DAVILA READY FOR FIRST RACE SINCE OLYMPIC MARATHON
By Chris Lotsbom
(c) 2013 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved - Used with permission.

NEW YORK (07-June) -- One year ago, Desiree Davila sat in the offices of the New York Road Runners here answering a variety of questions on the eve of the Oakley New York Mini 10K, ranging from her engagement to fiance Ryan Linden to her Olympic Trials Marathon performance. Less than two months out from the 2012 London Olympic Games, Davila was preparing for her first Olympic Marathon, a smile on her face and anticipation audible in her voice.

After placing 11th overall and third among Americans, Davila was content with her Mini 10K race. Her broader focus was the Olympic Marathon.

"To come on this anniversary and have some pretty amazing people start the race with you and run out there on the same course is always exciting," she said, not knowing she had just posted her final race finish of 2012.

What followed read like a nightmare for any professional runner. Gradually, pain in her hip forced the Arizona State alum to contemplate not starting the Olympic Marathon. Ultimately she would choose to start the race, but would pull out before reaching the five kilometer mark.

Soon thereafter, the now 29-year-old found out the pain had been a femoral stress fracture.  After months of rehabilitation and gradually returning to running, Davila is ready to lace up her Brooks racing shoes again. She will be on the starting line for tomorrow's Oakley New York Mini 10K ready to see where her fitness is.

"Getting fit, I don't know what that means right now," said the plain-speaking Davila. "It will be a good starting point, good to go out, put on the uniform, get the nerves, line up, race, and from that starting point you can work from that. There's a lot of questions in the air right now and it'll be good to see where we need to focus."

When asked if she was more excited or nervous to race again, Davila said it's an ever changing spectrum.

"It's like this really weird combination that changes every day: nervous, excited, etc.," she said, trying to put her feelings into words.  She continued: "It'll be good to get out there," she said. "The sweet spot when everything is going well is like 98.2-percent excited. I'm not quite there yet, but I think after this the races will start getting easier and less nervous."

One thing Davila is focused on is being competitive among the Americans. Returning is last year's sixth place finisher Stephanie Rothstein Bruce, as well as IAAF World Cross Country competitor Mattie Suver.

"I think it's a great group of Americans they brought in," she said, mentioning both athletes. "I think if I can at least be mixing it up with them it bodes well for a great starting point."

Rather than dwelling on her missed opportunity at the Olympics or the what could-have-been scenario, Davila has used the experience as a re-grouping moment that can help her going forward in the future.

"It's the light at the end of the tunnel now. Now we are getting fit and start to go after goals, progressing instead of just sitting and being mad at the past. It's definitely a turning point," she said.

Health-wise, Davila says she has rounded the turn and is now feeling better, though her and coaches Keith and Kevin Hanson have taken baby steps rather than swift strides making sure not to return to full training too early.

"You start thinking about four years out and taking your time with it," she said.

One positive Davila can look forward to no matter the outcome of Saturday's race is her forthcoming marriage to Linden, a competitive triathlete. The couple will be married on August 24th in Northern Michigan.

"It kind of kept me distracted from a lot of the other stuff going on when you're injured," she said.

Davila's bridal shower is scheduled for Saturday evening, so she will be flying back to Michigan right after the race.

"So whatever happens in Saturday's race, we still have something to go home to and celebrate. Hopefully we'll be double celebrating."

Recently married is Hansons Brooks Distance Project teammate Neely Spence Gracey. Though Davila and Spence Gracey haven't been able to workout full tilt much yet, the new bride has given some tips to the bride-to-be.

"She's really great with the wedding tips and planning stuff," Davila said, beginning to laugh. "As for actual marriage advice, I don't know if she has any just yet. We'll see."

PHOTO: Desiree Davila competing in the 2012 Oakley New York Mini 10K (photo courtesy of New York Road Runners)

ENDS