (emphasis added):

“I feel like I’ve experienced God in a lot of ways, but I’ve never seen a sign like that in such a tangible way,” Hall said. “I was like so sure it was God, that it was him doing it, because there was no explanation. I almost feel like we’re kids and he’s our dad and he’s kind of like having fun with us.”

[...]

Hall said that God spoke to him regularly, giving him training plans, even a race strategy for the London Olympics. He does not hear a voice; rather, he will pray or scroll through workouts in his head and a heightened thought will give him a sense of peace, grace, empowerment. Or a passage from the Bible will seem particularly relevant and urgent. Hall is still learning to distinguish his own thoughts from what he believes are God’s words to him. And sometimes, he has done workouts that in retrospect seem unwise — a thigh-shredding hill run in Flagstaff, a bicycle time trial a week after the Boston Marathon.

But Hall has also found biblical reinforcement for his training. He takes one day off a week, just as God rested on the seventh day. Every seven weeks, for restoration he runs only once a day instead of twice, an allusion to Exodus 23:11 and the admonition that farmers should leave their fields fallow every seventh year.

At night, he rubs his legs with anointing oil, another reference to Exodus and the belief that the human body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Hall bought — but did not immediately use — a weighted vest for uphill running, an idea gleaned from Judges 16:3 and Samson hoisting the doors of the city gate of Gaza on his shoulders and carrying them to the top of the hill facing Hebron.

In spacing three days between his most arduous workouts, Hall refers to the Holy Trinity and the time that Jesus spent in the tomb; for him, this period represents resurrection, completeness, new life.

“The Bible is not going to tell you how to be a good runner, just like it’s not going to tell you how to build a computer,” [his wife] Sara Hall said. “I don’t think Ryan is looking at the Bible for a formula, necessarily. There are certain things that God highlights for him that he applies to his training. The majority is what he hears from God.”

Not everyone, however, is embracing Hall’s training or, specifically, his trainer.

“So he really thinks God is saying, ‘Run 10 times 1,200 meters today,’ or ‘Take tomorrow off’?’ ” Dathan Ritzenhein, who finished ninth at the 2008 Beijing Olympics marathon, told the Times. “Wow.”

“I don’t believe God is necessarily interested in what workouts I should give my runners,” Alberto Salazar, a former American marathoner turned coach told the Times.

Still, Hall isn’t deterred.

“I’m my own toughest critic,” Hall said. “I’ve messed up, but the mistake wasn’t on God’s end. I really believe God is always wanting to speak to me and reveal secrets to me and tell me what I need to be doing. I just mess it up sometimes.

“I’m very open about saying I don’t have it all figured out,” he added. “I don’t necessarily feel I’ve hit a marathon completely right yet. But I don’t think that’s a reflection of some character flaw. I’ve learned to see myself as God sees me. We believe God sees us as perfect, almost as if we have a Jesus suit on, because he died for us and took away our sins.

“If that’s how the creator of the universe sees me, that’s a very honoring thing,” Hall said. “It builds your confidence. It makes you see yourself in a very good light. I don’t have a lot of issues with my identity.”

Read the rest of the profile learn about Hall’s inspiration and his unique approach to training.

And if you‘re interested in learning more about Hall’s running (in addition to the videos above), watch Runner’s World Associate Editor Peter Vigneron break down the form of one of the best marathon runners “in the world”:

You can also “hangout” with Hall tonight at 5pm ET via Google and the New York Times. If he answers one of your questions, let us know.

This story has been updated with additional information.

Comments (48)

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  • Git-R-Done
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 5:49pm

    There are lots of Christian athletes out there who are competing at the Olympics this year and I’m so happy to hear the good news.

    Report Post »  
    • AndYetItMoves
      Posted on July 17, 2012 at 10:05am

      And meanwhile the diminutive minority of rational Americans has to absorb the embarrassment all on its own. We are a country that is overrun with sheep, adults with the minds of children. Does anyone realize how petty and grotesque the rest of the civilized world finds these meaningless gestures?

