Past Travels: Texas Marathons

The good thing about living in Texas is that there are 3 major marathons within 3 months. In December, there's the Dallas White Rock Marathon. In January, there's the Houston Marathon. In February, there's the Austin Marathon. You get the idea, it's warm in Texas.

Houston is my favorite. It is very well-run (no pun intended). It is also the host of the USA Half Marathon Championships. Last year, my sister and I went and had fun covering the races for Flotrack. This year was even better. The fields were loaded with awesome runners. In the end, Meb Keflezighi (2004 silver medalist) and Magdalena Lewy Boulet were the champs.

Luckily Meb didn't get stuck in the elevator the day before. The elite 

athlete hospitality room was at the Hilton on the 21st floor. The elevators got stuck, so we had to walk down a few flights of stairs and then 

pack like sardines in the one elevator that actually worked. We made it out though and ate some dinner later that evening.

The next morning, we rode on the press truck leading the men's half. I felt weary when the driver told us it was his "first time to do this." I was right. He kept slamming on the accelerator and we'd go flying. There wasn't much keeping us on that flatbed trailer.

My life flashed before my eyes a few times. I could have fallen off and been trampled by Meb and Ritz. What a way to go!

At the White Rock Marathon, we had to sign a waiver first. That was a good idea because a cameraman jumped off and hit hit head. I think he was okay...

Next up I'll probably go to Austin. Last year, Henry Rono, Dick Beardsley and Steve Jones were there.