Saving the best for last ...

The timelapserunner enjoyed (parts of) the Olympics Opening ceremony and is looking forward to watching a number of events of interest during this 30th Olympiad, most notably the track and field events which don't really get started till the second week of action. However, as you might have guessed, the most anticipated event of all for this erstwhile runner is the men's marathon, the last scheduled athletic event on the last day of the Olympics. We've already got the calendar marked and a seat reserved in front of the telly (that's UK talk for television) to watch the race. NBC's coverage begins at 5AM (CDT) and we'll be there - God willing - to watch the drama unfold.


A few facts about this running of the men's marathon:

The Course

The London men's marathon course starts with a 2.2 mile takeoff, but then runners must run an 8-mile loop three times to complete the distance - the same pattern used in the 2012 Houston Marathon that served as the United States Olympic Trials for the marathon.

The USA Team

Among the 110 listed competitors in the men's marathon are our three galant men: Meb, Ryan, and Abdi:

Meb Keflezighi
(Photo from NBCOlympics)

Mebrahtom (Meb) Keflezighi
(Personal record: 2:09:08, set in 2012)
Currently @ University of California - born in Eritrea, Africa

Ryan Hall
(Photo from NBCOlympics)

Ryan Hall
(Personal record: 2:04:58, set in 2011)
Graduate of Stanford University - born in United States

Abdi Abdirahman
(Photo from NBCOlympics)

Abdihakem (Abdi) Abdirahman
(Personal record: 2:08:56, set in 2006)
Graduate of University of Arizon - born in Somalia

How Fast is That?

Ryan Hall's 2:04:58 time computes to running each of the 26.2 miles of the race at a pace of 4:46 per mile! My goodness. That is beyond belief. Ryan's PR (Personal Record) is actually faster than the current Olympic record of 2:06:32, set at the 2008 Games in Beijing by Sammy Wanjiru. Wanjiru will not be around to defend. He died from a tragic fall last year.

There is always drama surrounding the Olympic marathon and its competitors. This year should be no exception. I simply can't wait till August 12th.

TODAY'S WORKOUT: Leisurely walk around the big block @ 15:59 per mile. Stretched after the walk.