Elite Runner Shares Running Pet Peeve

Updated: Thursday, 12 Jan 2012, 6:36 PM CST
Published : Thursday, 12 Jan 2012, 6:36 PM CST

HOUSTON - It’s a big weekend for athletes and anyone interested in the Olympics.

This is the first time the women's and men's Olympic Time Trials have been held at the same time on the same course.

It's an opportunity to see some really fast people. Elite marathon runners can run a mile in less than 5 minutes.

According to Scott Douglas of Running Times, some people bike slower than those runners run.

"If you were to get on your bike and bike along the path, you'll be going 10 mph. The men's leader will be running faster than 12 mph,” Douglas said. “Most of us leisurely bike riders don't even ride a bike that fast."

What's more: they run that fast not just around the block but for 26 miles!

That's like running on I-10 from Katy to Downtown Houston without stopping ... for 2 hours ... straight.

Two of the super elite runners, Deena Kastor and Ryan Hall, have competed in the Olympics before. They'll be running in Saturday's time trials to get on the team again.

They've won marathons and they've set records. How in world can rest of us relate to them?

Maybe you sing in the shower? Ryan Hall sings with his fellow runners.

"When we were doing that, I felt super relaxed and found my rhythm,” Hall said. “That was the best I felt the whole race.”

Do you get excited when you're at a sporting event and people around you are screaming? Runners like that too.

"Shout, scream, cheer. Bring your kazoos, vuvuzelas, what ever you have,” Chevron Houston Marathon Director Steve Karpas said. “The runners feed off noise, come on out and support."

And like you, there are things runners don't like from those who are watching them do their job.

Marathoner Deena Kastor has some advice.

'The worst thing someone can do on a cool morning is to throw water on us, thinking that we're overheating,” Kastor said. “I think keep fluids off of us and let us do our thing but shouts of encouragement are welcome."

These athletes are not back-of-the-packers, but a lot of amateur runners are.

And that's OK, according to the fastest of the fast.

"I think my only words of wisdom to anyone out there Sunday is to believe in your training and enjoy the journey," Kastor said.

"You can have fun with it, you know, excitement coming with your race," Hall said.

There's excitement for non-runners too this weekend.

Houston is part of the Road to London. Discovery Green is set up with a "Road to London" interactive exhibit.

Here's a link to information on where to watch the time trials on Saturday and the Marathon on Sunday.

http://houston2012.com/