      Report Post »  
    • Carrieann1
      Posted on July 17, 2012 at 11:00am

      HEY ANDYETITMOVES — “Does anyone realize how petty and grotesque the rest of the civilized world finds these meaningless gestures?“ Who the hell cares what the ”rest of the civilized world” thinks??!! What a insane comment!!

      Report Post »  
    • AndYetItMoves
      Posted on July 17, 2012 at 11:20am

      Case in point.

      Report Post »  
    • Git-R-Done
      Posted on July 17, 2012 at 5:36pm

      Yeah, the rest of the so-called civilized world supports putting people in jail for making racial slurs but will allow for rapists, pedophiles, murderers, robbers, arsonists, and other actual criminals to run around the streets.

      Report Post »  
    • AndYetItMoves
      Posted on July 18, 2012 at 8:39am

      And again.

      Report Post »  
  • Redding Coalition for the Homeless
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 5:40pm

    Ryan Hall’s Bethel Church and Redding California Police Join Forces to Destroy Homeless Camps
    http://reddinghomeless.blogspot.com/2012/07/bethel-church-and-redding-police-join.html#comment-form

    Report Post »  
  • TSUNAMI-22
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 5:10pm

    Sorry, but I don’t give two craps about ANYTHING related to the “Olympics”.

    There’s too much more important priorities to worry about.

    Report Post »  
  • Itsnakemo
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 5:07pm

    I could care less about the Olympics. I do however enjoy having people around me who believe in God and talk to him daily.

    Report Post »  
  • PoliticalTs.com
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 4:34pm

    Sign this official petition to get Obama to answer about cocaine use.
    https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/obama-must-answer-question039s-about-cocaine-use-possesion-dealing/ygqWvSp8

    Report Post »  
  • wdvander
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 4:31pm

    Alberto Salazar was known as a man without much sprituality when he was a world class runner. He is continuing to be that same man while trashing Ryan’s faith. I am not sure what Dathan Ritzenhein is, making fun of Ryan’s faith. Both these men, if they were discussing the faith of a runner from Ethiopia, Yemen, or another western African nation where islam is the dominant/government religion, would never question the faith of the individual out of fear for their lives.

    Report Post »  
  • 65Mustang
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 4:00pm

    I am not into the Olympics but I will certainly pay attention to this young man and I pray that he takes the gold in the runs he participates in.

    Report Post »  
  • Bruce01
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 3:37pm

    13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.mathew 7:13-14. Ryan is one of the few to find the gate and has dedicated his life and runnig to the Lord. More people eed to find this narrow gate and road that leads to Life (Jesus)

    Report Post »  
  • SonOfThunder
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 2:22pm

    Unfortunately this fellow comes from a church of a faith preacher and false prophet Bill Johnson of Bethel church in Redding, CA. Johnson claims he has healed people but has no proof of it. He is much like Benny Hinn. My advice to this young fellow is get into a good bible based church and run from this heresy of this type of faith healing by this fake pastor.

    Report Post »  
    • John 3:16
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 4:27pm

      The Pharisees and religious leaders tried to tell Jesus who He should associate with and to stay away from sinners, well I believe in listening to GOD and associate with who he leads me to associate with. This makes the servant more effective. Preaching to the choir is rather ineffective unless GOD says go to the choir.

      Report Post » John 3:16  
    • kitchenjoe
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 7:25pm

      So a man who preaches faith is to be avoided. I would encourage you to read where Jesus warns against crediting Satan with the work of the Holy Spirit, (blaspheming the Holy Spirit). You may not like what he does, but be careful about statements made in judgement. My experience has been, that he is a humble man. He does not claim that he healed anyone, but is following the call of Jesus to lay hands on the sick and they will be healed. “with what measure you judge, you will be judged.”

      Report Post » kitchenjoe  
  • DarthMims
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 11:56am

    Very inspiring, but he might want to check and make sure that’s God coming into his room at night and rubbing his legs with oil.

