TheFinalSprint.com - Track & Field, Marathons, Racing News, Training Advice, Elite Athlete Blogs, Interviews, Podcasts, Videos and More! - TheFinalSprint.com is the Premier Destination for Track & Field, Marathon, Cross Country, Olympic and Road Racing Enthusiasts.

TFS to Expand Writing Staff and Internship Program

Whether you are a seasoned veteran, an aspiring journalist, or even just a knowledgeable fan looking for a profitable hobby, we want to hear from you! Click here to apply today!

Dathan Ritzenhein: Looking to Avenge the ‘04 Olympic Trials
(Elite Athlete Blog - Entry 9)

Posted July 1st, 2008 at 1:57 PM by Dathan Ritzenhein

Section: News & Results, Track & Field, Olympics, Elite Athlete Blogs, Dathan Ritzenhein

Welcome to the official blog of top U.S. distance runner Dathan Ritzenhein! Check back every other Tuesday for Ritz’s latest entry at http://dathanritzenhein.thefinalsprint.com/ as he prepares to represent the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympics!

As this Olympic Trials 10k gets closer I am more and more determined to come away this time with a better showing than 2004. That race was one of the most frustrating and disappointing moments of my life. When you work so hard for something and have an expectation of what it will be like, only to have it end up as an embarrassing humiliation, it haunts you until you can bring some kind of closure. The 10k this Friday will hopefully help me truly move on from that experience.

Only three days left until the 10k final. These past few weeks of training have been coming together nicely and although I don’t feel that I am at my peak 10k shape, I feel that I am fit enough to run a strong and confident race and that I am exactly where I want to be for the marathon. My coach, Brad Hudson, and I decided to focus on the marathon and just keep our game plan focused on August 24th. So going into the race I hope the pace is fast because I feel I have the best chance at doing well under those circumstances.

Well, its day five of the Olympic Trials and also a “rest day.” The buzz around town has been about track, track and more track. It’s awesome. We went to a restaurant and everyone waiting in line was talking about the incredible 800 meter final, and at the gas pump we heard people talking about the women’s 10k, and there was a general chatter about track in the grocery store. The people of Eugene are proud to call their home “Track Town USA.” I don’t think there is another town in America that embodies the track and field spirit such as Eugene, Oregon.

The past three days there has been over 20,000 people in attendance. It is incredible to see the people who come from across the country to be part of it. This is the closest most people will ever come to the Olympic experience and it makes it that much more special to have it in Eugene.

Last night was a great night at Hayward Field. My wife, daughter and I arrived in time to watch the women’s steeple prelims and stayed through the men’s 5k finals. The representation of Oregon athletes was incredible, especially in the men’s 800 meters. Everyone in the stands was on their feet after the first 200 meters. Even our daughter, Addy, was standing up, shaking the railing. I don’t think she knew quite what was going on, but she was just as excited as we were. The past two distance nights she stayed up until 10:30pm, two and half hours past her bedtime, but she didn’t show one ounce of sleepiness. She’s enjoyed the trials just as much as we have. The poor girl, track and field is in her blood.

In between the races last night some of the athletes that had made the team already got to be part of the unveiling of the new Olympic uniform. I gave me chills to put on the uniform that I will be wearing in less than two month. It gives a real honor and purpose for me when I get to put on the uniform and represent the USA.

It seems that time is flying by and with only seven weeks to go I feel like there is so much work to do still. But I know that my preparation for the marathon is right where it needs be. With how exciting the next five days will be I need to go an catch up on some more rest…

- Dathan

Be sure to check back for Ritz’s next entry on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at: http://dathanritzenhein.thefinalsprint.com/

To comment on this entry and to send feedback & questions to Ritz, please click here.

PHOTO: Courtesy of the New York Road Runners