Olympic Marathon Trials Atmosphere

Must be a long bridge. Photo: Kurt Hoy

There's an ice rink in the park next to the start/finish. Photo: Kurt Hoy

Mario Fraioli strangles a microphone on take two of "Predictions." Photo: Kurt Hoy

Be one of the first three men and women to see this—go to Olympic Games. Photo: Kurt Hoy

Runners in the Olympic trials will start here. Photo: Kurt Hoy

Shalane Flanagan and Kara Goucher head out on a morning run, Friday. Photo: Kurt Hoy

Shalane Flanagan and teammate Kara Goucher prepare for a morning run outside the Hilton hotel in Houston. Photo: Kurt Hoy

Tracy (right) sort of throws off the average. But, however you look at it, these dudes were fast in their day. Bill Rodgers (left), Frank Shorter (middle), Tracy Sundlun. Photo: Kurt Hoy

Everyone knows it's more fun when you're not running. Hawi Keflezighi and Steve Godwin at the welcome dinner/dessert. Photo: Kurt Hoy

Laura Portis, of Michigan, and her "agent" take in the pre-race festivities. Photo: Kurt Hoy

Trent Briney, left has made the trials three times. He finished fourth in 2004. Mario Fraioli needs to shave about nine minutes off his marathon time to have a shot at his first trials. It's all about 2016, Mario! Photo: Kurt Hoy

All kinds of heads-of-start are up in the house here in Houston. Photo: Kurt Hoy

Runners are supported by friends and family at the 2012 trials. Photo: Kurt Hoy

Competitor's "crew" gets it done at the start line on Friday … the 13th. One of three Friday the thirteenths that will occur during 2012. Photo: Kurt Hoy

Runners, the running industry, and running fans from around the United States worked out in the park on Friday. In addition to the trials, Houston hosts its marathon on Sunday and then the Running USA conference. Photo: Kurt Hoy

Alliances will undoubtedly form in Saturday's race. Photo: Kurt Hoy

Many friends and groups ran together while warming up and inspecting the course on Friday. Photo: Kurt Hoy

NBC cameras are set up, but the race will not be aired live. Photo: Kurt Hoy