W 10,000: First Track Final @ USAs (7/31)

Fan Out West . . . wrote:

mictlantecuhtli wrote:

Great analysis.

I can't believe how far the current US women are from the qualifying standard, in comparison to like, every other running event. Are they just really far off from the best in the world, or is the standard just really damn tough? Or both?

First, much obliged for the compliment.

Yes, share your sentiments, especially given how good our W 800 & 1500 teams will be as well as how much improvement our W Steeplechasers are showing.

US W 5000 & 10,000 need a syringe in the arm, a big one.

Frankly, worst thing that happened to US women's distance running this decade was Houlihan being sidelined for 4 years after running her 14:23/5000 AR back in 2000. Although now in the 5000 where I think she will do very well on Sunday, believe Shelby is actually America's best 10,000 woman. USA XC Champs in December will tell. However, at age 32, can't afford any more setbacks. Has to be perfect these next three years if she has any of medalling in any global championship thru LA '28.

Then, Schweizer followed up her 14:26/5000 from 2000 with 3 consecutive years of injuries. Even had a niggle which kept her out of indoors this year. Looks to be rounding into form but not showing any signs yet of getting back into 14:26/30:18 shape, much less improving upon those times. Still in her 20s, she has time, but has to work out a training program with Jerry that keeps her healthy -- or move on to a different situation a la Grant, Elise and Sinclaire.

Then, Monson. Was ready to break 30 last year at The TEN. Had to bail due to a stomach ailment. Then, shortly thereafter, tore a meniscus completely away from the bone. Just now getting back into form. Like Shelby, have faith she will perform well this Sunday in the 5000. Like Karissa, still in her 20s. And, as the AR in both the 5000 & 10,000, my pick to be the first American woman under 30 -- likely next year's The TEN if it happens.

Finally Valby. Injured pretty much right out the chute in her first pro season. Needs to feel her way through this new pro lifestyle. No one -- including her coaches -- know for sure whether her x-training focus while living in Florida and being coached from Boston will work. Of course, still very young. Plenty of time to work things out. Hoping 2024 Valby will show up at Glendoveer in December and kick start her pro career in a big way.

Given this is likely Kelati's final year on the track before moving on to the marathon, the above-three mentioned names plus Cranny are America's best 10,000 women. Believe all are capable of breaking 30:00 -- especially in perfect conditions at The TEN.

However, with the WR at 28:54, breaking 30 probably doesn't mean much on the world scene. Need someone(s) at least around 29:30 fitness to sniff a medal. Don't expect anyone racing Friday night to be that person. Likely, need to look at the next generation of US women distance runners, meaning, those now in college. And, maybe, Valby.

Fan Out West . . . wrote:

mictlantecuhtli wrote:

Great analysis.

I can't believe how far the current US women are from the qualifying standard, in comparison to like, every other running event. Are they just really far off from the best in the world, or is the standard just really damn tough? Or both?

First, much obliged for the compliment.

Yes, share your sentiments, especially given how good our W 800 & 1500 teams will be as well as how much improvement our W Steeplechasers are showing.

US W 5000 & 10,000 need a jolt in the arm, a big one.

Frankly, worst thing that happened to US women's distance running this decade was Houlihan being sidelined for 4 years after running her 14:23/5000 AR back in 2000. Although now in the 5000 where I think she will do very well on Sunday, believe Shelby is actually America's best 10,000 woman. USA XC Champs in December will tell. However, at age 32, can't afford any more setbacks. Has to be perfect these next three years if she has any of medalling in any global championship thru LA '28.

Then, Schweizer followed up her 14:26/5000 from 2000 with 3 consecutive years of injuries. Even had a niggle which kept her out of indoors this year. Looks to be rounding into form but not showing any signs yet of getting back into 14:26/30:18 shape, much less improving upon those times. Still in her 20s, she has time, but has to work out a training program with Jerry that keeps her healthy -- or move on to a different situation a la Grant, Elise and Sinclaire.

