Time: 2:53:29
Place: 134
Age: 32
Affiliation: Jenny Spangler Racing
Runners Feed: Describe your 2012 Olympic Marathon Trials experience
My OT experience was amazing. My husband and I arrived early on Wednesday giving us time to walk around, scout out the course and people watch at the Hilton! Having qualifed in Dec 2011 I was a last minute qualifier so I knew the race would be difficult and just getting to the Trials was the goal. Given that, I was a bit starstruck watching some of the super elites get into town. Mo Trafeh checked it at the same time I did and Deena, Kara and Shalane were soon behind. I couldn’t believe I was a part of this! It took me a day or so to get more grounded and remind myself that “I earned it and I belong here too”. The USATF committee did an amazing job with all the amenities provided to the athletes. I felt honored to be a part of it and took it all in – utlizing the free meals, massage, and hospitality provided. It was an amazing experience and one I will not forget.
RF: Were you satisfied with your performance?
My race didn’t go as planned. I had hoped that my body would feel better than it did and my goal was to stick with a group. The group I wanted to run with – ended up gapping me a few miles in and I could not hold on. I ended up running the majority of the race by myself and hanging on, not feeling comfortable or good through most all of it. I hung on though and gutted out a 2:53 to finish. I gave it my all and for that I am satifisied – I just wish it was a little faster. I just didn’t have it on that day. At times I contemplated dropping out but I knew I could never forgive myself for giving up if I wasn’t injured or risking my health by running. I had 27 friends and family out there encouraging me the whole way so that kept me going. Crossing that finish line was a sense of relief and accomplishment of a long season of hard work.
RF: What would you have done differently?
I had never had that short of time between marathons before (41 days) so I wasn’t sure how my body would respond and how I would feel. I hope if there is a next time to qualify sooner to give myself more time for preparation. Additionally, the emotions of the week got to me a little bit. Having made it to the trials was the main focus for me and getting here was a lifelong dream come true. Taking that all in was really very emotional. If I could harness those emotions a little better next time maybe I would use that to race better next time too.
RF: What is on tap for the spring/summer?
Right now I am in rest mode and tending to some nagging injuries that I have been putting a bandaid on the last few months. I plan to race shorter races and enjoy some R and R.
Share an inspiring/funny/fascinating Olympic Trials story
While most people wouldn’t be so happy to be lapped by the men’s field I knew going into the race that given the speed the men would be running and the pace I expected of myself that I would likely be lapped at some point. While I didn’t expect it to happen as early as it did, it gave me great tv time! Around mile 17 the men passed me and NBC focused in on me as they came within feet of me. As they went by I told them “You go Guys!!”. While nearly half the women’s field was past by the men’s field mine, was well documented.
Rapid Fire
RF: Rate the crowd support out of 10. 6 — for crowd in general. 10 for my teammates and family!!
RF: What besides water fuelled you throughout the race? Gatorade and Strawberry Banana Powerbar Gels
RF: Who proved to be your #1 fan today? My husband Ryan
RF: Can we expect to see you gunning for the 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials? Depends on the qualifying standard
RF: In 1 word describe your emotion when you crossed the finish line. Proud
TRUE or FALSE
RF: I executed my race plan. False
RF: I hit the wall. True
RF: I had fun! True
RF: I will do my best to make it to the start line of another OT race. True
RF: I will take a week or more off running. True
