Should I lead the first half of Olympic Trials then drop?

I have a friend who qualified for the '00 trials with a high 2:18. He was headed for an engineering job and weekend warrior running after the trials. He knew he had no chance to be in contention, but simply wanted the experience of seeing what the race was like in the lead pack. He made it to 14 miles in the lead group, and then was gassed and finished in 2:29. He was totally satisfied with his plan, his performance and the experience.

I wouldn't do it (lead). Usatf might not like the shenanigans and change the qualifications process for others like you in the future. Remember back when elites used to start with the masses at Boston? It was this type of stunt that changed that.

Yes. You will be a legend of LRC.

Don't be a clown.

Most runners underperform at the Trials. Based on the last three trials, a 2:18 finish will put you somewhere between the top 25% to the top 50% of finishers. I'd prefer to have that on my resume than some camera time that just documents the fact that you didn't take yourself seriously during what is likely your best chance to compete against top talent.

Running off the front also isn't guaranteed to get you a bunch of camera time. The video feed is likely to stay with Rupp and Mantz most of the time anyway.

YOU WON'T! You will chicken out

Running a marathon on pure hate is a great idea. Do it.

Do you want to pull a Wardian.

Do it OP. The noon start means billions of people are gonna watch now so you’ll be famous.

He's not "rolling the dice." He's intentionally crashing into a bridge embankment.

OP, if you want to put your stupidity on public display, then knock yourself out.

I feel like Josh Cox made an entire career out of doing this.

Do it and finish with a couple Alan Webbesque surges!

Seems mad to me, as a Brit, that you can qualify for Olympic Trials with that time. Or that people finish 100th in an Olympic Trials race.

I’d do it if I was you! Might encourage USATF to stop the race being such a mockery in the future, and make it Elite-only.

yes

Do it with the Letsrun singlet. Lead at least 10 miles, shoot for half. Post race tell your friends and family you felt great and led until you had a couple skipped heartbeats, and dropped out to be safe. 100% chance of getting on Letsrun podcast for repping the site. New social media profile pic of you leading Mantz CJ and Rupp. Greatness.

I would prepare like it was an honor to be on the line with the country’s best, readying themselves to compete to represent their nation at one of the world’s most important sporting events. And I’d hope to have a chance to compare race stories at the end, or at an after party, or with friends I made during the trip. I’d take this one shot to see how I could stack up against the country’s best and take advantage of this rare opportunity our sport gives those who’ve earned it to toe the line with them. And I’d soak it all in and cherish all that this sport has given me. But I’m old. I guess guys with your opportunities don’t think like old men.

And you should be in training for crossing picket lines at Hollywood writer strikes. If anyone calls you on it, just tell them you're trying to help your angry, confused, grieving son get into ballet school.

Do it. When you start to fade hang onto Rupp for dear life and intentionally clip his heel like he did to Meb.

Wear sweats and then pull it off right before race to reveal a mankini similar to Borat. F it I don’t even want to go to Orlando either. If those jackasses want to pick somewhere so hot during a ridiculous time of day us who don’t care about the Olympics or can’t qualify anyway should pull stupid stunts.

Hey, Sage led the OT (and knew he was going to DNF) when he was coached by RoJo. The BrosJo should be happy to "sponsor" your race.