So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye 2008

Lots happened in the running world, and in my own running nation-state as well, during 2008...

The Olympics
I absolutely love the Olympics, and 2008 did not disappoint. Olympic fever started for me in April when I participated in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Women's Marathon in Boston. I went in with a hip injury and knew it would not be healthy nor smart to run the whole race, so I ran at the front for my (literally) 15 minutes of fame. Some day I'll be running at the front for the whole race instead of less than three miles. Nonetheless, it was a great experience, and by not finishing I was able to watch the finish and see a convincing win by Deena, a breakthrough for Magdelena, and a redeeming moment for Blake (no, I don't personally know any of them, but I like just using their first names). Despite those impressive races, my favorite moments of the weekend were:

1.) Sneaking a camera phone picture of Joan Benoit Samuelson before the start (no, I'm not a stalker, just to shy to actually talk to her and say what a fan I am)
2.) Watching my friend, former training partner and an all-around amazing person Heather May give it every last ounce of her being to finish with a PR
3.) Making a new friend, Camille Herron, who is now a West Sider, a new teammate and training partner and great person as well
4.) Watching the Boston Marathon the next day, including watching Coach (a.k.a. Judy Wilson) finish strong

The summer Olympics were likewise exciting despite not seeing them in person. I have always rooted for Shalane Flanagan as her mom is a native Hoosier, but to see anyone come back from food poisoning to win a medal in a track race is just plain jaw-dropping. That 10,000m race was also the highlight of the Games for me as Amy Yoder Begley, Indiana running legend, also participated. The marathon races were dissapointing for the Americans, and another one of my favorites, Paula Radcliff, but great reminders that even the best of the best cannot win them all. Other favorite moments were former IU teammate David Neville getting bronze in the 400m and gold in the relay, Bryan Clay winning the decathlon, and, of course, Michael Phelps. Amazing.

Injuries
These things stink, big time, but I learned a lot about my body, renewed my passion for the sport, and moved on. Hopefully less of my running time will be devoted to injuries in the future, but if fate intervenes I know from this experience with my hip that I can, and will, overcome it.

Watching Deena's foot snap in half three miles into the Olympic Marathon was heartbreaking for many, but obviously had to be excruciating both mentally and physically for her. Hopefully she can pop "Spirit of the Marathon," into her DVD player and remember that she, too, has a good track record of overcoming injury.

Team Indiana Elite
Ok, this has very little worldwide running relevance, but it was a big part of my 2008. I have a great training partner thanks to T.I.E.W.B. (Team Indiana Elite Women Bloomington), and enjoyed all the conversations and miles with Dani Prince in 2008. I also have a very good coach in Robert Chapman and I think his training will pay off in not just 2009, but in 2010, 2011, and then the next Olympic year. Brooks also gave us more than a pullover and some too-short pants this year, and developed a neutral cushioned trainer that doesn't feel like a boat with laces, the Ghost, so I am very grateful to that company for its support.

Marathons
I did not run any this year, but Dani ran Columbus and won, which was just fantastic. Also, my dad ran his first marathon, the Indianapolis Marathon, and is now hooked. I have created a running monster with him. These two marathoners have me very excited to take another crack at the epic event in the fall of 2009 (Twin Cities? Chicago? I am still not sure which one).

The Weather
Warm, wet, cold, dry, windy, icey, snowy, hotter than Haites, the list is endless. Turns out global climate change was not a hoax after all. Who would have thunk it? This is the first year I have not slipped on the ice and injured myself, though, for which I am extremely grateful!

Here's to a fast and fun 2009! Stride on friends!