OLYMPIC MARATHON TRIALS in LOS ANGELES!

What a thrill to be an official volunteer for the Olympic Trials!  The fastest men and women in the United States ran their hearts out on the streets of downtown L.A.  All athletes who participated are the cream of the crop, but only the top three finishers today will represent USA in Rio de Janeiro this summer at the 2016 Olympics.

It proved to be one of the hotter Trials. (I wonder who came up with the brilliant (literally) idea of a 10:00 am start time?)  Men started a little after 10:00 am and the separate women's race gun fired about 20 minutes later.   I can empathize.  I thought back to the year 2000 when I ran the Trials and the temperature soared to over 80 degrees.

My friend MaryJane and I were stationed on the USC (University of Southern California) campus right in front of the popular Campus Bookstore.  A block away from us, a group of spirited USC students gathered to cheer on the runners.

Getting pumped for the coming runners

Maryjane and I were assigned the job of making sure the marathon route on the street in front of us was kept clear for the runners.  You would be surprised how many people think they can just ignore the yellow "Do Not Cross" tape.  We had to tell several students that, "Yes, we realize the bookstore is right across the street, but you can't go there from here right now.  Sorry."  Most people understood.

The runners ran by us four times, on this multiple loop course, which is ideal for spectators, but is kind of crappy for runners, most of whom prefer a single circular course with varied scenery and terrain.

We were excited when the first pack of elite male runners ran by.

A press truck first appeared, and then this pack of runners.

All of these talented runners, living their dreams.

 And then we saw the women...It brought back fond memories for me.  I was privileged to run in the 2000 Olympic Trials in Columbia, SC.  I wore bib #91 and finished 87th overall.  I was 40 years old, and the 12th of the 16 Master Athletes (age over 40) to finish the race.    One of my proudest moments.

The women came by.

What a group of strong fast women.  Hats off to all of them.

Everyone is a winner in my mind, even if they are not in the lead pack.

It got more exciting as the runners did their third and fourth loops.  They became more spread out.  A few of the faster women and slower men ran in a pack.  We saw more stragglers and solo runners.

Woman on left, slightly behind the guy on the right.  They are in this together. 

Here is Meb on his final round  (He finished 2nd in 2:12:20.)  YEAH!!!

The women runners that whipped by us were to me like poetry in motion.

The blonde is Shalane Flanagan, who finished 3rd with a time of  2:29:26.

I respect all the athletes and their work and sacrifices that got them here.  I know it takes much dedication and hard training to make it to  the Trials.  But once you arrive at the Olympic Trials, you ARE a hero / heroine whether or not you make the team.  The difficult work occurred months before, when you ran hundreds of miles, trained and qualified.  I view (and viewed 16 years ago) the Trials as a wonderful Celebration.  It's the icing on the cake!

Congratulations to each and every one of the athletes. It was my pleasure to do my part to make your marathon a safe experience.

Maryjane and me.  We're a bit tired, but happy and loved working together.