I’m not usually one of those addicted to Twitter, but this morning had me doing the instant updates. Thanks to NBC’s little monopoly over any live video feeds of the US Olympic Marathon Trials, going viral was how most of us could get any word on what was going on in Houston.
By now the world knows; for the women the team is Shalane Flanagan, Desi Davilia, and Kara Goucher. For the men it’s Meb Keflezighi, Ryan Hall, and Abdi Abdirahma.
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In what has to be the deepest women’s field to day, we see a 2008 Bronze medalist in the Olympics not even make the team. Over the last nine miles it came down to a four person race for three available slots and in the end it was Amy Hastings who, while putting in a valiant effort, was left with the heartbreaking 4th placing. Still, if you look at the progress she’s made in recent years you can’t deem it a failure…more that the field was just THAT good.
All the pre-race bettors were pegging Shalane, Desi, and Kara as the top three favorites but the marathon is a long race and there are no sure things. In the end, I’m partial yes, but I’m overjoyed that Kara Goucher will be making another trip to the Olympics.
For the men, the word beast has been flying around regarding Meb Keflezighi’s race. At 36 years old plenty of people were saying he was too old, past his prime, and out of the game. Ryan Hall appeared to be the one to beat, in fact there was some article was quoted as saying, “Hall could walk the last .2 miles and still win.” Ummm…I don’t think that was accurate regardless, but everyone likes to cause a stir.
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A late race surge by Meb proved you should never count out a champ and while it may have been a while since Meb’s distance running dominance days, he’s proven he’s back and those days aren’t behind him…he’s now got a marathon PR no less. Ryan Hall hung on for second, and Abdi rounds out the team…but what is almost hard to look at is the post-race finishing picture of fourth place, Dathan Ritzenhein. He missed third by a mere 12 seconds.
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I have to admit I was really pulling for him to make the top three…the poor guy has had one heck of a year between injuries and infections. He’s one of the most mentally tough runners I’ve ever seen and I really hoped his day would come. Though, as Meb proved, he’s got years ahead of him and while the sting is incredibly raw now, surely it will act as motivation in the future.
As in any huge race, there are those that rise to the top and really step up their game…whether or not it’s a top three birth to the Olympics or not. Just in getting to the starting line these runners have much to be proud of. I don’t know about you but they’ve all supplied plenty of inspiration and motivation to make every day count!
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1) Any thoughts on the Trials? How did your pre-race picks or anyone you know end up doing?
I did call the women’s race right. 😛
2) Did you look for online updates or are you waiting for the race videos set to go on in a bit?
3) Most inspirational piece you can take away from these races?
I’m torn between Meb and Kara. Meb, so many people said he had no shot in heck…but he never gave up and pushed it baby…he’s a beast! Kara, she’s been through so much this past year, but I knew going in that she’s got the heart of a champ and runs with no regrets…if it was in her legs today I knew her heart would pull her through.
My past teammate rocked it, placing 128th!!!
sweet!! wish them congrats for me!! 🙂
I was working out while my iphone kept me updated via twitter. Great motivation – kept me thinking about when I get my chance to shine 🙂 I made the same women’s predictions. I’m so happy Kara made it. She is one of my biggest role models – one thing that sticks out in particular for me is that she had a sacral stress fracture, an injury that doesn’t seem very well known to many people, and I had one too, so seeing her come back from that is so inspiring to me! I started crying when she was crying, I was so happy for her!! Oh and I hope I can look like that after a baby 🙂
My men’s predictions were Ryan, Meb, and Dathan. Meb seriously killed it out there, and I felt so bad for Dathan. Watching that on TV.. oh it just hurt!! He’s still an amazing runner regardless, and I’m sure he’s crushed, but he’ll have his time to shine. If Meb could do it at his age, so can Dathan!
yes, kara is the PERFECT role model in oh so many ways!! and use her as an example for u….she’s had stress fractures and other injuries in the past too, but she never gave up and keeps on going! 🙂
oh, i was so so so rooting for Dathan, but in my book he’ll still be going to London, i’m pulling for him to make the 10k team. 🙂
Today was just such an awesome running-filled day!! I’m SO happy Kara made the team…I kind of had my doubts after the year she’s had, but she did it! I totally cried when she crossed the line and started crying lol. I knew Desi and Shalane would be in there for sure, I think the american ladies are going to be a force to be reckoned with this olympics!! And omg Dathan…i REALLY wanted him to make the team. I def cried a little when he came in 4th, ugh. BUT that said, I do love Ryan Hall and Meb (and had actually never heard of Abi, but he’s super cool!), so I definitely think the race turned out well. Aaah so exciting! I wish I could’ve been there! (I ended up not having enough $$ haha)
boom…never have any doubts on my girl. 😉 oh man, can’t say it enough how much i feel for dathan, but the dude’s so going to make the 10k team!!
oh, man, abdi’s been around for ages and people usually count him out, he usually flies under the radar but he’s been on some Oly teams.
I am in awe of all these super humans. Even if you just make it to the trials you are amongst a select few on the planet! Congratulations to every single person who took a step out in that field today, you are an inspiration to us all.
so true!!
Haha I watched this at work yesterday with my patient in his room. I think he got really into it. Those couple hours FLEW by in my head, it was incredible watching such talented runners compete with each other.
I feel bad for the guy who got 4th place, but I feel like he can hold on to a little hope because if something happens to one of the top three (injury, whatever), he’d be heading over there! I wonder if they even send them over as alternates.
haha…i love this comment because i’m sure those hours flew by for the runners too…not!! hahaha…sorry, just kidding around. 🙂 but seriously, i am addicted to the coverage. 😉
i know dathan (4th place) will get his way over to London, i’d say he’s gonna be on the 10k team! 🙂
we totally had a trials watching party yesterday and i was on the edge of my seat the entire 2 hours! incredible!!!!!!!
i’m so obsessed with the coverage right now, it’s kinda sad…lol. YOU FEEL BETTER!!! wishing u positive knee vibes!
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