I doubt Markezich anticipated a sharp miler with 800m wheels sitting on her shoulder at the bell. She paid the price, more a tactical mistake than lack of fitness, imo. Seeing her get outkicked in the final lap probably surprised many (incl myself) because we’ve only witnessed it once before in the past two yrs (McCabe at BU). I think Roe’s hard mooch was a desperate gambit, hoping Valby would eventually wilt, whereas Markezich has looked more comfortable executing this tactic in championship races has the closing speed to finish the job. All of which is to say...I’m not really worried about Markezich and It seems pointless to worry about Valby at this point. If M drops a 2-sec PB in the final and V still smokes her in 8:35, say too good on the day and move on.
Maatoug? We could see a big surprise from her.
I kind of disagree. I picked Markezich to win, but that was Markezich's slowest anchor leg of the season so not a great sign. She has run 4:22 and 4:26, this was 4:30 in the final and they lost. She got beat by 3 seconds... looked tired to me.
You might be right. Those numbers indicate bald underperformance. It's tough getting a close read on things (fatigue? tactical error?) without first-hand info.
4:32 and coasting home in 34 tells me that McCabe is in 4:28 shape and feeling strong. Jepkirui won’t underestimate her close and final 50m, but others might. If McCabe stays smooth in lane 1 and makes two moves rather than six, she can crush this piece.
Maia 4:25.9l13 ftw wowee. Gibby said she could do 2:01/2 in the 800m if she focused on it. With her close, I believe it. 30.39. How fast is she going to go outdoors?
Maia 4:25.9l13 ftw wowee. Gibby said she could do 2:01/2 in the 800m if she focused on it. With her close, I believe it. 30.39. How fast is she going to go outdoors?
Closing in 30.xx off that pace shows Ramsden's class. Still, it wouldn't shock me if several runners go sub-4:25 outdoors.
So, Ramsden dropped out. Asekol decided to be a pacer and dropped out. Maatoug dropped out? Roe fell? And had to drop out (understandable). Not great to have 4 runners leave the race!
Markezich did not seem her strongest, slowed on the last lap.
Valbymania cannot be underestimated, deterred, diminished, or second guessed.
Expected Great Things and Parker Delivered!!!
She DID! Greatest collegiate distance runner, male or female! Never seen anything like it.
Markezich 10sec below her 1600m pr in the dmr, 6 sec below her 3000m pr on a fast track and perfectly paced. Not worthy of a “Markezich goes home devastated” thread but still..
Aside, what happened to the Alabama duo? Didn’t compete in either race.
Markezich 10sec below her 1600m pr in the dmr, 6 sec below her 3000m pr on a fast track and perfectly paced. Not worthy of a “Markezich goes home devastated” thread but still..
Aside, what happened to the Alabama duo? Didn’t compete in either race.
In the recap show, Rojo said that Maatoug ran into Roe, so maybe that is why they both dropped.
Re the Alabama duo- yes I was surprised. I expected a lot more from Lemnegole actually.