It is often said that the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon are all about 1-2-3. But for many athletes on the streets of Houston today, it was about something else. For instance, Linda Somers Smith of Arroyo Grande, CA, wanted to run under 2:40. Linda Somers Smith was a 1996 Olympian. That’s 16 years ago. She…

FAST FACTS U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Women’s Marathon Houston, TX, Saturday, January 14, 2012 Downtown 8 mile loop course – 3 laps with 2.2 mile loop before main course Weather: sunny, clear Temperature: 40F (start); 57F (finish) Wind: WSW 9-12 mph Qualifiers = 225 Declared = 188 Starters = 183 Finishers = 152 Prize…

FAST FACTS U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Men’s Marathon Houston, TX, Saturday, January 14, 2012 Downtown 8 mile loop course – 3 laps with 2.2 mile loop before main course Weather: sunny, clear Temperature: 39F (start); 54F (finish) Wind: WSW 9-12 mph Qualifiers = 158 Declared = 113 Starters = 111 Finishers = 85 Prize…