The amazing depth of competiton aside, Teg's performance was dismal and his post-race interview provided even more dissapointment. He had it all figured out, stating his loss of last year caused him to feel fatigued, but aerobically he was OK? So what he was really saying was he didn't do enough strength work even though he planned to race over 10K?
He displayed decent fitness during US XC Nationals and from there had plenty of time to do the work needed for him to perform at somewhere around the 27:45 level. But 28:41 (equal to 2 14:20 5Ks) is almost not worth showing up, especially for with his talent, exerience and capability. Was the objectve a flight to Korea for a tempo run?
Unlike Kara Goucher he did not cite an injury he was struggling with, he, quite simply was not propoerly fit for these championships, which is why all of us are so frustrated with his result.
Teg, just a reminder, you are a paid, professional athlete and performing at major championships is what it's all about!