Onthehuntttttt wrote:
If you’re Drew Hunter, what is your plan at USA’s out of the following options:
1. Race the 10k and compete for top 3. Be happy with a good effort even if a top 3 finish won’t qualify you for worlds.
2. Lead the 10k and go balls to the wall to try to get under the standard. Put yourself at risk for blowing up, but if it pays off and you get the standard and top 3, you qualify for worlds.
3. Race the 5k and compete for top 3. Be happy with a good effort even if you are too 3 but don’t hit the standard.
4. Lead the 5k and compete to get the standard. Risk blowing up, but if it pays off and you finish top 3, you qualify for worlds.
5. Try to make 1500m final and hang with top guys as long as possible and hope you can kick into a top 3 finish. You’re most likely going to have to run under the standard to get top 3 anyway.
I’m hoping for option 2 (gutsy 10k), but realistically think we will see option 1 or option 3 (which would be lame and boring). I think his best case scenario in the 1500m is 6th in the final, so I don’t think option 5 is a great choice.
Unfortunately, Drew doesn't have any realistic options at this point. If he chooses to run USA's, his ONLY option is to run a WC qualifying mark in either the 5000m or 10,000m. That of course is a very tall order for either race (13:01/27:00). He also needs to pick the event HE believes he can run the fastest in, and then do whatever he can to ensure a fast race. Even if he sets a fast pace, the competition is too strong, and they will sit on his A$$ and destroy him the final mile or so. Yes, he's a 3:33 guy, the question is can he drop a sub 4:00 effort off 13:00 min pace? or sub 4:00 off 27:00 min pace? Those other boys can and will if necessary, Drew cannot. Drew made his bed a few years ago by not joining an elite training group. Instead, he took the Tinmen route and was never really pushed to reach his potential. He lost valuable time in preparing himself both physically and mentally to run as fast as he needs to run now. He had the advantage, being young, long term Adidas contract, and wasted it with a half-baked track club coached by his mom. Now he's behind the 8 ball and is swimming against the current. If he wants to continue to run track, his best option is the Steeplechase. He's got the speed and strength as per his PB's, the big questions is does he have the nuggets to go for it? I definitely think he can, but does he?