Emma ran a very good race and wasn't afraid to hold back and play it safe in the chase packs. She went out and stayed with the leaders until about the last 2K. Give her props for being a tough competitor instead of hanging back.
The pace in the women's race was torrid the last few miles. They were throwing down 5:05-5:10 miles after running most of the race in the 5:20s. Emma was able to pick up the pace, but just wasn't able to match what Obiri had. Emma finished strong and did not fade at all. She went up against the top women in the world and was right in it until the last 2k.
She said she was fit, and she proved it. Unfortunately, not good enough for the podium today. But her progress is impressive, and it seems like she has room to continue to improve. She’s also done well in both flat (Chicago) and hilly courses. I wouldn’t count her out in Paris if she makes the Olympic team. Just like Seidel… all it takes is one good day. Also. This was a pretty good day for Bosshard. Fauble and Bates both ran good races.
What is she doing different now than her couple bad years on BAA?
Which athletes at BAA have really hit any notable highs? Sorry if I'm sounding condescending ... but it seems like truly elite athletes don't thrive there.
What is she doing different now than her couple bad years on BAA?
Which athletes at BAA have really hit any notable highs? Sorry if I'm sounding condescending ... but it seems like truly elite athletes don't thrive there.
Hope to see her in Paris in 2024.
mcdonald was pretty good today, although he's admittedly a level below where bates is. I dont know how many truly elite athletes really run for BAA to begin with, but boston isnt really a great place to train. thats not to say you cant be successful training here, but i think for a lot of people its a mental drag logging most of your winter workouts in the cold, most of your miles on the same 2 or 3 routes, etc. not a lot of dirt/soft surfaces to run on either
"Bates, who doesn’t drink anything during a marathon (instead she eats gels she has taped to empty water bottles)"
The above is a quote from the LR article. Is anyone else surprised by this? No fluids in a 2+ hour race?
i was wondering the same thing… doesn’t drink anything??? That seems crazy. Does anyone else take this approach? I think I remember reading during her past buildups she’s struggled with some stomach issues on long runs, so maybe she find drinking fluids hurts her stomach?
"Bates, who doesn’t drink anything during a marathon (instead she eats gels she has taped to empty water bottles)"
The above is a quote from the LR article. Is anyone else surprised by this? No fluids in a 2+ hour race?
i was wondering the same thing… doesn’t drink anything??? That seems crazy. Does anyone else take this approach? I think I remember reading during her past buildups she’s struggled with some stomach issues on long runs, so maybe she find drinking fluids hurts her stomach?
If nothing else I’d need at least a mouthful of liquid to wash down the gels but she takes that UCAN stuff and i haven’t tried it.
BAA was a disaster of a couple years for her. That was hardly professional running. She started to get good when her and her husband literally lived off-grid outside Boise and she ran and hiked multiple times per day without any set training schedule. She’s gone to the next level once she joined Team Boss. Anybody going to give Joe Bosshard credit for being a good coach now?
What is she doing different now than her couple bad years on BAA?
Which athletes at BAA have really hit any notable highs? Sorry if I'm sounding condescending ... but it seems like truly elite athletes don't thrive there.
Hope to see her in Paris in 2024.
BAA had Emma Bates AND Molly Seidel, and nearly ruined both.
Loved the way Emma mixed it up today. I think she tried to make a move to go for the win at Mile 22, but failed to gap any of the lead pack. Then Obiri dropped a 5:05 from 23 to 24, and Emma lost 8 seconds. I was actually surprised she was able to stay reasonably in touch, but it was clear she didn’t have a kick, but at least she held consistent.
So 5th place is a great finish for an American, and it was a 5th in sight of the winner. This is a good platform for her making the Olympic team and possibly contending for a medal.
"Bates, who doesn’t drink anything during a marathon (instead she eats gels she has taped to empty water bottles)"
The above is a quote from the LR article. Is anyone else surprised by this? No fluids in a 2+ hour race?
i was wondering the same thing… doesn’t drink anything??? That seems crazy. Does anyone else take this approach? I think I remember reading during her past buildups she’s struggled with some stomach issues on long runs, so maybe she find drinking fluids hurts her stomach?
It's not a terribly good idea for most everyone. But even if you bow to personal preference on this one, research shows that just swishing an energy drink in your mouth and then spitting it out results in a performance improvement. So don't skip the bottle even if you don't think you need the liquids.
no, Seidel was on Saucony Freedom Track Club not BAA.
Erika Kemp just recently left BAA and signed with Brooks and debuted today in 2:33, fastest American born black women's marathon. historic but probably a little underwhelming given her PRs at shorter distances?
McDonald on the men's side is now BAA though & he did remarkably well.
I second what someone above said about the Bates & UCAN, they are super watery gels in large packets, don't necessarily have to be taken with water/fluids especially on a cool day
Loved the way Emma mixed it up today. I think she tried to make a move to go for the win at Mile 22, but failed to gap any of the lead pack. Then Obiri dropped a 5:05 from 23 to 24, and Emma lost 8 seconds. I was actually surprised she was able to stay reasonably in touch, but it was clear she didn’t have a kick, but at least she held consistent.
So 5th place is a great finish for an American, and it was a 5th in sight of the winner. This is a good platform for her making the Olympic team and possibly contending for a medal.
But shouldn't americans go for more? You say 5th is great... I mean to their ability they won't be able to win races like these.
