Shannon Rowbury Hangs on to Win 2015 Wanamaker Mile by Over 3 Seconds

by: LetsRun.com
February 14, 2015

Shannon Rowbury looking Like a racewalker in the final strides. Video of race here

New York, NY – As expected, Shannon Rowbury won the 2015 NYRR Wanamaker Mile by a comfortable margin, but that was about the only thing that went according to plan in the race. Rabbit Melissa Salerno went out in 64.30 for the first 409, ahead of schedule (2:10 or just under was the prescribed pace) and then overcorrected with a 67.10 next 400, which all but killed any chance of an American record (4:20.5) for Rowbury. After Salerno stepped off, Rowbury and Nike Oregon Project teammate Jordan Hasay built a huge lead (Rowbury had 1.39 seconds on Hasay at the bell, who in turn had 2.55 seconds on fellow NOPer Treniere Moser) and Rowbury appeared set to cruise to a comfortable victory. But just meters from the finish line, Rowbury began to slow and started to lose her balance, steadying herself just enough to cross the line in a winning time of 4:24.32, over a second-and-a-half slower than she ran on a flat track in North Carolina two weeks ago. Hasay, meanwhile, faded badly with a 36.42 final lap, falling to fourth place, with Moser moving up to second with a 33.08 final lap, the fastest in the field. Moser ran 4:27.49, Stephanie Charnigo ran the fastest last lap in the field (31.88) to get 3rd in 4:28.02 and Hasay was 4:28.27 for fourth.

Analysis and reaction below results.

Rowbury down the straight

Results

Rowbury at finish

Quick Take #1: Rowbury felt that she had an American record in her tonight

Though she didn’t blame the pacer for the slower time, it was obvious the first four laps didn’t go how Rowbury wanted them to. She said that the wobble near the finish line was nothing to worry about, that she was merely tired from the race, and that she’d like another crack at the American record but likely won’t get it this season as she’s flying to Birmingham to run the 3k next week.

Quick Take #2: Treniere Moser was very pleased with her race as it was a PR and continued her strong season

Moser said that her focus remains on the outdoor season but today’s race, in addition to her strong runs at 800 and 1000 in recent weeks, suggests that she’s right on schedule in her training.

We also noticed that Moser was chewing on a piece of gum during the interview. She said that it’s something she’s done for a while now, but that she never chews gum outside of running, calling it her “security blanket” and saying that it helps her focus during races.

Quick Take #3: Mary Cain’s struggles in 2015 continue

Last week, Cain ran nearly 2.5 seconds in the 1k than she did last year, but the race was slow. Tonight, there were supposed to be no excuses. She was race ready and the pace would be hot. Maybe the pace was too hot as Cain struggled to a 4:31.31 – more than seven seconds slower than her 4:24.11 indoor best last year. Afterwards, Cain didn’t look happy and didn’t speak to the media.

Cain’s performance was “super hot” on the LRC boards Saturday night: Cain BOMBS

Quick Take #4: Despite her fade over the last 200, Jordan Hasay was very upbeat after this race.

Hasay knows she’s not a miler, she’s a 5,000 and 10,000 runner, and last year in her main indoor mile, she blew up with 400 to go, not 200 to go like tonight. So she made it one lap farther this year.

Next up for Hasay is a 3000 in Birmingham. At USAs, she says she’s planning doing the mile/2mile double.

Quick Take #5: Shelby Houlihan’s collegiate record attempt came up short

Houlihan was game early and went with the leaders, but a 2:12.61 first 409 caught up to her as her final four laps were all in the 34s. Still, Houlihan can’t be too disappointed. Simpson’s 4:25.91 is an extremely impressive mark and was always going to be difficult to break. Even with a 2:18.16 final 800, Houlihan moved up to #10 all-time among collegians on standard tracks (#11 including oversize), right behind Emma Coburn, Kim Smith and Suzy Hamilton, who weren’t exactly scrubs. With more even pacing, Houlihan may have been capable of a 4:27 or 4:28 tonight. Houlihan’s time however was only the second fastest in the collegiate ranks this weekend as Colleen Quigley ran 4:29.67 at BU yesterday.

Collegiate Top 6 According to TFN.
4:25.91 Jenny Simpson (Colorado) 02/28/09
4:27.19 Sally Kipyego (Texas Tech) 02/28/09
4:28.31 Vicki Huber (Villanova) 02/05/88
4:28.31 Abbey D’Agostino (Dartmouth) 01/24/14
4:29.67 Colleen Quigley (FSU)  2/13/2015
4:29.72 Sarah Brown (Tennessee) 03/14/09
4:29.86 Emma Coburn (Colorado) 02/16/13
4:30.61 Kim Smith’ (Providence) 02/10/04
4:30.63 Suzy Hamilton (Wisconsin) 03/11/89
4:30.77 Shelby Houlihan (ASU) 2/14/15
Oversized track
4:28.48 Katie Flood (Washington) 02/11/12

*Race video here

*All LRC Millrose Interviews here *All Millrose Race Videos

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