“What’s been the biggest difference so far between high school and college cross-country?”
“I’d say running with people every day—from freshmen to seniors. Having people to run with all the time has been great. It feels comfortable.”
“How fast would you run an 8K in a suit?”
“I’d run a decent 32-minute 8K. If you want me to look good while doing it, then maybe a solid 40 minutes.”
Evan Jager broke his own American record in the 3,000-meter steeplechase on September 5 during an IAAF Diamond League meet in Brussels. He ran 8:04.71.
Portland Track expressed excitement about the record:
Jager finished third in the race and erased two-plus seconds off his previous AR of 8:06.81 set in 2012. In a year without the IAAF World Championships or Olympics, 2014 has been prime for runners to pursue fast times.
The 25-year-old Nike-sponsored athlete ran 3,000 meters over a total of 35 barriers at a 4:19 mile pace. Unreal. Will he run under eight minutes?
In light of Jager’s recent AR, and out of respect for what he has done for U.S. distance running, I’ve compiled together 10 reasons why everyone should respect the headband-wearing steeple star.
In no particular order…
10. He broke his OWN record in the steeplechase. Breaking your own American record has to feel sweet. “Hey Evan, who had the steeple record before you broke it?” “Hah, I did.”
9. He once fell on the last water barrier and still ran 8:20.90. Nothing to add here.
8. His Fivemilesteeple (FMS) is 25:00.44. I created a new running stat. The FMS takes a runner’s PR in the 5K, steeplechase and mile. Add those three times together, and you have a runner’s FMS. 25:00.44 for 9,609 meters—Jager’s FMS has to be one of the best in the world. Jager’s PRs:
7. He has “Moves Like Jager.” By the way, he was dancing to “Mambo No. 5” while busting this move.
https://twitter.com/chrisnickinson/status/490490410536824832
6. He got a Ford Mustang in eighth grade. Around age 12, his dad told him he’d buy him a Mustang if he ran under five minutes in the mile. Jager ran sub-5 in eighth grade. He was 14, two years from being able to drive, but his dad followed through with a 1989 white Mustang. Fun read.
5. His Twitter bio inspires all. “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
4. Over five years ago, he said he wants to break the American 5K record. Well, he does have an American record. In the same video, he said he wants to medal at the Olympics and do something special for American distance running. Video:
3. His flowing locks and headband add to his legacy. The bouncing hair and Nike headband are famous in the running community.
2. He rocks a snapback like none other. Screenshot taken from an episode of Holla Atcha Boy.
1. He could become the first American to break 8:00 in the steeplechase. Jager himself believes there’s a little more in the tank:
https://twitter.com/EvanJager/status/508195888477790208
I think he’ll do it. Keep your feet moving, Mr. Jager.
“What’s the best piece of running advice you’ve ever received?”
“A few years ago, my dad told me to run for myself—not for him, and not for someone else’s goals, but to fulfill my purpose. That sounds self-serving, and both my dad and I hold humility in high esteem. However, since then, I’ve built my training philosophy around that mantra—running for myself. Constantly I’m finding new motivations, new records and new allurements to push myself as I run. What my dad instilled in me is an ability to set a goal and strive resolutely to achieve it.”
These three guys are a few of the most enthusiastic fans I’ve ever seen, cheering on the high school runners with abundant passion. I asked them what they love about running: “We get to eat after, and we get to drink lots of water.”
Hooray Run 