We decided to stay Stateside for our first marathon of 2012. Since the Olympic marathon trials for both men AND women were going to be held in Houston the day before the Chevron Houston Marathon, it seemed like an easy choice for a January race.
The Trials were, in a word, phenomenal to watch. And the way it was set up made it easy to see the runners 8 times, if you planned it correctly.
The weather was nearly perfect, cool and clear, if a little windy. We first positioned ourselves about 800 yards from the start line for the men’s race, and it was overwhelming to see this herd of gazelles flash past us, before they started spreading out.
For the women’s race, I wanted to be right at the start line, so after we saw the men run their first short loop, we headed to the start. Up close, we could see the focus and feel the last-minute nerves that I’m sure they were all feeling. And then they were gone.
We spent the next 2 hours running back and forth between Lamar and McKinley, the two roads on which the nearly 8-mile loop was run on. I was following on Twitter, too, so I knew when we should start looking for the lead pack and also who was likely to be in it.
So many articles have been written about the race itself that I’ll skip that, except to say that by the time Meb, Ryan and Abdi had crossed the finish line, my voice was nearly gone from shouting. And after Shalane, Desi and Kara came past, I had no voice at all. What a great opportunity to see nearly ALL of our country’s best marathoners in one place.
The other thing that really stood out for us was the enormous and unflagging efforts of both Amy Hastings and Dathan Ritzenheim, who both placed 4th in the Trials. Seeing them both in the lead packs for most of the races, it was heartbreaking to see them finally drop off the back. But it wasn’t because they gave up – you could see both of their fighting spirits and their unflagging nerves, which never let up. I have no doubt we’ll see both of them again, and next time in the top finishers.
The race for us “regular folks” was on Sunday, and the weather was even better. The organization was flawless (though a little crowded at the beginning, but with over 8,000 of us it was bound to be a little congested). Spectator support was some of the best I’ve seen anywhere, and lots of handmade signs and people handing out orange slices and gummi bears and bacon and beer. And yes, I indulged in all the above!
Possibly the highlight of my weekend, though, was when I saw Meb in a restaurant on Sunday and despite my misgivings, went over to talk to him. He was so gracious and kind and he even asked me how MY race went. I kept the answer vague, and didn’t bother to tell him that I was about 2 hours slower than he was. It was lovely to see what a real and humble person he is – he is a runner’s rock star! Check out his book, below, and get to know him better before we see him tear up the Olympic course in London.
