Olympic Trials, here we go!

Eugene, Oregon….the influx of temporary stands began a month ago, the tents in the streets and the practice fields came a week ago, the vendors moved in a few days ago, the fans and athletes and volunteers got here yesterday….this thing is really happening!  Yesterday, as I entered the stadium, I hugged my roommate from a meet I did last summer.  She is a hammer thrower and just won the competition on Thursday, punching her ticket to London!  In the 10k’s, other past teammates and friends sealed the deal for themselves. 

            For some athletes, watching the races and being in the stadium is a negative thing before their own competition.  For me, it is inspirational!  It makes me feel so lucky to be able to get out there myself! So much emotion gets put into a meet like this.  I have never experienced anything quite like it- people putting it all out there every single race!  What everyone sees on TV or from the stands is such a small piece of the reality of the sport. The training leading up to this day for many athletes has been a culmination of years! There is nothing the media can capture and feed to the audience that could help them understand that part of it better than just watching.  Without words, the athletes cross the line, tears and blood, sweat and exhaustion…..and suddenly everyone gets it.  By the end of the ten days, normal spectators leaving the stadium look as if they had just run a 10k themselves.  It is incredibly draining while at the same time, incredibly rewarding even just watching. 

            The closer I get to ‘my turn’ the more excited I am.  Everyday I think of it less as ‘Judgement Day’ and more as just a chance to do what I do.  To perform like I have trained.  This is my life.  This is my chance to shine.  I have such an amazing support network behind me, of which I am reminded every single day with words of encouragement, phone calls, text messages, and email notes.  I couldn’t be more thankful for the people who have picked me up at various stages of my life and given me a boost in one way or another.  I am excited for this chance to make them proud. This is so fun!  Here I am…healthy, happy, prepared.  What more can anyone ask for?  There is only one thing could make me more complete right now….maybe a new set of rings and a little European vacation?J!? Let the races begin!