I had no idea I'd be in contention to win. I took the lead from the start, and I ran the whole race by myself. It was tough. By mile 21, that's when I need the encouragement of someone to help me keep pace. But there are just a few people in the U.S. who win a race like this one.
People know Houston.
It's definitely a sweet experience, with the TV coverage and all the camera crews. When I got home, I had 16 congratulatory phone calls. You're emerging as a fine runner now in your 30s. I was a swimmer during my teens. I got into cross-country and track in high school and did really well.