Lauren Matthews, the 181st and final qualifier for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials-Women's Marathon, talks about going to school in Boston, qualifying in a unique race, and getting married on the Olympic Trials course.

Boston Athletic Association: Did you compete in any other sports growing up?

Lauren Matthews: I was always moving as a kid and was on several basketball and soccer teams. I was never that good, but you can’t cut 6-year-olds and by the time they could make cuts, I was fit enough to get from one end of the court to the other before most people. I guess they figured somebody was better than nothing.

B.A.A.:How did you first become involved in running – and when did you first realize that you had a future as a distance runner?

L.M.: I ran here and there through 8th grade so I could keep in shape for other sports. I made the cross country team my freshman year of high school and was competitive for my age group, but my primary focus was on basketball until my junior year. I knew that I was never going to be quick, so I figured distance running.

I don’t think I really thought of myself having a future as a distance runner, but it has always been a fun part of my life. I really appreciate the fact that USA Track & Field has kept the Olympic Trials qualifying standard at a competitive mark, but one that also promotes long distance running and a larger pool of women, not just a handful of the super elite. Being a part of this race has been a dream for me and I appreciate the opportunity just to be there.