All Eyes On LA This Saturday

This weekend is a BIG weekend. And no, I'm not talking about Valentine's Day. The day before is much bigger - or should be anyway. It's the day when hundreds of men and women, who have sacrificed, pushed their limits, and dedicated countless hours, will line up outside the LA Convention Center to go after their dreams.

I'm talking about the Olympic Trials Marathon

These runners represent the very best, the fastest, distance runners in our country. But they're not all professional runners. Many of them are just like us (only much faster). They are wives and husbands, mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers; they fit their training into their lives juggling many responsibilities. They have support systems that make it possible, and those people are the unsung hero's who get them to the starting line. 

By the end of the day, we will know who the first 3 female and 3 male runners are, who will represent the United States in Rio de Janeiro this August. 

Some Firsts

For the first time ever, the race will be televised live across the country! This is spectacular news for those who don't love trying to watch a big race through an internet connection that may, or may not be, super reliable. Everyone can watch the Olympic Trials Marathon starting at 10:00am PT / 1:00pm ET on NBC (how to watch).

And when those first few runners cross the finish line, they're also going to take home record prize money. Across the top 10 female and male finishers, they will take home a total of $600,000. What I love most about this is that the women will take home exactly the same as the men for each place. 

I'm more excited than ever this year for the Olympic Trials Marathon because 18 of the strong, fierce, and courageous women who will run Saturday, run for Oiselle. 

If you can't tell, I'm pretty amped up for the race on Saturday. I'll be meeting up with several of my Oiselle teammates here in Denver for a run, potluck brunch and watch party. I hope you can make time to watch it, too (on NBC).

I can't imagine having the talent and speed to compete at this level, but it will certainly be a lot of fun to watch - all of the athletes on the road Saturday will be putting their hearts, minds, and years of hard work and effort on display for all of us to witness.

For a little extra reading and watching inspiration: 
Kara Goucher fans should check out this video by Oiselle on her journey to the Trials
Sarah {Mac} Robinson does the one week countdown
And Runner's World helps us remember why we all love Meb so much (which really isn't that hard)
Pretend you're there & comb through out the official race program

To all my teammates running Saturday,

Give 'em hell, Oiselle!

Will you be watching Saturday? * What summer Olympic sport is your favorite to watch?