As someone who probably won't ever run at the national championships, I was wondering if anyone would care to tell of the experience. More of the day or two leading up to it in Terre Haute, the fans, having Flotrack/media there, etc. Maybe it's a weird question, but it's something I dreamed of making it to, and at least want to know what it's like.
What a troll
I went to watch a couple years. The best thing about Terre Haute is the square donuts!!
Not a troll, thanks though for that
I don't know if the runners notice much, but it really is an event for the fans who sprint from point to point to see the runners as many times as they can. I always liked to stay on the lower end of the course. Didn't see the runners as much but you could get right up close as there were a lot fewer people.
I ran 2 times in Terre Haute (4 times if you count Pre-nats) and it was great. This is now ages ago (02 and 04 plus 05 pre-nats) and I still speak about it as the best race ever. Going out at incredible speed (first km is downhill obviously) with 250 runners is amazing. Then, at the later stages you just seem to be running through a tunnel of spectactors.
I always ended up running in the mid-pack, so I never really saw the leaders of the race, instead you just focus on the pack of guys ahead of you. Kind of like I imagine running a marathon at 3 - 3:30 pace, always people around you.
Guys on the team definitely hyped it up- it was THE event of the year.
If you are in college still, train hard and consistent, don't do anything crazy - and with a bit of luck you will get there. I don't call myself crazily talented, just put in the work and you will get results.
Terre Haute's been awesome
I went before, and I will go again!