by Larry EderHow will Jared Ward do in Boston? Well, if the Olympic sixth placer continues in his focused, controlled racing, Jared could do quite well on Monday (we predict a 2:09 time and top ten, perhaps as high as top five). Whatever the case, the 27 year old has many more marathons to run, and his story is fascinating. Check out our piece on Jared Ward, in the next section!
What makes Jared Ward special? Jared Ward understands the power of pacing. Heck, he wrote his thesis on it, and we have attached this thesis below, but just read abit about one of our top up and coming marathoners. You will be hearing more about Jared Ward in the future !
Jared Ward after his Trials race, February 13, 2016, photo courtesy of Saucony
Jared Ward woke a few of us up with his 2015 U.S.A. marathon title at the LA Marathon. The following year, in hellacious conditions, the 26 year old BYU graduate took the coveted third position for the U.S. Olympic marathon team. After that February 2016 race, Jared trained well, and in Rio, took sixth place in the Olympic marathon.
Jared Ward opened his marathon career at Bank of America’s Chicago Marathon in October 2013, with a 2:16:18 for 19th place. In October 2014, Jared ran a PB of 2:14:00 for second at the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon. His big race was the LA Marathon in March 2015, the U.S. marathon championships, where he came from behind to win the US champs, finishing third overall, in 2:12:56, his third PB in three starts.
Ward’s fourth start would be the LA Trials, on February 13, 2016. Running in a stacked field, and in heat and humidity, Jared built his race, kept his focus and moved into third place, holding off some fine competitors. Jared Ward ran 2:13:00 for third and was quite happy with the performance.
Jared Ward at the 2016 U.S. Trials, finishing in third place, photo courtesy of Saucony
Jared Ward had taken the most coveted position in USA teams. Taking third, behind Meb Keflezighi (second) and Galen Rupp (first) was the dream of a career.
Yet, Jared’s 2016 was not over, as he then ran in Rio on the Olympic team. Running a near perfect race on a challenging course, in heat, humidty and rain, Jared ran a PB, his fourth PB in five tries, in 2:11:30. Jared Ward took sixth in the Olympic marathon.
Truth is, in championship races, times mean nothing, it is the place against the best of the world. Jared Ward shows much more promise. I believe he can run much faster. I also believe that he can place well in championship races, as his keen ability to pace himself is a skill set that makes the difference between winning an losing.
Jared was an all American runner at BYU. Mr. Ward is coached by Ed Eyestone, a two time Olympian and fine runner in his own mind. Eyestone is known for giving his athletes time to develop, a strong knowledge of training and encouragement. Jared Ward continues to be coached by Ed Eyestone.
How will Jared Ward do in Boston? ” Boston is iconic for marathon running. Since my first marathon three years ago, I have dreamed of running Boston.” is how Jared Ward spoke to the BAA. Well, Jared will be doing just that in less than one day. We pick him for top ten, and if he has a really good day, top five. Jared Ward has a 2:09 marathon in him, at this time.
At the Boston Marathon, on Friday, April 14, Jared presented his master’s thesis, on proper pacing, to a fascinated group of media. We have attached the thesis right here: Jared Ward Thesis.pdf. His presentation was sponsored by his sponsor, Saucony, and was well recieved.
We wish Jared Ward luck on Monday, April 17.