Then, Monson. Was ready to break 30 last year at The TEN. Had to bail due to a stomach ailment. Then, shortly thereafter, tore a meniscus completely away from the bone. Just now getting back into form. Like Shelby, have faith she will perform well this Sunday in the 5000. Like Karissa, still in her 20s. And, as the AR in both the 5000 & 10,000, my pick to be the first American woman under 30 -- likely next year's The TEN if it happens.

Finally Valby. Injured pretty much right out the chute in her first pro season. Needs to feel her way through this new pro lifestyle. No one -- including her coaches -- know for sure whether her x-training focus while living in Florida and being coached from Boston will work. Of course, still very young. Plenty of time to work things out. Hoping 2024 Valby will show up at Glendoveer in December and kick start her pro career in a big way.

Given this is likely Kelati's final year on the track before moving on to the marathon, the above-three mentioned names plus Cranny are America's best 10,000 women. Believe all are capable of breaking 30:00 -- especially in perfect conditions at The TEN.

However, with the WR at 28:54, breaking 30 probably doesn't mean much on the world scene. Need someone(s) at least around 29:30 fitness to sniff a medal. Don't expect anyone racing Friday night to be that person. Likely, need to look at the next generation of US women distance runners, meaning, those now in college. And, maybe, Valby.

LRC people are a joke wrote:

Fan Out West . . . wrote:

First, much obliged for the compliment.

Yes, share your sentiments, especially given how good our W 800 & 1500 teams will be as well as how much improvement our W Steeplechasers are showing.

US W 5000 & 10,000 need a jolt in the arm, a big one.

Frankly, worst thing that happened to US women's distance running this decade was Houlihan being sidelined for 4 years after running her 14:23/5000 AR back in 2000. Although now in the 5000 where I think she will do very well on Sunday, believe Shelby is actually America's best 10,000 woman. USA XC Champs in December will tell. However, at age 32, can't afford any more setbacks. Has to be perfect these next three years if she has any of medalling in any global championship thru LA '28.

Then, Schweizer followed up her 14:26/5000 from 2000 with 3 consecutive years of injuries. Even had a niggle which kept her out of indoors this year. Looks to be rounding into form but not showing any signs yet of getting back into 14:26/30:18 shape, much less improving upon those times. Still in her 20s, she has time, but has to work out a training program with Jerry that keeps her healthy -- or move on to a different situation a la Grant, Elise and Sinclaire.

Then, Monson. Was ready to break 30 last year at The TEN. Had to bail due to a stomach ailment. Then, shortly thereafter, tore a meniscus completely away from the bone. Just now getting back into form. Like Shelby, have faith she will perform well this Sunday in the 5000. Like Karissa, still in her 20s. And, as the AR in both the 5000 & 10,000, my pick to be the first American woman under 30 -- likely next year's The TEN if it happens.

Finally Valby. Injured pretty much right out the chute in her first pro season. Needs to feel her way through this new pro lifestyle. No one -- including her coaches -- know for sure whether her x-training focus while living in Florida and being coached from Boston will work. Of course, still very young. Plenty of time to work things out. Hoping 2024 Valby will show up at Glendoveer in December and kick start her pro career in a big way.

Given this is likely Kelati's final year on the track before moving on to the marathon, the above-three mentioned names plus Cranny are America's best 10,000 women. Believe all are capable of breaking 30:00 -- especially in perfect conditions at The TEN.

However, with the WR at 28:54, breaking 30 probably doesn't mean much on the world scene. Need someone(s) at least around 29:30 fitness to sniff a medal. Don't expect anyone racing Friday night to be that person. Likely, need to look at the next generation of US women distance runners, meaning, those now in college. And, maybe, Valby.

Hilarious that such a well put together post like this gets a downvote. Must be to poow wittle puwitans with poopie in their diapie over Shelby testing positive. People dope. Who gives a sh!t