Jenny Simpson takes down BMart, Kate Grace, Houlihan, Kaela Edwards and more at 2017 Drake Relays

rojo wrote:

Everyone was there. I can't believe people are complaining

They were there, but they forgot to show up.

GeezYouPeople wrote:

If you want to beat the 3rd fastest American ever at the distance (JS) along with someone who has run 4:00.x (BM), your best chance is with a slower more tactical race.

They all ran too fast! If only a few of them had gone out much slower, and finished in maybe 4:46 or so, then they might have won the whole race!

Get behinder wrote:

"If I'm going after JS & BM in their 1st 1500 of the year, with no indoors, & coming off of altitude then your darn right I'm hammering from the get-go"

I'd sure hammer them both from the get go!

wejo wrote:

Kate Grace was too far back with 200 to go. Pretty much back of the entire field. Had to run too hard from 200 to 100 to go.

If only she'd run quite a bit slower... then she might have won the whole race!

Oldie wrote:

Had they kept her boxed in then it is anybody's race. Sounds like smart racing to me.

Sounds cowardly. The goal is to outrun the competition NOT outblock the competition.

wejo wrote:

Just watched the race on NBCSN.

Kate Grace was too far back with 200 to go. Pretty much back of the entire field. Had to run too hard from 200 to 100 to go.

Asbel Kiprop even learned this lesson finally at the Olympics. In a slow race, it's almost impossible to win if you are way behind with a lap to go.

- Thanks, I'll try & gain access

- When will Robby Andrews learn from Abel?

- Rarely do I see this tactic ... last I rememember was Nick Symonds moving from last to 5th for his 1:42 effor in 2012 Olympics.

Oldie wrote:

Hasn't anyone on here ever raced? If I was in a race in those conditions I would not break the wind for the Olympians for three laps. I would trust my speed training for the last lap and try to be in position coming into the last lap. By the way ain't no way in a men's race Jenny cuts through two runners to get to to the lead going into the last lap. Had they kept her boxed in then it is anybody's race. Sounds like smart racing to me.

- Good point on the wind & drafting

- The "Draft until Sprint" is A technique; however, why would these athletes dare to spring against sub 2:00 800 runners like Jenny and Brenda?

It must be getting difficult to push the competitive aspect when they are so slow. What do you cheer for?

This is a tough sport. It must be a downer to determine they will probably be better at anything they do after they retire.

Jenny S will always be a star. Never liked Brenda but Kate has been a nice surprise. Schwitzer will expire together with the cow grub they feed her out at Mizzou. I can just see this headline: Mad Cow makes a comeback and it can't be stopped. Who knows, she might stumble upon a student demonstration and be vilified for life.

What a race!!! I loved watching it.

You meant "queue," not "cue." I hope I remember the lesson of the brojos if my kids ever want to go to an ivy league school.

Tell your kids to remember something else: don't be too "cute"

Lickety Split wrote:

- Dude, wasn't there ... that's why I'm asking.

- Who contested Simpson & Martinez? How? Why are you "OK" w/how they raced?

I was in the stands. The first half was a slow jog, and several fans pointed it out. Nobody will boo Houlihan and Simpson in their backyard, but it was obvious.

They finished with a 56 by my watch, so weather wasn't the issue. The big checks were, but that's the runners' perogative.

Not surprised that Grace, Simpson, Martinez would want a kick race. Not surprised non-kickers keep thinking they'll outkick them.

- Good perspective .... figured as much looking at the splits. Agree that locals won't take a stand versus their home grown.

We are in the midst of some changes in tactics in the mile/1500. Like the announcers always say, "that can't be the best strategy for everyone in the race."

It might be that we will see someone try to break away somewhere during the third lap. If you trained for it, you could make it happen.

rojo I agree - i'd much rather see exciting races with people trying to make moves in the last 200 than 1 person drop everyone and run a fast performance time. Racing makes for much better TV.

Agreed, one of the young runners should take a shot! I think that runner will be Efraimson or Eccleson long term, but the old guard will dictate for now. It was a championship style race.