Thoughts on the US Olympic Marathon Trials?
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Thoughts on the US Olympic Marathon Trials?
NBC coverage is almost complete. Thoughts on today's race?
So far I am super impressed with Abdi, Meb and Hastings. Should be a fight for the third spot in both races!
So far I am super impressed with Abdi, Meb and Hastings. Should be a fight for the third spot in both races!
Ben Z- Regular
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Re: Thoughts on the US Olympic Marathon Trials?
69 days after a PR in NY Meb sets a new PR and could have broken the course record. Meb is a beast!
GREAT race by Abdi too btw. Just awesome.
Heartbreak for Ritz. PR though?
GREAT race by Abdi too btw. Just awesome.
Heartbreak for Ritz. PR though?
Ben Z- Regular
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Re: Thoughts on the US Olympic Marathon Trials?
All three women ran great. Kara especially considering she said her build up was not great.
Nice PR for Shalane. And awesome for Desi to make her first Olympic team.
Very inspiring performances. Too bad for Ritz. Still feeling for him. But only 3 can make the team.
Nice PR for Shalane. And awesome for Desi to make her first Olympic team.
Very inspiring performances. Too bad for Ritz. Still feeling for him. But only 3 can make the team.
Ben Z- Regular
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Re: Thoughts on the US Olympic Marathon Trials?
Kara kept hanging in there. She just would not go away. The announcer kept saying that as we watched it. I mean that women is nails folks.
Re: Thoughts on the US Olympic Marathon Trials?
Ben Z wrote:All three women ran great. Kara especially considering she said her build up was not great.
Nice PR for Shalane. And awesome for Desi to make her first Olympic team.
Very inspiring performances. Too bad for Ritz. Still feeling for him. But only 3 can make the team.
Ritz is good enough on the track for the 10 or the 5, so there are options...
Re: Thoughts on the US Olympic Marathon Trials?
Thought it was pretty uneventful to watch nothing unexpected IMO. Hard efforts from Groucher and Hall! I would have liked to have seen Ritz make a showing but just ran out of pavement.
Re: Thoughts on the US Olympic Marathon Trials?
I'm very disappointed in the lack of live video. I can't even find post video clips.
Dave P- Poster
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Re: Thoughts on the US Olympic Marathon Trials?
Ritz is very disappointed post race. Can't blame him.
http://www.flotrack.org/coverage/240321-USA-Olympic-Marathon-Trials-Houston-2012/video/569276-Dathan-Ritzenhein-Dissapointed-with-4th-Houston-Olympic-Trials-2012
http://www.flotrack.org/coverage/240321-USA-Olympic-Marathon-Trials-Houston-2012/video/569276-Dathan-Ritzenhein-Dissapointed-with-4th-Houston-Olympic-Trials-2012
Ben Z- Regular
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Re: Thoughts on the US Olympic Marathon Trials?
http://www.flotrack.org/coverage/240321-USA-Olympic-Marathon-Trials-Houston-2012/video/569276-Dathan-Ritzenhein-Dissapointed-with-4th-Houston-Olympic-Trials-2012[/quote[/url]]Ben Z wrote:Ritz is very disappointed post race. Can't blame him.
[url=http://www.flotrack.org/coverage/240321-USA-Olympic-Marathon-Trials-Houston-2012/video/569276-Dathan-Ritzenhein-Dissapointed-with-4th-Houston-Olympic-Trials-2012
Thanks for that, but I'd like to see some video clips of the actual race itself.
Dave P- Poster
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Re: Thoughts on the US Olympic Marathon Trials?
Definitely felt for Ritz. My girlfriend almost started crying... So my sympathy turned to laughter.
Re: Thoughts on the US Olympic Marathon Trials?
The Chicago Tribune had a story yesterday saying
it would be a good race, but whoever goes to the Olympics has little
chance of winning a medal, compared to the Kenyans and Ethiopians.
The online version of the article cut the best line, from running coach Renato Canova:
"A US man running a 2:08 marathon gets a nice contract. A Kenyan running a 2:08 marathon goes home with a t-shirt."
it would be a good race, but whoever goes to the Olympics has little
chance of winning a medal, compared to the Kenyans and Ethiopians.
The online version of the article cut the best line, from running coach Renato Canova:
"A US man running a 2:08 marathon gets a nice contract. A Kenyan running a 2:08 marathon goes home with a t-shirt."
