Galen Rupp at the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon; Deep thoughts on how you build a long term career!

Galen Rupp is an iconic athlete in American distance running. Now, in his mid 30s, Galen is looking at a career that has included four Olympic Games (2008, 2012, taking silver in 10,000m, 2016, taking bronze in the marathon, and 2020, placing 8th in the marathon). Galen Rupp won the Chicago Marathon in 2017, becoming the first American to win the Chicago Marathon in 35 years (that winner was Greg Meyer).

Galen is looking for one more run at the Olympic Games. He is hoping to be healthy and motivated for the Olympic Trials in LA 2028.

This was an event for a group of NIKE key influencers around the Chicago Marathon, where NIKE is a sponsor. Galen Rupp, who is building up his mileage once again, is looking for a fall marathon in 2025. We spoke at the Boston Marathon in April 2025 at the Heartbreak Hill Running company shakeout run, with 900 of his closet friends.

Galen Rupp has evolved over the two plus decades that I have known him. I met Galen Rupp at the NIKE Border Clash, when he won there (I think it was 2003). I would see Galen Rupp at various races over the years, and he was always friendly.

Now, as a father of 4, and a husband, Galen Rupp has grown up. He has become a human being, someone who juggles fatherhood, being a husband and building his fitness back to the elite marathoner that he was. Galen Rupp will know when he is ready. I have watched him race from the mile to the marathon. It was great to  see Galen take silver in the 10,000 meters in London, when his training mate, Mo Farah won the gold. In Rio, this writer was  there to witness his bronze medal in the marathon. Watching him in Sapporo, in the hot and humid conditions, Galen Rupp gave it all he had. One always knows that Galen Rupp, when he races, will leave nothing out there.

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It is different to see an athlete who has raced over 22 years. This writer interviewed Galen Rupp in the middle of the Covid-19 Pandemic. In that interview, Galen Rupp talked about having good training and being a Dad. He was allowing himself to enjoy his life. Galen Rupp has matured and is comfortable in his own skin.

This interview, done on the eve of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, in a special NIKE facility near the…