He’s No Sell–Out!

“Getting to the Olympics Was a Victory.” – Brian Sell
3rd at the US Men Marathon Olympic Trials (Marathon PR: 2:10:47)

Just a few nights before the New York City Marathon on November 1, 2009, roughly 75 New York Flyers were fortunate enough to gather for the club’s traditional pasta dinner at a favorite restaurant on the Upper West Side. But, this year was different from last year’s annual dinner.

A familiar name – at least among those in the know on elite runners – accepted an invitation to join in on the party. What’s more, he stayed. He stayed for a while, and attentively answered questions about marathon strategy, life and what’s to come for Brian Sell as post pro-runner.

Clad in a Hanson-Brooks red shirt, Sell had a few quotes to offer that’ll hopefully make us better runners:

Q. What’s it like being part of the team?

a. “We just go out and try to hammer each other.” “My teams are the key to my success.”

Q. Who do you admire most as far as running mentors?

a. My high school coaches. They are given 1/10th of the credit they are worth.

Q. A-ha moment?

a. My freshman year in college I wanted to focus on academics. Turns out, a team captain who sat behind me in biology class had slower PR’s than I did.

Q. Tell us about the Olympics.

a. My roommates were the best part of it…playing poker and taking all their money.

Q. Marathon tips?

a. Hydrate like crazy. Take the good with the bad. Focus on splits. Stick with a pack of guys [or girls]. Don’t go out too fast. I don’t wear socks. I fuel with a mix of Red Bull and Gatorade.

Q. So, Brian, the Yankees or the Phillies?

a. Well, I’m wearing red. The Phillies. I’m from Pennsylvania.

Sell trains seven days a week, often running 22 milers per day, maxing out at 165 miles per week. He ran 110 miles the week his new baby boy was born. He works part time at Home Depot. Once he hangs up his running shoes, he plans to hit the books with his eyes on a dental practice. He lives with his wife and new baby boy in Detroit, Michigan. He hopes to eventually return to his roots in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9vUnIjkXy4