Probably because Valby actually does want to ‘compete’, she was kicking around chances in the steeple, but whether she can actually steeple is beside the point.
You keep missing the obvious, and shouldn’t have to have it explained to you like a 3rd grader. “Scared of competition”. Sure troll, sure.
"Scared" is hyperbole, but she has not ever raced in a top track meet. Why didn't she race at Millrose? Lots of top collegians have, Ramsden this year, Tuohy last year, both Kelati and Monson ran the 3k in 2019 and 2020, Schweizer in 2018. Traditionally, the top collegians race there against the pros. Valby almost certainly had a spot held open for her if she wanted.
Why didn't she race at US nationals last summer, she only ran 4 times in outdoors and her 15:25 time from SECs would have been accepted into the race?
Her coach has her on a plan. It is not your plan or Tuohy's plan. She hasn't lost a race in 9 months. That may continue all the way until the Olympics.
How much time is there between qualifying round and finals of trials 5K? One or two days? Dealing with qualifying and final will be a challenge for Valby. She might consider running both the 3K and 5K at NCAAs for the experience. On the other hand, she really likes the DMR. If Asekol runs the 1200 and Valby runs high 4:20s the Gators could be in the mid 10:40s and competitive with the top teams.
How much time is there between qualifying round and finals of trials 5K? One or two days? Dealing with qualifying and final will be a challenge for Valby. She might consider running both the 3K and 5K at NCAAs for the experience. On the other hand, she really likes the DMR. If Asekol runs the 1200 and Valby runs high 4:20s the Gators could be in the mid 10:40s and competitive with the top teams.
How much time is there between qualifying round and finals of trials 5K? One or two days? Dealing with qualifying and final will be a challenge for Valby. She might consider running both the 3K and 5K at NCAAs for the experience. On the other hand, she really likes the DMR. If Asekol runs the 1200 and Valby runs high 4:20s the Gators could be in the mid 10:40s and competitive with the top teams.
More chance for points with 3l/5k double
Maybe Arkansas is too strong to make a difference (?), so it might be more fun to take another shot at the DMR again. Can she run a mid-4:20’s split by starting out evenly pacing 34sec laps in a very competitive DMR battle?
and, if I was them I would pull Asekol off the DMR and let her try to place real high in the mile, vs be on a DMR fighting for 5-8, and making her run 2 races on night 1.
I don't think Coffee Club Fangirl was complaining about pacers. She was saying that Valby has never raced against pros.
You are over thinking this. Valby is committed now to college running. This race got 10pts for FL at sec meet, and qualified Valby for the NCAA indoor 3000. Other than that, there is no secret strategic reason for running a JV 3000.
The only thing they are doing to help with Olympic trials is minimizing her racing schedule. You'll probably see a similar short sweet outdoor season. I think Valby will race at trials and give it her best shot; no surprise out front. I don't think, however, she views it as a huge disappointment if she does not make the team. She will just come back for another year at Florida.