Is Emma Done?

Deena K. was 33 when she set her Thon PB. Emma C. is currently 31.

Emma C. has a faster mile PB than Deena K., though Deena has a faster 3000m.

And Sara H., #3 on the all-time US women Thon list, was a steepler (albeit briefly) in her career, too.

Emma C. seems to prefer grinding out strength miles at altitude now, so maybe she would be suited for it. What do you think?

I would say she's pretty much done as a medal contender in any international venue. She is #2 USA also although I know some will disagree. But she doesn't think she's done. It seems as if she's very perplexed that Joe's science based coaching isn't translating. I think she has had a fantastic career but it's closing fast. It's hard to accept for sure. Speaking if closing careers boy Jenny Simpson has sure been quiet. I thought she might show up as a commentator or at least at Hayward.

Now that you mention it, it would be interesting to also watch Jenny take a swing at a Thon.

It would also be interesting to see either one of those Colorado girls go crush the mountain trail scene. Kara took a brief stab at it. Magdalena Lewy-Boulet seems to enjoy it. But maybe they have other aspirations.

She'll shut it down now, build back through the winter, run a NB indoor race or two, race a few steeples in spring, qualify for worlds, run 9:12 in Hungary next year. Wash, rinse, repeat.

Which is why I suggested she consider the Thon now, before completely aging out. Her coach is already having some Thon training success with Emma B.

Symmonds missed the U.S. team because he was more interested in making a statement about the merchandise they were required to wear than running in the champs. And that was it for him.

She’s been done. People haven’t realized it because she runs an event with no competition. If she was a 1500-5000 runner, people would be saying she was done a long time ago

It's only 8 letters. Just write marathon.

Agreed.

LMAO!! Emma thought she was in 8:50 shape?!?! What? She’s in complete denial. I bet she tells people in her personal life she’s basically the AR holder even though she isn’t. Emma has never once been in sub 9 shape never mind 8:50 shape. The Patriots went 19-0 too Emma.

The bitter pills (small men with small ps) are at again. She might not PR again, let alone not likely to break 9, but then again on the right day under the right conditions who knows. Could have locked a 5th or 6th but went for it with the hot early pace in hot conditions.

31 is absolutely an age at which you are on the decline as a middle distance runner. The quick twitch muscles and speed are gone. She’s relying entirely on supreme aerobic fitness.

That's got nothing to do with it. I'm a woman and I'm worried that Emma's on her way out. Sucks, but it looks that way. Hopefully she can surprise us.

But probably Emma and her coach are going to look at it from a financial perspective. If Emma can continue to at least make USA podiums in the Steeple for 1-3 years, will that be more rewarding than attempting the marathon, which might be hit-or-miss, and will require 2:22’s to be competitive in the USA (invited to the Majors with appearance fees.)

Emma lucked out competing in a nontraditional track event with little competition. Now the world is catching up and putting others against her. She's not world class in other events. Kudos for her for capitalizing on a niche event. She's more focused on her insta, elk run, pushing people off the track, etc. Hey She's made a good livin.

Her 4:04 1500m from PTF is just shy of her 4:03 high PB from 2020. That leads me to believe her speed is still there.

IMO-she needs to rip a few sub-15 minute 5ks to improve efficiency at running under 3 min/km pace. Her outdoor 5k PR is only 15:24 per her WA profile.

worldathletics.org

Emma COBURN | Profile | World Athletics

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Her indoor 3k PR of 8:39 suggests a faster 5k (14:50 per Tinman calculator). I would think 14:45-14:50 is in her wheelhouse.

Maybe some 5k racing indoors and early outdoors is the stimulus she needs to break through?