    Report Post » DarthMims  
  • pickupyurcross
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 11:48am

    There are a couple videos on youtube of Ryan discussing his training before the Olympics in 2008 and how he set the U.S. Olympic trial record. They are very inspirational.

    Report Post »  
  • Magyar
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 10:09am

    We need more like Ryan to speak up and speak loudly for the LORD!!!

    GO RYAN!

    Report Post »  
  • pap pap
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 10:08am

    I’ll be routing for Ryan.

    Report Post »  
  • N37BU6
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 9:39am

    I’m sorry, but if you actually read this article you’d recognize the signs of schizophrenia.

    Take this comment as you will… just sayin’.

    Report Post » N37BU6  
    • John 3:16
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 9:54am

      This man is very wise. He knows who GOD is and he knows ,with confidence, who he is. He will serve GOD well and be rewarded.I see only mental soundness in this young servant of God and I did read the article.

      Report Post » John 3:16  
    • rickc34
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 12:38pm

      Go Ryan let the Lord carry you to victory.

      Report Post »  
    • Bruce01
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 3:59pm

      Matthew 7:13-14 13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Ryan, has found the gate to glorify Jesus. I would suggest many who don’t know our living God will offer up their worldly views….God laughs and waits for you to ask for forgivness and salvation.

      Report Post »  
    • Warpspeedpetey
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 11:17pm

      If true, that would make the majority of people around the world schizophrenics.

      Report Post »  
    • ConservativeCanucklehead
      Posted on July 18, 2012 at 4:56am

      i like yer diagnosis!

      Report Post »  
  • Temporal
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 9:11am

    Eric Liddell (Profiled in Chariots of Fire): I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.

    Eric Liddell later returned to the mission field and died in a WWII P.O.W. camp while professing his faith and helping others.

    Report Post »  
    • PeachyinGA
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 3:29pm

      Our family has loved that movie since it came out, but I never knew what came of him. He is deserving of another movie. Thanks for the follow up.

      Report Post » PeachyinGA  
  • piper60
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 9:06am

    I cheer for Ryan. I also worry that some group will try to stop him.

    Report Post » piper60  
  • RightPolitically
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 9:05am

    The kid is making himself a target of bigotry.

    Report Post » RightPolitically  
    • SnowKalBebes
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 5:04pm

      Just like the blaze does with their race-baiting articles, sensational headlines, and doctored videos…

      Report Post »  
  • ChildofJesus
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 9:02am

    reminded me of chariots of fire. :) keep running for His Glory brother.

    Report Post »  
  • momrules
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 8:26am

    I think Ryan Hall is doing what we all should do. he is living his life, including his running, as a testimony to God.
    Does God talk to Ryan? I believe He does. I believe God speaks to each of us and we can hear Him if we allow ourselves to hear.
    Bless this young man for loving his Creator and for giving Him glory.

    Report Post »  
  • Philo Beddoe
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 8:13am

    Who is anyone to judge?

    Good for you kid, keep on going as long as you can!

    God Bless You!

    Report Post » Philo Beddoe  
  • lgccac
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 8:11am

    Outstanding.

    Report Post »  
  • RJJinGadsden
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 8:11am

    Any moment now I expect ENCINOM to use his 1st Amendment rights to attack young Mr Hall for expressing his 1st Amendment rights.

    Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
  • JQCitizen
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 8:10am

    Go, and Run, Ryan! You’ve got the right idea! This is only a mystery to anyone who hasn’t experienced a close walk with Jesus! And it’s no skin off THEIR back if you are wrong! So though we don‘t understand why they’re making such a BIG DEAL about it, Proceed as you were; you are doing JUST FINE!!!

    Report Post »  
  • usmc1063
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 8:10am

    God created us all and supports us in many different ways. He gifted this man with the ability to run and this man believes it. So tell me whats wrong with that? Nothing absoutly nothing.

    Report Post » usmc1063  
  • Bullfrog85
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 8:03am

    Good for him!

    Report Post » Bullfrog85  
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