AM - Woke up early to watch the Men's Marathon Olympic Trials. I was absolutely amazed at what Ryan Hall did at about the 16 mile mark - he totally demolished the competition, and finished in a new OT record of 2:09:02 (and this on a hilly course, too!). I was also ecstatic to see Brian Sell finish in third for a berth on the team. He personifies the blue-collar worker - runs 160 miles/week, works part-time at Home Depot, doesn't have the most talent, but is the hardest worker. Congrats to Paul on his finishing time of 2:22:34 - a PB for a non-St. George marathon. Here is the link to the results (unofficial):
http://www.usatf.org/events/2008/OlympicTrials-Marathon-Men/results.asp
Once the race was over, I was off to the track to do my speed workout. Being pumped up from watching the marathon probably helped. Took my two oldest to the track in the double jogging stroller - about 2.5 miles easy, no time. Got to the track, stretched, let them run around and started my workout. Here are the splits:
|
800 meter interval #
|
Time
|
|
1
|
2:51
|
|
2
|
2:45
|
|
3
|
2:48
|
|
4
|
2:47
|
|
5
|
2:51
|
|
6
|
2:48
|
I had thoughts of quitting after the 4th 800 meter interval, but was able to tell myself to push through it. I am very happy about that. Lybi came and picked up the boys from the track, and I cooled down back home, again not timed. I am planning on putting in another couple of miles this evening to get me up to 10 for the day.
On a sad note, I read that Ryan Shay collapsed at about the 5 1/2 mile mark during the marathon trials and later died. He was only 28 years old. Now I know why the ambulance was on the course. This really casts a somber light on the trials, in spite of the amazing stories of those who made the team, and shows you anything can happen, often for reasons unknown to us. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family right now. | 