USA 5k in Rome

Because racing in Europe is hard. There are umpteen people better than you, the food is different, the travel is tiring, you are not the star you are only one of many and it is a tough pill to swallow for many Americans who are used to being talked up here in the states. Over there you realize what a small fish you are in the largest pond of all. Not only that the racing is tough and you hear about how much dough everyone is getting and you are getting only 300 bucks. It's easier to stay home. The numbers attached to your name don't lie and it is a humbling experience to race in Europe. Most Americans can't handle it.

trackfan wrote:

What no Americans are mixing it up in the distance events in europe this summer? Why does every other athlete seem to run over there, why we all think we need to train?

And which American do you believe really deserves to be in the field in Rome tonight? I can't name one on the men's side.

If Goucher or Broe or Kennedy was in sub 13:10 shape they might try and get in the field, but that's not the case. So I don't think you need to cast the blame on the athletes.

And Kennedy is in your Europe, he came to the 10k I ran and cheered for us. Broe is injured I think pretty bad with his back but Goucher will go over I assume and try and get a 5k qualifier as will Torres. But they're waiting to go at the end of the month or first of August I believe.

Slattery is over there as well, but banged up his knee on a hurdle and is out for a while. The 800/1500 guys are over there as well. Too make a long story short the guys who need to be in Europe and are healthy are over there or will be there soon.

But Rome isn't the meet most of them need to be in.

It would be nice to see some of the U.S. distance guys (specifically Torres and Goucher) mixing it up over in Europe. However, looking at this field, it is clear that this isn't the sort of race they should be in. But some of the more regular grand prix races would seem to make sense.

5.000 M G.L. Classic 1 GEBRSELASSIE Haile ETH

5.000 M G.L. Classic 2 MULI Pius KEN

5.000 M G.L. Classic 3 POWER Mike AUS

5.000 M G.L. Classic 4 BEKELE Kenenisa ETH

5.000 M G.L. Classic 5 HISSOU Salah MAR

5.000 M G.L. Classic 6 LIMO Richard KEN

5.000 M G.L. Classic 7 MEZGEBU Assefa ETH

5.000 M G.L. Classic 8 MEKKONEN Haliu ETH

5.000 M G.L. Classic 9 GENETI Marcos ETH

5.000 M G.L. Classic 10 KIPROP Francis KEN

5.000 M G.L. Classic 11 BELLANI Hicham MAR

5.000 M G.L. Classic 12 CHEPKURUI Albert KEN

5.000 M G.L. Classic 13 KIPKOSGEI Luke KEN

5.000 M G.L. Classic 14 CHEBII Abraham KEN

5.000 M G.L. Classic 15 GEBREMARIAM Gebre-egziabher ETH

5.000 M G.L. Classic 16 CHENONGE Hilary KEN

5.000 M G.L. Classic 17 GOUMRI Abderahim MAR

5.000 M G.L. Classic 18 KWALIA James KEN

5.000 M G.L. Classic 19 SIHINE Mark ETH

5.000 M G.L. Classic 20 RIOS Josè ESP

5.000 M G.L. Classic 21 EL AMRI Khalid MAR

5.000 M G.L. Classic 22 BETT Mark KEN

5.000 M G.L. Classic 23 LEONE Maurizio ITA

5.000 M G.L. Classic 24 KIBOWEN John KEN

5.000 M G.L. Classic 25 BAUMANN Dieter GER

5.000 M G.L. Classic 26 BAKKEN Marius NOR

5.000 M G.L. Classic pm KORIR Shadrak KEN

5.000 M G.L. Classic pm KEINO Martin KEN

True. However, staying home and winning small meet 5K races in 13:40 or so doesn't get you to the next level either.