Power Five Invite/Michigan - Mary Cain Back in the Mile

Factitude wrote:

So she finished, but her time doesn't count?

I'm not sure, I think the splits got a bit messed up with her. I had the 3k video going but wasn't super paying attention to it. I think she dropped out sooner than just the last lap as the last few there was no one with the leader at all. They use a bibchip system for splits and it works super awesome for having them pop up quick and stuff, it is a little weird at the end of races and maybe getting mixed up. I was at the first meet there and another pacer was leaning on the rails while the race was still going on and still getting a split. I'd guess she ran 2k or a little more as pacer/workout.

She ran 2:02.11 in the 800 which is solid

HurryCain wrote:

Who is her coach? What is the goal here, to race herself back into shape? That's not going to happen. All this racing is not what she needs, she needs to get some quality work done. Maybe spend a month at altitude and transition into some interval work up there. Racing every week when you are not at your desired level of fitness is moronic. What's her rush?

I disagree. Girl hasn't raced in like 2 years. If she waited til she was at her desired level of fitness it might be another a couple years til she raced. Getting in a couple of races to see where you are has a ton of value. What is a bit disappointing is that she isn't getting better. You would hope that after a couple of rust busters she would run a noticeably better time. It hasn't happened.

The part that none of us know is what type of training she it doing. If she is running these off say 35mpw and some strides, it would be moderately encouraging. Running 70mpw and doing 2x track workouts/week? Not so encouraging.

Lurker wrote:

SDSU Aztec wrote:

I really doubt she has any expectations for this year. She was inactive for quite awhile and if I was here I would take it one race at time.

She wants to go to the Olympics (this year, not 2024). Her words, not speculation on my part.

She said that? That's exremely unrealistic. Maybe she meant she was going to buy tickets.

SDSU Aztec wrote:

jenapharm wrote:

well she shouldn't book her airline tickets to Eugene just yet. Still a long way to go. If it was a HS girl running 4:42 we would not be thinking she has a shot at the OT so everyone hold you horses. Might be a slight improvement but still a very very long way to go to be part of the national conversation again

I really doubt she has any expectations for this year. She was inactive for quite awhile and if I was here I would take it one race at time.

Then why is she doing all this traveling for racing? There are indoor meets at the nyc armory every week.

Hayduke wrote:

Then why is she doing all this traveling for racing? There are indoor meets at the nyc armory every week.

Maybe because her boyfriend goes to UM and it's a nice excuse to go spend time with him? Where else has she traveled?

my friend hicham wrote:

Hayduke wrote:

Then why is she doing all this traveling for racing? There are indoor meets at the nyc armory every week.

Maybe because her boyfriend goes to UM and it's a nice excuse to go spend time with him? Where else has she traveled?

Why would she need an excuse to go see her boyfriend?

Cain is wise to be racing a lot and testing herself. It is easier (though not easy) to get back to a level you once were at than it is to get there the first time. If she stays healthy and continues to work hard, Cain will likely experience a big leap at some point that sees her times drop considerably although I will be surprised if she ever sets PRs in her main events (although I'd love to see her do that). Kudos to Cain for getting back in the mix and doing what she needs to do and loves to do (race) even if she's taking some lumps right now. I'm rooting for her.

She is smart. Somebody is going to give ger some money due to her rediscovered notoriety. It would almost hurt her current image if she loses a bunch of weight and runs fast. She is trying to stick it to the man.

Yes Cain is smart. Nike just sent last check to Fordham and 2020 is last year of her sponsorhip contract.

Cain is not able wrote:

She is smart. Somebody is going to give ger some money due to her rediscovered notoriety. It would almost hurt her current image if she loses a bunch of weight and runs fast. She is trying to stick it to the man.

If she is going to get a sponsor she needs to run in the big meets. Running in front of a couple of 100 people at the Armory won't market anyone's products.

Letsrun is full of armchair coaches but a good bit makes sense in this thread.

She should be racing and racing often, maybe even double mile/800 at some of these meets.

She also then needs to go and spend some time at altitude(6-8 weeks) getting in some quality work.

Come down in April/May and race some more, and hopefully she hits a standard to compete at the trials.

Back up to altitude for a mini session(2-4 weeks) to get ready for trials.

This is a very structured, calculated approach(OPJ type of plan) which is why most likely she would not approach her season this way.