Shalane Flanagan to run New York City Marathon

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Shalane Flanagan has been toying with the idea of retirement for several years. But retirement will have to wait until after this year’s New York City Marathon.

She was supposed to retire after last year’s New York City Marathon, where she became the first American woman to win the title in four decades. Since then, Flanagan faced heartbreak at this year’s Boston Marathon, where she finished in a disappointing seventh place under difficult conditions. Flanagan had hoped to win the race in front of a hometown crowd, as she’s from Marblehead, Massachusetts. Many thought Boston could be her last marathoner ever.

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Now she’s announced a return to the New York City Marathon this fall.

Flanagan told Flotrack on retirement, “Sooner rather than later, but I’m not exactly sure when that would be. I’m trying to decide what my next step is,” she admitted. “After Boston, I took a good chunk of time off and was not doing a lot of training, but then Jerry [Schumacher] really wanted me to help Shelby get the American record [in the 5K] this summer. I was on a get-fit-quick plan, so I crammed some fitness in for three weeks and thankfully, was able to round into form quick enough to help her.”

Flanagan is a former American 5,000m record holder. 

RELATED: Shelby Houlihan sets new 5,000m American record

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Flanagan currently trains with the Bowerman Track Club in Beaverton, Oregon. Her new cookbook, Run Fast, Cook Fast, Eat Slow, is available tomorrow. The New York City Marathon goes on Sunday November 4th, 2018.