Darren Worlock, meet Michael Marren. You’re two peas in a pod — even if separated xanax by The Pond. Darren — the 36-year-old British runner training for a sub-4 mile at age 40 — can’t begin to touch the ambitions of Marren, a 47-year-old Chicagoland athlete who has publicly declared that he is “the oldest runner in America training and trying to get qualified for U.S. Olympic Trials in 2008.” Michael’s event is the 800, and the “B” qualifying standard for that event, still to be set, will be about 1:48. The world age-group record for the M45 800? It’s 1:54.18 by Saladin Allah in 2005. In a strange exchange of email with Michael, I’ve tried valiantly to learn his all-time bests. He steadfastly ignores my queries.

However, Michael did write me at length about his Trials ambitions:

I know what you’re thinking. Why at 48 next year would I want to run 1:48-1:46 or try, or God willing kill myself in the process? In 1998 after three years of a horrible divorce, I started training again. I had the Lake Forest (newspaper?) Dec. 17,1998, writeup done. It was a misprint. I was trying to rabbit for them to run 3:48, but it reinvented my career. . . .
I went to Eugene for (the) Pre Classic in 1999, trying to rabbit the 800 I went round and round with (meet director Tom) cenforce Jordan. He said in my article I was a miler with no 800 credentials. I called Bill Bowerman at home. He said forget that — tomorrow Phil Knight wants to meet you. After Bill steps down halfway into meet, I go around to Hayward Field original entrance (and) meet Knight. . . .
I trained in 1984 in Arkansas with Stanley Redwine and others. Ttrained in (Los Angeles) 1986 with Santa Monica TC athletes Jones, Mack, Spoon, (in) 1988 Gainesville, Florida, a few weeks, Mark Everett, 1987 and 1985 Chicago Track Club. . . .
I lived and trained all over (the United States) in 1980s . . . I didn’t do very much roadwork. Right now I’m doing intervals twice a day, five times a week. No roadwork. I’ts crazy, but my speed and strength is coming back. By April I’ll be able to run 3×400 in 51-53 with 800 rest. I’m up to 12×340 yards on grass/snow loops short rest. I’ll be in 47-48 400 shape by May easily if I don’t get injured. Again, there’s a part of me that knows and feels this is all going to ambien work out.
In 1999 midspring, there was no way at that point Eugene was ever getting the Trials back, anytime soon. A lot of reasons. Now last spring they get the 2008 trials. It’s a window of luck/chance that opened up. If I ever wanted a positive chance to end my career and tryout for the U.S. team, God made it possible . . . .Rick Wolhuter holds the Hayward Field 800 record-1:43.5 (880yds.world record in 1974-1:44.00). I know Rick Ken Popejoy real well. . . .
I never said I was anybody, but I knew in 1986 for sure. Earl Jones and I talked a lot about the 1:39/13:8 800 — that I had the gift and ability to run 1:43 or faster. But talk is cheap. I believe in very hard work. . . .
There are a lot (of) runners from the past in (their) 40s that could obtain Trials qualifying marks, but for most (they’re) retired,had great careers. Llike Bill Collins, I love to still compete. 2007-2008 again it’s crazy but (they) will be my first full seasons competing for a whole year. I’m running outdoors this year . I slightly strained my left hamstring/upper. Not bad, and I’m in kind of a fall/early indoor training phase.
I hope to finish my year late August (or) early September. If i do get close to Trial qualifying marks, I want then to be the time (around?) . . . masters world champs are late this year.
In spring, I’m looking at maybe Florida State Relays. My sister lives there. (Then) Kansas, Drake Relays, Jesse Owens (and) meets in Midwest with Hanson-Brooks running teams in Michigan and Northcentral College, Naperville, Illinois and Wisconsin putting on big May mets . . . .
As far as myself, I talked with Johnny Gray at length. Staying injury free/healthy, being able to train is really important. The 800 seems to be (an) event that has been good to older runners
Gray 1:42.80@32 1:43@36 1:45@39 and1:48.8@41 indoors. Johnny (is) the exception, but I didn’t burn up my legs in my late thirties, so I’ll have to see.

Uh huh, OK. I see.
The Web offers precious little about Michael’s recent track career. This is all I’ve found:
In 2006, he was a DNF in the Kansas Relays masters 800.
At the 2003 masters outdoor nationals in Eugene, he was a DNF in the 400 heats.
In September 2003, he posted a note on this Track & Field News message board. Amid a discussion of Jon Drummond’s tantrum at the 2003 worlds, Michael wrote (originally in ALL CAPS): “I will qualify for Olympic Trials at 800/1500.”
At the 2000 masters indoor nationals, he clocked 58.64 in the 400 — at age 40.
At the New Balance Maine Distance Festival in July 2000, he was a scratch in the 800.
In June 1999, he was a DNF in the 800 at the USATF New England Outdoor Championships in Dedham, Massachusetts.
Talk about the audacity of hope. Barack Obama has nothing on Michael Marren. This should be interesting.