Is Goucher Back?

Goucher's already done a hell of a lot more in 2005 than the pessimists here last fall predicted he would do for the rest of his life, and I'm not talking about the perennial f***nuts who think one bad race by anyone signals the end of a career, I mean the gentler critics. He and Ritz could push each other to 13:10 this summer if they're both healthy, or more likely Ritz will pull Goucher to such a time.

You f***ing said it man, same here.,..

After several horrific years, is Adam Goucher back to the elite level status? After an impressive 11:39.1, will he be back into the Goucher of old?

11:39? What kind of distance did he run? 3.5k steeple?

that was a 5K!!!!!!!!

No.

Out of the Loop wrote:

11:39? What kind of distance did he run? 3.5k steeple?

I think he is talking about teh 4k numb nuts

You got to admit that mentioning 11'39"1 was kinda dumb and irrelevant. It's a cross time, and a slow one at just under 2'55"/km.

I think Goucher is spent. Injuries and depression have taken a toll.

I don't expect much from Webb or Torres either. Ritz is another story.

I think the key is mental attitude and toughness. Some people have it while others don't. I think all of these guys are capable of some great times, but they don't have the mental edge. Ritz seems to have a much different attitude, and I think it will make a tremendous difference in what we will see from him.

Out.

Goucher is the example of what mentally tough is..Goucher could have thrown in the towel long ago..But he didnt, most guys who dominated a sport at any level could not handle the frustrations and lows Adam has reached..All in the public eye...The movie 5000 meters was tough to watch as Goucher shared his difficulties...Id love to meet Goucher and tell him how much I respect him for the courage he has shown..Goucher is a tough guy mentally and has all of my respect for overcoming his obstacles..and I hope and think good things are on the way for Mr Goucher

Old Man By The Sea wrote:

Goucher is a tough guy mentally and has all of my respect for overcoming his obstacles...and I hope and think good things are on the way for Mr Goucher

yeah, I'm with you.

I have a lot of respect for Goucher, but he is defeated in his own mind. It's not enough to simply not throw in the towel.

Goucher suffers from depression. All runners get injuries, but Goucher carries within himself a huge mental weight. I think he expends a great deal of energy just trying to be normal. It's like he is dragging around a concrete weight tied to his waist.

Goucher is no wuss, and I don't want to imply that he is. But I know depression, and this guy is drowning in despair.

Beating depression is not a matter of "positive thinking." This is simply gilding a horse turd. Instead, you have to learn to thrive on negative energy. You have to let anger and hatred drive you. This is why the mentally tough have a certain meanness about them.

Ritz has this. I used to think the mental game was a waste of time, but I now think it is vitally important. You have to get your mind right.

Out.

"You have to let anger and hatred drive you."

- you will live a fruitless and shitty life with that kind of attitude.

Kilgore wrote:

I think Goucher is spent. Injuries and depression have taken a toll.

I don't expect much from Webb or Torres either. Ritz is another story.

I think the key is mental attitude and toughness. Some people have it while others don't. I think all of these guys are capable of some great times, but they don't have the mental edge. Ritz seems to have a much different attitude, and I think it will make a tremendous difference in what we will see from him.

Out.

why would you expect nothing from Webb and what has Ritz done that he has not when it come to exhibiting "mental toughness"??

Webb won a Euro circuit race last year by getting right up behind the rabbit and pushing the last lap ahead of the top guys in the world (lagat, etc...) what else does he have to do??

he also ran a 3:50 mile, definitly as impressive as anything ritz has done

ritz is running great and im expecting big things from him soon but people are jumping the gun some of their generalizations

and who the hell are you people to question the "mental toughness" of some one you dont even know, thats not something you can tell from results or race reviews folks...u have to actually know the person and i doubt you (or I) do

"you have to learn to thrive on negative energy. You have to let anger and hatred drive you."

Only your anger can destroy me Luke. Release your anger and witness the true power of the dark side.

It's as simple as this: when you get angry, you get pumped up to do things. That gives you energy. It's not wallowing in hate to channel and focus your emotions for the benefit of your sport.

Goucher is coming around nicely, I wouldn't say he is all the way back...yet. And as far as suggesting he is wallowing in depression, he is doing very well and is really starting to enjoy Portland. I'm of the persuasion he will lower his 13:11.25 5,000-meter and possibly 7:34.96 3,000-meter PRs this summer.

I wouldn't underestimate Jorge Torres either. He might be in 27:30 10K shape. Ritz is off the charts right now. He will be the first American under 27:00.

Just a note....goucher has ran 1343 indoors in his first race this year at 5k...about a second? slower then he ran outdoors last year in his best race. He also ran 750 in a 3k....i say he's definatly back on the right track, should be down around that "A" standard this year.

I definately think that if Goucher stays healthy for the next 17 months he is headed for a PR and possibly what we have all been waiting for....another American under 13.