xc-fan wrote:
Vanderkooi is getting overlooked here because she doesn't run super fast solo races. But she always shows up when there is competition. Last year she won Footlocker Midwest over Dudek, Ewert, and Hart. She then ran 16:55 at FLN which would have won every FLN race but two since it returned to Balboa Park in 2002. I wouldn't be surprised at all if she wins this race.
Her speed rating of 166 from FLN is higher than Brown has ever gotten on these short TX courses. And Thorvaldson has only done better once. And there are indications that Vanderkooi is faster this year than last.
It should be a great race in any case.
Does anyone know anything about this course? Fast? Slow? Hilly? Vanderkooi has run well in big meets, but I think Thorvaldson should be the favorite here. Brown likes to charge out fast, but I think she should let Thorvaldson lead. Brown didn't seem to look that good to me in her recent state meet win (and course record). Maybe an off day.