Leon is a lifetime Cubs fan and said he will try to emulate their team motto on Sunday which is, "'We never quit' and 'Try not to suck!'"

Also included: Meb Keflezighi (who is not running NYC) discussing his recent problems throwing up in races.

With only four men in the field who have broken 2:10 in the last three years, it's not totally crazy to think an American could win NYC on Sunday, particularly since Dathan Ritzenhein has had a great buildup.

Meb, Ritz and Rupp will get plenty of attention this week, so we wanted to start our previews by focusing on the men who have a shot at the Olympic team if any of the Big 3 falter. In 2012, we only had a list of 6 outside of the eventual top 4. This year, the list is 20 deep.

Is Galen Rupp the favorite at the Trials in his debut marathon? We debate that as we start breaking down the Trials.

"I never thought that accepting a nomination to the Pan Am Games would end in heartbreak ... Humiliated, heart broken, and shattered are words to describe my feelings right now.
*MB: USATF accidentally gives Craig Leons Pan Am spot to Tyler McCandless. Should TrackTy give up slot?

Ethiopians Yebrgual Arage (2:23:23) and Birhanu Gedefa (2:08:03) got the wins as American Kellyn Taylor (2:28:40) had a nice debut and Aaron Braun (2:12:54) was the top American man.
On The Boards: Also at Houston - Aaron Braun 2:12:54; Kellyn Taylor 2:28:40

The 2:05:25-man will face Debeb Tolossa and Aaron Braun. The women's race is led by 2:25:39 runner Fatuma Sado who faces Biruktait Degefa (2:26:22) and Serena Burla. The half will once again be the US Half-Marathon Championships and features Meb Keflezighi, Josphat Boit, Matt Llano, Janet Bawcom, Sara Hall, Kim Conley and Becky Wade.

Bobby Curtis led the way in 2:11:20 in 9th, Jake Riley had a nice debut and Gabe Proctor turned heads by going out hard and PRing. 

Last year's Chicago race was truly special as Dennis Kimetto and Emmanuel Mutai waged an epic battle that resulted in the decimation of the course record. What will happen when Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele clash on Sunday?  Those two greats will be challenged by Tadese Tola (2:04:49 pb), Bernard Koech (2:04:53 pb), Sammy Kitwara (58:48 half marathon pb) and Dickson Chumba (Tokyo Marathon champ). The American field features 13:18/27:24 man Bobby Curtis (2:13:24 pb), the red-hot Christo Landry (U.S. 10k road champ) but the biggest talker of all has been Matt Llano who is dreaming of a 2:08 in his debut.

American Meb Keflezighi rightfully got the glory but his American competitors helped him out. The untold story of American Strong. This story went viral and was ready by nearly 200,000 people.