Hard work pay off

Like most running addicts I was glued to the television on January 14th watching the US Olympic trials marathon in Houston. The 6 men and women we have representing the US in London this coming summer are truly the best of the best. Meb Keflezighi ran a smart race and had just enough to pull away from Ryan Hall in the final stretch. The duel between Abdi Abdirahman and Dathan Ritzenhein for the 3rd and final spot was truly epic.

I was truly in awe watching the male lead pack made their way through the looped course cruising at sub 5 minute mile. The women’s race were equally phenomenal. I’ve been a fan of Desiree Davila since her gutsy performance at Boston in 2011. True to her mantra and work ethic she kept the race honest and was the workhorse leading the lead pack to record setting performances.

All the men and women in the trials have proven themselves. Each men ran at least a 2:19 marathon and each women a 2:45 to be there. One can only imagine the training and determination it took to get them there.

My take away from the race is that regardless of age,color, nationalities etc… if you put in the work you will be given the chance to achieve your goals. In this age of cynicism and faltering beliefs in the American Dream its rare to have such an inspiring story that truly encompass the ideals that made this country so great.

2012 U.S. Olympic Team - Marathon: (Left to right) Desiree Davila, Ryan Hall, Abdi Abdirahman, Shalane Flanagan, Meb Keflezighi, Kara Goucher

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