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Re: Thoughts on the US Olympic Marathon Trials?
Heart breaker for Ritz. Another half mile or so and he had a solid shot at 3rd.
One thing that struck me watching the start of both races was the difference in body composition throughout the women's field. While the men seemed to all be built pretty much the same (except Jason Hartmann, who looks like a linebacker compared to all the other men), the women were in all shapes and sizes. They're all obviously exceptional runners to even be in that race yesterday, but I was a bit surprised that there was such a difference. I mean, even in the front of the pack, Desi has to be at least 5 or 6 inches shorter than Kara.
One thing that struck me watching the start of both races was the difference in body composition throughout the women's field. While the men seemed to all be built pretty much the same (except Jason Hartmann, who looks like a linebacker compared to all the other men), the women were in all shapes and sizes. They're all obviously exceptional runners to even be in that race yesterday, but I was a bit surprised that there was such a difference. I mean, even in the front of the pack, Desi has to be at least 5 or 6 inches shorter than Kara.
mul21- Explaining To Spouse
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Re: Thoughts on the US Olympic Marathon Trials?
I thought it was interesting that Desi was more concerned about protecting a spot on the team than covering Shalane's move at the end. She said after that she wasn't sure were Amy Hastings was and didn't want to fade and get passed. Smart call.
Re: Thoughts on the US Olympic Marathon Trials?
I thought overall it wasn't a very compelling race. Both M & F sorted it out to three relatively quickly. Everyone was just protecting their top 3. No one really wanted to win it. Hastings hung in there and so did Ritz, but they were well behind when it mattered. Ritz never had a chance to catch up. Felt bad for him, but I do for most 4th place finishers in most sporting events.
mountandog- Explaining To Spouse
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Re: Thoughts on the US Olympic Marathon Trials?
I really enjoyed watching it in the afternoon but was really disappointed it wasn't available live. It's just not a compelling sport for TV. There were all sorts of infomercials, shows on bass fishing, and other things on instead of this. At least it was on in the afternoon. I thought Ryan Hall looked pretty good, strong throughout most of it.
JohnP- Explaining To Spouse
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Re: Thoughts on the US Olympic Marathon Trials?
mountandog wrote:I thought overall it wasn't a very compelling race. Both M & F sorted it out to three relatively quickly. Everyone was just protecting their top 3. No one really wanted to win it. Hastings hung in there and so did Ritz, but they were well behind when it mattered. Ritz never had a chance to catch up. Felt bad for him, but I do for most 4th place finishers in most sporting events.
I too feel bad for those that come in 4th.
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Re: Thoughts on the US Olympic Marathon Trials?
JohnP wrote:I really enjoyed watching it in the afternoon but was really disappointed it wasn't available live. It's just not a compelling sport for TV. There were all sorts of infomercials, shows on bass fishing, and other things on instead of this. At least it was on in the afternoon. I thought Ryan Hall looked pretty good, strong throughout most of it.
This was what I really missed. Yes, a good contest for 1st is great, but I really wanted to see them run. It's a beautiful sight watching the pros in action.
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Re: Thoughts on the US Olympic Marathon Trials?
Good point. Did they show the chase pack even one time? I do not remember seeing the groups.
But kudos to Ryan Hall and Desi for making it an honest race. Ryan said pre-race he would do this and followed through.
How about a 2:11 debut for Andrew Carlson and unknown, self-coached Jimmy Grabow in 2:12. Lots of PRs on the men's side today.
Josh Cox in 2:13 too.
But kudos to Ryan Hall and Desi for making it an honest race. Ryan said pre-race he would do this and followed through.
How about a 2:11 debut for Andrew Carlson and unknown, self-coached Jimmy Grabow in 2:12. Lots of PRs on the men's side today.
Josh Cox in 2:13 too.
Ben Z- Regular
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Re: Thoughts on the US Olympic Marathon Trials?
Being stationed at the water station table #36 for miles 6, 14 & 22, I noticed the women were really spread out over a long distance. The elites of both fields were REALLY elite.
I don't have any deep knowledge of this runner, but Rebecca Donaghue, a Penn State graduate from Massachusetts, was seeded 202nd. She qualified for the Trials as a 10K runner with a 32:50 time in May, 2010. She finished 17th with a time of 2:35:57.
For my table, she was the in the last slot of the 8 spots on my table, with seed #20 being the first slot. So, if seeded properly, she should've been the last person to grab her bottle. But she was first to grab it and was the whole race.
