it's messed up, but it's been shown athletes tend to lose a step when they've been in a long-term relationship.
when they are single (and disciplined!), or in a new and exciting relationship, they often are better. this is not to say she doesn't have a great marriage, just saying, it's tough to overcome the odds! there are plenty of examples to the contrary, i realize this, but have read about this in multiple places and found it interesting.
the biggest difference between her and flanagan is that shalane is leaner. that's it. switch their bf% and goucher is faster than flanagan. sucks, but that's running for you.