Three Local Women Who Took Different Roads to the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials
Karen Steen ran in the USA Olympic Marathon Trials, won several Capital City Marathons, and won Master's National Championships.
Karen Steen ran in high school and college, while Linda Huyck never ran at the college level. Susan Havens took up running later in life and became one of the top master’s runners in the United States.
Despite their different backgrounds, all three women share a remarkable achievement—they are among the few female runners from Thurston County to qualify for and compete in the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. I had the privilege of coaching them during their qualifying runs and as master’s runners.
Karen Steen
Karen Steen (Bell was her maiden name) was a standout hurdler in high school and college, showcasing an impressive range of athletic abilities. After coaching her to the U.S. Olympic Trials in the marathon, we devised a plan for Karen to pursue a national master's record in the 400-meter hurdles.
With incredible determination, Karen achieved that national 400-meter hurdle record for her age group, even while dealing with a sprained ankle! She was an exceptional runner who won our local marathon, the Capital City Marathon, several times, and excelled in the steeplechase, becoming the best in the USA for her age group.
I will never forget Karen's impressive versatility across events and her extraordinary focus and determination. Despite working full time and raising a family, she qualified for the USA Olympic Trials, which was no easy feat.
Karen's life story is a testament to the power of hard work and determination. She consistently puts in a hard and consistent effort in everything she does.
Linda Huyck
I had the privilege of coaching Linda during her Olympic Trials qualifying run, at the U.S. Olympic Trials, and throughout her three Capital City titles.
Each race demonstrated Linda's talent, perseverance, and ability to overcome challenges in unique ways. However, the common thread among all these races was her incredible tenacity and unwavering determination. When the stakes were high, Linda consistently rose to the occasion.
One remarkable aspect of Linda's journey is that she never ran in college. She returned to running after graduating, taking a six-year break from the sport. This oversight means that many college coaches missed a tremendous coaching opportunity!
Linda has since become one of the best master's runners in America and has inspired countless others.
What I appreciate most about Linda is her consistently upbeat attitude.
If you want to read more about Linda Huyck, check out this article in Runner's World Magazine.
I have served as Linda’s coach for over 25 years.
Susan Havens
One of the athletes I coached at the U.S. Olympic Trials, Susan Havens, started running later in life. She never competed in high school, college, or as an adult. However, at around age 40, Susan qualified to run in the Olympic Trials.
Susan also won the Capital City Marathon and was ranked worldwide as a Master's runner. I mention this to emphasize that there is always a second chance to pursue big goals. Susan had incredible talent, but never realized she had national-class potential as a runner until she began training for marathons as an adult.
The day Susan qualified for the Olympic Trials was a remarkable moment. She worked harder than anyone I’ve coached and remained dedicated to reaching her God-given potential later in life. Susan also inspired others to give running a try through her example.
What I remember most about Susan is her quiet, soft-spoken, and humble spirit, as well as her exceptional consistency in training. She qualified for the USA Marathon Olympic Trials while working and raising a family. While the word "amazing" is often overused, it truly describes Susan on many levels.
These three incredible runners from Thurston share a common legacy—all have qualified for the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Each took a different path to success and inspired others along their journey.
Blessings,
Coach Weber
Philippians 4:13
Linda is pictured with Olympic Marathon Gold Medal winner Joan Benoit-Samuelson after winning the Capital City Marathon outright as a Master's runner for the third time. Linda Qualified for and ran in the USA Olympic Marathon Trials.
Susan Havens was amazing, running national class times at age 40. She started running late in life. Susan qualified for the USA Marathon Olympic Trials. She became one of the best Master's Runners around, winning the Houston Marathon in the Master's Division and becoming world ranked in the marathon in the Master's category. Susan is seen here after her career with her grandchild.