KBFitz and Michele were also working in the area and maybe they'll give their thoughts. Kevin was doing Crowd Control. Can you imagine Kevin as security?
I don't have any deep knowledge of this runner, but Rebecca Donaghue, a Penn State graduate from Massachusetts, was seeded 202nd. She qualified for the Trials as a 10K runner with a 32:50 time in May, 2010. She finished 17th with a time of 2:35:57.
For my table, she was the in the last slot of the 8 spots on my table, with seed #20 being the first slot. So, if seeded properly, she should've been the last person to grab her bottle. But she was first to grab it and was the whole race.
KBFitz and Michele were also working in the area and maybe they'll give their thoughts. Kevin was doing Crowd Control. Can you imagine Kevin as security?
ounce- Needs A Life
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Re: Thoughts on the US Olympic Marathon Trials?
I noticed Rupp didn't run. Never saw any explanation. Most of us figured he wouldn't but I'm curious if anyone heard or read anything.
mountandog- Explaining To Spouse
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Re: Thoughts on the US Olympic Marathon Trials?
dkleeman wrote:The Chicago Tribune had a story yesterday saying
it would be a good race, but whoever goes to the Olympics has little
chance of winning a medal, compared to the Kenyans and Ethiopians.
The online version of the article cut the best line, from running coach Renato Canova:
"A US man running a 2:08 marathon gets a nice contract. A Kenyan running a 2:08 marathon goes home with a t-shirt."
Yesterday at the Houston Marathon & Half Marathon, the Ethiopians broke all 4 course records. Tariku Jufar won the men’s race in 2:06:51, beating last year's record of 2:07:04. Then, Alemitu Abera won the women's in 2:23:14.
In the Half Marathon, Feyisa Lelisa and Belaynesh Oljira broke course records held by a couple of familiar names: Lelisa’s 59:22 edged the mark set by American Ryan Hall (59:43) in 2007, while Oljira’s winning time of 1:08:26 shattered the mark set by American Shalane Flanagan (1:09:41).
Last edited by ounce on Mon Jan 16, 2012 11:26 am; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : correct the font size from the press release)
ounce- Needs A Life
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Re: Thoughts on the US Olympic Marathon Trials?
mountandog wrote:I noticed Rupp didn't run. Never saw any explanation. Most of us figured he wouldn't but I'm curious if anyone heard or read anything.
Rupp announced he was pulling out of the marathon back on the 8th. He (and I presume AlSal) want to focus on the 10k where they feel he has his best shot at getting a medal.
Admin- Admin
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Re: Thoughts on the US Olympic Marathon Trials?
what's every one's thoughts on Meb wearing (and winning) w/ the Sketchers? He's had a lot of injuries in the past - I'm surprised he would switch to a shoe company w/ basically no running background. Although, I'm sure $$ was a big factor in that. Do you think the new Sketcher runner shoe sales will increase? I can't see it becoming a reputable running shoe in the market - or competing w/ the Nikes and Brooks of the world.
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Re: Thoughts on the US Olympic Marathon Trials?
From what I read Nike dropped Meb. Their loss.
The GoRun looks to be a legit running shoe. 6.9oz for men with a 4mm drop. At $80 retail and likely less in stores I would give it a shot. Meb has Pred twice in 69 days in the shoe. Proof enough for me the shoe can perform.
The GoRun looks to be a legit running shoe. 6.9oz for men with a 4mm drop. At $80 retail and likely less in stores I would give it a shot. Meb has Pred twice in 69 days in the shoe. Proof enough for me the shoe can perform.
Ben Z- Regular
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Re: Thoughts on the US Olympic Marathon Trials?
Working the trials was an awesome experience. I watched the woman's trials in 2008 in Boston, but I was a spectator, and this year prepping a table for the elite women was so cool. I was "QC" for tables 19 and 20 where we had Deena, Magdalena, Blake Russell (who might have been a DNF) and Desi's bottles. We also had privilege of having Janet Cherubon-Bawcom at table 20. Janet is a naturalized american citizen who hails from Kenya, and in only her 2nd marathon, she destroyed her qualifying time of 2:37 to place 5th overall. In her note to the ATC blog, she was so humble (a lot like Meb) and thanked all of the Georgia and US runnign community for their support in making her dream of running the trials come true.
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