Bringing Out the Best in Us

The Olympics bring out the best in all of us. The athletes pursue greatness and push their limits of what they thought possible. People from around the world come together to cheer on their countrymen and women.

My Olympic experience was unforgettable and left me inspired......and needing lots of rest and sleep! I wish I could convey the wave of enthusiasm and energy I felt as I ran the marathon through London. At times during the race I had to rein in my emotions and excitement because the fans were absolutely ridiculous. The streets were packed the whole way, which made for a deafening 26.2 miles! I have been fortunate to have lots of amazing moments in my career, but I have to say that running out front with my teammate and fellow American was priceless. I was overwhelmed with pride and patriotism like I've never felt.

In the end, I finished 10th. Not what I had dreamed of, but I have no regrets. I put my heart out on the line and went for a medal, strived for greatness. I left nothing in the tank. As a result, I have never run a tougher race in my life and was absolutely spent when I got to the finish line (almost thought with 2miles to go that I wouldn't make it).

In those last two miles of the marathon I faded from fifth to 10th. I witnessed my body shut down while my mind had to push me forward. I focused on kicking one foot out in front of another; meanwhile my body screamed to stop. At the finish I collapsed onto all fours, grateful to be done, but I quickly realized I was cramping so bad that I couldn't get up. So I sat there waiting for help until my teammate Kara [Goucher] came and picked me up off the ground. Perfect ending. I had her through this journey from start to finish.

After the marathon, I took off on a lovely holiday with my support crew: my family! We enjoyed a typical Brit vacation on a canal boat which we cruised through the countryside. We enjoyed the outdoors, laughs, stories, spirits, and the local hospitality. I am so fortunate to have my family's support. They are my motivation, the happy faces waiting for me at the finish, what I live for and what keeps me throwing one foot in front of the other.

Here are some photos from my time in London and on holiday through the British countryside: