Desi Davilla!!!!!!!!

Rec Runner x wrote:

If she is running competitive times in an event that is two hours and five minutes less pain, I think she knows where her future lies

She is running about 1 minute of the world record for the 5k, which would be comparable to a guy running around 13:30.

This is a great result for her though and as others have mentioned, this will set her up well for the marathon. The marathon training most certainly gave her the fitness and confidence to improve on the track.

Looking forward to seeing what the future brings in the longer races for her.

The Hansons program creates aerobic monsters. Carl Rundell has never broken 15 minutes for 5k and he ran a 2:19:50 marathon under the Hansons system. Expect similar things from Desi.

Desi ran USATF with zero track work and did her first block of track training after USATF. Check out the begining of this rather lengthy career retrospective interview that was done after USATF and has a bunch of info about her racing in Eugene, 2011 Boston Marathon and older stuff. http://www.garycohenrunning.com/Interviews/Davila.aspx

I heard from a good source that Desiree will wearing the USA uniform in Daegu. She is the next available athlete with the A standard in the 5k.

Lauren Fleshman isn't the next available athlete with the A standard? Is it because she didn't run at the USA Championships? Molly Huddle's going but hasn't run in a month due to planters. No wonder we suck. Heaven forbid we send our best in August. Let's send those who were best 2 months ago.

The USATF Championships are the qualifying race. They simply follow the order of finish from that meet. Davila beat Fleshman at the qualifier.

Desiree is a marathoner. I doubt that she would even want to go to Daegu for a 5k. She considers the 5k just for fun speed work. The flotrack interview was funny when asked what event she plans to run next year.

marathon mistress wrote:

I doubt that she would even want to go to Daegu for a 5k.

You're joking, correct? She represented the US in the World Indoor Champs last year. She is in A Standard shape, she is a professional runner, and this is the second most important meet on the planet. The reason she has been so successful is that she does not pigeon-hole herself as this type of runner or that type of runer, she is a runner. If asked she would probably say she is a marathoner but her actions have demonstrated that she is thinking ahead. She has two A Standards on the track going into an Olympic year. I think she will make the team in the marathon, but if she doesn't she has set herself up with a good backup plan.

please stop with this selection nonsense.

putting the selection powers into the hands of our USATF buffoons and out of the hands of the athletes will not change our standing in the world of distance running. Molly Huddle will not medal, nor with Fleshman, With her history, there's no guarantee she'd be healthy three weeks from now anyway.

The ONLY way to select the team is on the track.

Huddle has planters, Hastings is wasted from chasing the A and Bizzari can't go. You're right. Let if be decided on the track 2 months before Worlds. It's worked well for us so far.

Desi is ready to sub for Kara in the 10K, 5K doesn't appear to be on her radar for Daegu:

http://www.flotrack.org/coverage/238946-London-Diamond-League-Aviva-London-Grand-Prix-2011/video/502737-Desiree-Davila-PR-5k-London-Diamond-League-Aviva-London-Grand-Prix-2011-Day-2-Interviews

This opens up the possibility of Fleshman going, AFAIK.

I think Ryan Hall has proven that you don't need a coach to run a fast marathon: it's about work and knowing your abilities.

Under Ultra wrote:

I think Ryan Hall has proven that you don't need a coach to run a fast marathon: it's about work and knowing your abilities.

ha ha ha. or a HUGE tailwind, brah. Talk to me when he coaches himself to a sub 2:07 (or sub 61 for that matter) w/out the wind aid.

The jury is still out as to whether he will run faster than when he was with Mahon. Note, however, that this is not the same thing as whether the Move was the RIGHT decision for him (obviously, it was- he believed he needed the change).

And the alternative is what exactly? Have the trials one or two weeks before worlds? Or should we just let Chaplin and Hightower choose the team in a backroom. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

the clarifier wrote:

Desi rocks.

To make a more a more qualified assessment of Desi's "abilities" can someone share some nude pics? I'm sure there has got to be a disgruntled boyfriend or past teammate out there that can help us out with this request.

15:08, although a nice PR for Davila, is not really indicative of anything. She aspires to be a world class marathoner. Her 2nd (and near win) at Boston, regardless of the comparatively slowish time despite the huge tailwind, would suggest she is close to world class level. To break it down, a mid 2:20s marathoner should be able to run 15:08 for 5k. Not a huge jump here. I'm far more impressed with Magdalena L-B's big 10k and 5k PRs at age 37.

mannyfesto wrote:

15:08, although a nice PR for Davila, is not really indicative of anything. She aspires to be a world class marathoner. Her 2nd (and near win) at Boston, regardless of the comparatively slowish time despite the huge tailwind, would suggest she is close to world class level. To break it down, a mid 2:20s marathoner should be able to run 15:08 for 5k. Not a huge jump here. I'm far more impressed with Magdalena L-B's big 10k and 5k PRs at age 37.

I am impressed with both - and I enjoy watching both race. I think more people are excited about Desi because they anticipate we will be able to watch her race for many years to come (versus a shorter time for Mags).

burke hata wrote:

Are Kara Goucher or Molly Huddle track girls? How fast have they run thus far this season?

Fast enough to qualify for Worlds in the race that mattered.

Still a nice run for Desi. Her progress this year has been impressive indeed.

What races matter?

Desiree has the A standard in the 5000, 10000, and the marathon. She has been offered a position on the team in 2 of those events.

She is waiting on the third event to see if Kara is healthy enough to go.