Rio 2016 Marathon Teams

If healthy, Meb is a lock. There is not that big of a decline from 39 to 40 (or 41). Meb is the best racer in the US at the marathon by a lot.

On paper, Ritz and Hall should round out the field. Both should be able to run 2:08. But both have been vexed by injuries.

It would actually be more exciting in a way if all three of the 2012 team were injured at trial or a non-factor. Then you would really see some guys go to the limit to get the win. Jeff Eggleston and Ryan Vail have the best of the most recent results. Guys like Landry, Mecheso, and Bauhs seem like they could have a big day at the marathon.

On the women's side, you have to come up with a very good reason why Shalane and Desi won't own two of the three spots.

Becky Wade had a great debut and will run Chicago. But she was pretty flat at Hartford (hot + adjusting to sea level + marathon training cycle). Amy Hastings seems to be tuning up nicely on the track and roads this summer, but has been a mess in the marathon since just missing the team in 2012.

I'm looking for Landry to go 2:10 @ Chicago.

Sciatica Road wrote:

This is a story we'd like to see:

Sara Hall and Ryan Hall walking into the Oly 2016 Rio Stadium hand-in-hand, Sara running for the women's, and a revived Ryan on the men's, USA Marathon Teams.

I just came across the following video which sort of shatters the Opening Ceremony idea (at least for the male marathoners):

Sciatica Road wrote:

Note to self: possibly add Kellyn Johnson, Esther Erb, Mattie Suver, and Lauren Jimison to women's ranking.

And may want to add Polina Carlson (Babkina) to the mix.

Who? I thought you were generating a 'short-list'?

I know everyone has probably already heard, but Ritz has pulled out of the Philly half.

What does this mean for him moving forward? Does anyone know the extend of his injury? When will his next race be!?

I missed it has already been mentioned on the forum that Vail is pacing Shalane in Berlin.

Matt Llano.. Flotrack special has me convinced..

Ritz Raff wrote:

Matt Llano....

Ahead of Vail?

Ritz Raff wrote:

Matt Llano.. Flotrack special has me convinced..

They really are hyping him up for Chicago...

Here is a quick update before an update to the Women's Marathon Team list:

Kim Conley; I don't think anyone has mentioned her yet on this thread. Hasay has been mentioned, but she will likely remain with the 10000m and not move to the marathon for Rio.

Here are projected women's teams in the shorter distances, based on current World Rankings (

http://www.all-athletics.com/current-rankings?gender=F&evtg=30

):

5000m:.....Rowbury, Huddle, M. Hall, Conley, Cuffe

Both M. Hall and Cuffe are considerably younger than Conley, thus with greater upside improvement in a shorter amount of time (if they get proper training). Thus, Conley making the 5000m team is a stretch.

10000m:........Huddle, Saina(? if she becomes citizen in time?), Hasay, Conley, Hastings, Bottorff, Bates

Look for Bottorff and Bates, being considerably younger than Conley, to show the most promise for dramatic improvement in a shorter amount of time (if they get proper training). That then would likely mean Huddle, Hasay and one of those two in the 10000m, taking the third spot, if not Conley.

Therefore, Conley will probably seriously consider attempting the Marathon Trials in Los Angeles in less than 16 months from now. She recently ran a Half Marathon, and is planning to run the USATF Half Marathon Championships in January!

Sciatica Road wrote:Therefore, Conley will probably seriously consider attempting the Marathon Trials in Los Angeles in less than 16 months from now. She recently ran a Half Marathon, and is planning to run the USATF Half Marathon Championships in January!

I don't think that last sentence warranted an exclamation mark.

Sciatica Road wrote:

Here is a quick update before an update to the Women's Marathon Team list:

5000m:.....Rowbury, Huddle, M. Hall, Conley, Cuffe

Both M. Hall and Cuffe are considerably younger than Conley, thus with greater upside improvement in a shorter amount of time (if they get proper training). Thus, Conley making the 5000m team is a stretch.

10000m:........Huddle, Saina(? if she becomes citizen in time?), Hasay, Conley, Hastings, Bottorff, Bates

Look for Bottorff and Bates, being considerably younger than Conley, to show the most promise for dramatic improvement in a shorter amount of time (if they get proper training). That then would likely mean Huddle, Hasay and one of those two in the 10000m, taking the third spot, if not Conley.

Emily Infeld, and Emily Sisson, with a very impressive showing today, have to be bumped onto the above 5000m and 10000m lists.

Will these considerations force Conley to now go "ALL-IN", cutting the chords on the shorter distances, so-to-speak, for full-on marathon training in a 2016 Rio attempt?

Even more interesting would be whether Emily Sisson would chase the marathon at this young of age!