Kara Goucher in the 2012 Rock ‘n’ Roll Portland Half Marathon

Kara Goucher winning the 2012 Rock ‘n’ Roll Portland 1/2 Marathon

The Rock ‘n’ Roll series made its way to Oregon for the inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll Portland 1/2 Marathon May 20th. Headlining the event on the women’s side was Portland’s own Kara Goucher. She crushed the women’s field and was an inspiration to watch.

For those who may not follow the world of elite running, Kara finished third in the US Olympic Marathon Trials in January and will be representing the US in London along with Desiree Davila and training partner Shalane Flanagan. Follow Kara on her road to London on her husband’s book site, Run the Edge.

Coming down the home stretch for the win

Post race interview with her son Colt

Go Team USA!

I got out on my long run early this morning so I could watch the Marathon Olympic Trials at noon (early is relative on a weekend).  There was so much build-up for the women’s race having the deepest field ever.  It was inspirational to watch and I’m excited about the team the US is sending to London.  I would say Portland, Oregon is going to be quite well represented between Shalane Flanagan and Kara Goucher.  I have been following Kara Goucher’s blog and am so happy for her that she made the team.

Some may say watching a marathon on TV is the most boring thing ever and all you need to watch is the last five minutes.  Well, I could say the same about basketball, considering the high scores and how often a lead is traded back and forth until the final few minutes.  Hmm…that does kinda sound like a marathon, at least the first 15 miles.  That’s when it really does get interesting and decisive moves are made, making for almost an hour of quality marathon viewing.  I suppose I was multitasking with post-run activities such as stretching, icing, and eating everything in sight.

Watch press conferences with Team USA on Runner’s World.  I love the Olympics!  Time for another US medal in the women’s marathon?