LOLZLetter 261 | All Things US Olympic Marathon Trials
Welcome,
This week is all about the Marathon Olympic Trials, a race that only happens every four years. But first about my weekend. My weekend was interesting. I started, but did not finish, the Surf City Marathon. My plan was always to drop out at mile 20. I needed a quality long run, versus a half marathon that felt okay with miles tacked on. And that's exactly what I had. I averaged 7:37 for 20 miles, with my second half much faster than the first half. I could have finished a marathon on Sunday, but I didn't want to run two marathons in 6 weeks (after running one a year at mpst). Anyway, it was great motivation for training. Also, I ran in the 361 Furious Future, a carbon-plated shoe, and honestly, it's maybe my favorite. If you like the Nike Tempo Next, you will really like that one. Ok, I digress onto the newsletter.
Are you tired of Marathon Olympic Trials coverage yet? Yes? No? If you want to watch the entire event, you can on Peacock.
Conner Mantz and Fiona O’Keeffe won the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon in Orlando, Florida. Their wins showed the future of U.S. distance running, as both Olympic Teams comprised only one veteran. (Assuming Korir is able to go).
Mantz, 27, secured his win with a time of 2:09:05. Both Mantz and his teammate Clayton Young ran almost the entire race together. It appeared as if Young allowed Mantz to take the win as he soaked up his victory lap of making the team. With that, I have many questions, including whether they are splitting the extra $15k. The difference in winning versus second is $15,000. But it was a nice gesture.
Young was a 136th-place finisher at the 2020 Trials, but both Young and Mantz showed their potential at the Chicago 2023 marathon when they were the only men to hit the 2024 Olympic qualifying standard. Both Mantz and Young ran together at Brigham Young University.
The men's race wouldn't have been possible without the gutsy performance of Zach Panning, who pushed the pace until around 21 miles. It was devastating to see Panning not make the team after he shaped the men's trials race. He become the winner in our hearts.
Finally, Leonard Korir, who narrowly missed out on the Tokyo Olympics, finished third. His Olympic Marathon is dependent on the World Athletics rankings. (Seriously, could we make sending three people to the Olympics any more complicated?)
Meanwhile, O’Keeffe, 25, surprised almost everyone by winning the women's race in 2:22:10, setting a new record for the women's U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon. Not just setting, but obliterating by several minutes—and it wasn't as if it was a cool day to race. There were many dropouts due to the heat.
It was O’Keeffe's debut marathon, and she trains under coach Amy Cragg. Despite her inexperience at the marathon distance, O’Keeffe managed to stay composed, even surprising herself with the win. She went to the lead and never looked back. With anyone in their first marathon (honestly, any marathon), we wondered, would she crack or bonk, but she never did.
Many runners had to withdraw due to the heat, including seasoned Olympians and marathon debutants alike. Emily Sisson proved she could run an even race, despite saying she didn't feel great early on. Dakota Lindwurm rounded out third place for women. The race for third looked like it could be almost anyone, from Sara Hall to Betsy Saina to Dakota. Sara slowed, and Betsy eventually dropped, but Dakota slowed less and secured the third place.
I was heartbroken for Sara, her 8th Olympic Trials, and likely her closest shot. Sara set a masters trials record. I was heartbroken for Keira D'Amato, who has come so far in the last few years. But, I am happy for those who made it. As we know, the marathon doesn't owe anyone anything, and these were the winners that day.
As you can probably guess, I'm interested in the runners' shoe choice as well.
Men's:
Mantz Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% (v1)
Young Asics Metaspeed Sky 3 prototype
Korir Nike Air Zoom Alphafly 3
Kibet Asics Metaspeed Edge 3 prototype
Albertson Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 prototype
Panning Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 prototype
Martin Nike Air Zoom Alphafly 3
Izewski Nike Air Zoom Alphafly 3
Fischer Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3
Bennie Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 prototype
Women’s:
O’Keeffe Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3
Sisson New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer
Lindwurm Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3
McClain Nike Vaporfly 3
Hall Asics Metaspeed Edge 3 prototype
Rotich, Asics Metaspeed Edge+
Myler Asics Metaspeed Sky 3 prototype
Flanagan Asics Metaspeed Edge 3 prototype
Durgin Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3
Frisbie Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3
Observations:
Like many people, I want to try more Puma shoes, and it's one brand I really haven't tried a lot of models from. The few that I did, I didn't love. There were a lot of Asics and a lot of Brooks in the top 10. I'm also wondering are we seeing more elites in the Asics Metaspeed Edge versus Sky? I loved the Edge, except the last version I tried ripped up my feet on hilly races so I stopped wearing them.
I was surprised by the minimal Nikes, especially the Nike Vaporfly, since it's the popular choice for sub-elite runners. Also, Emily Sisson's choice of the SuperComp Pacer is interesting too.
Anyway, until next time! If you enjoyed the newsletter, I appreciate you sharing and helping it grow.
What's Keeping Me Entertained This Week?
Hoka Cielo X1 Review The latest carbon plated shoe from Hoka and it is GOOD.
January Training: Turning a Corner
Prose Review: Did those instagram/facebook ads get you too?
Thewitt talks about her experience at the Trials