Well, the Trials have come and gone, and what an experience. Hayward Track in Eugene was a fantastic place to host the Olympic Trials. The locals absolutely love the sport. During the first day, when there were only preliminary rounds, the stands were still packed. And at night during the women's 10K, the last race of the day, the stands were still packed (25,000 people). It was pretty cool. There were two jumbo screens outside the stadium and about 2,000 more people were in lawn chairs hanging out and having a good time. It was neat to be in a place that had such a strong tradition around track and field.
I took this picture right before Sharon's race. It was a pretty nice night.
The stadium is surrounded by mountains. It's a great setting. Eugene is a pretty city. Lots of hippies, though. Lots of hippies! I've never been to a city that offers valet parking for bicycles!
And here's Sharon right before the race. The prettiest girl on the track. She didn't run as well as she would have liked. She got 20th and ran 34:10 (5:27 per mile for 6.2 miles). The leaders took the race out slow, and slowly turned up the heat after each lap. They ran a couple of 80 second laps, then 78s, then 76s, 74s, 70s... It's tough to go from slow to fast and the leaders burned up the field. Sharon gave it her best and never quit. I could tell after the second mile she was in a lot of pain. I can tell by her stride and her breathing. Even though she wanted to drop out about midway through, she didn't quit. Sharon never quits. Neither do I and neither will Luke. Have I ever mentioned I'm proud of her:)
I got to meet coach Bowerman, legendary coach of Prefontaine and co-founder of Nike. He's in pretty good shape for an old man, hard as a rock, but not one for conversation.
The night before Sharon's race, I got to go to a fun concert. It was a blast! Two of my favorite blues singers were there:
Keb Mo' and Taj Mahal. These guys are black blues singers. They don't sing the kind of music you would associate with hippies, but man, the hippies came out!
These are two friends of mine that were enjoying the scene. It was worth the money just to see the people. No joke, we were offered pot within 2 minutes after getting out of our car. Some shady guy on a bicycle. Very strange but funny experience.
Shar and I on race day. She took a little 10 minute jog. Even during her shake-out run, I have a hard time keeping up with her. It was a nice trail to run on. Eugene is full of great hiking trails and running paths.
There was a nice park near our hotel that was loaded with Rhododendrons (sp?). It was gorgeous. The only other place that has more blooming Rhododendrons is Roan Mountain, where I proposed to Sharon.
Sharon stretching before her race. My feet made it in the picture.
I think this is why my neck is hurting...
Shar and I posing by the duck-Elvis. Being from Memphis, I couldn't help myself. I've seen a lot of Elvis impersonators (I'm actually related to
one of the best), but I've never seen one as a duck.
Dad hooked Sharon up with some flowers in Portland the day after her race. We had a great night. Thanks dad!
I took this picture right before Sharon's race. It was a pretty nice night.
The stadium is surrounded by mountains. It's a great setting. Eugene is a pretty city. Lots of hippies, though. Lots of hippies! I've never been to a city that offers valet parking for bicycles! 
And here's Sharon right before the race. The prettiest girl on the track. She didn't run as well as she would have liked. She got 20th and ran 34:10 (5:27 per mile for 6.2 miles). The leaders took the race out slow, and slowly turned up the heat after each lap. They ran a couple of 80 second laps, then 78s, then 76s, 74s, 70s... It's tough to go from slow to fast and the leaders burned up the field. Sharon gave it her best and never quit. I could tell after the second mile she was in a lot of pain. I can tell by her stride and her breathing. Even though she wanted to drop out about midway through, she didn't quit. Sharon never quits. Neither do I and neither will Luke. Have I ever mentioned I'm proud of her:) 
I got to meet coach Bowerman, legendary coach of Prefontaine and co-founder of Nike. He's in pretty good shape for an old man, hard as a rock, but not one for conversation. 
The night before Sharon's race, I got to go to a fun concert. It was a blast! Two of my favorite blues singers were there: Keb Mo' and Taj Mahal. These guys are black blues singers. They don't sing the kind of music you would associate with hippies, but man, the hippies came out!
These are two friends of mine that were enjoying the scene. It was worth the money just to see the people. No joke, we were offered pot within 2 minutes after getting out of our car. Some shady guy on a bicycle. Very strange but funny experience. 
Shar and I on race day. She took a little 10 minute jog. Even during her shake-out run, I have a hard time keeping up with her. It was a nice trail to run on. Eugene is full of great hiking trails and running paths.
There was a nice park near our hotel that was loaded with Rhododendrons (sp?). It was gorgeous. The only other place that has more blooming Rhododendrons is Roan Mountain, where I proposed to Sharon.
Sharon stretching before her race. My feet made it in the picture. 
I think this is why my neck is hurting...
Shar and I posing by the duck-Elvis. Being from Memphis, I couldn't help myself. I've seen a lot of Elvis impersonators (I'm actually related to one of the best), but I've never seen one as a duck.
Dad hooked Sharon up with some flowers in Portland the day after her race. We had a great night. Thanks dad!
7 comments:
wow it looks like you guys had a lot of fun. I am sorry you didn't run as well as you wanted, Shar, but I still think it's great you stuck it out even when it was tough!
:)
Great job Sharon!!! You had an amazing year and we're so proud of you!
Heather
Great job Sharon. What a fabulous comeback after having a baby! :) I admire you because I could never do it!
I agree w/ Mo--I am very proud of your determination and hard-ass-ness! You've always been a tough cookie. Love all of the pictures and all of the comments! My sis lived in Eugene for about 10 years so you were right on! Although I've heard they want to be called "Leisure Lifestyle Enthusiasts" instead of hippies. :)
Shar you look beautiful!
ang
Love you girl! You did a great job! I continue to be impressed by you...and you look great :) Happy 4th to you and your family!
Sharon- you are always such a tough runner! Even though it didn't turn out exactly as planned, it looks like ya'll had an amazing time! I know Kevin and Luke are so proud of you!
Top 20 in the nation!! That's AMAZING!!! Congratulations!
By the way, Derek and I climbed Roan mountain in May. We were about two weeks early to see the rhododendron bloom, but ate lunch at that look-out point. Is that where Kevin proposed?
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