That period where she was fighting for college wins was pretty brief lol....not good enough as a FR and got too good by end of SO year. Looks like there will be selective races vs pros while she still "competes" in college. If she is in 4:00 or 8:30 or 14:40 shape by December maybe that ends college.
I think she has unfinished business with at least the 5k outdoor record. Not sure if the 1500 record is in reach but I’m not betting against her. Does the outdoor championship schedule make a 1500/5k double possible? I also think she will return for XC since the team has a great chance of winning again. Then a redshirt for all of 2024 and finish out eligibility in 2025. I think Jenny Simpson (Barringer at the time) did something similar in 2008-2009.
She mentioned in her interview the plan is to focus on shorter stuff outdoors. I still hope she goes for the 5k record.
BUT, maybe be see her attack some 800's with Bush? It would be exciting for her to drop down a bit and really be challenged. At this time I think she has a much better shot at the 5k record and running 14:50's in the near future than running sub 4:02 without more speed.
ACCs is going to be a great conference for the 1500m this season, that I am sure.
I think she has unfinished business with at least the 5k outdoor record. Not sure if the 1500 record is in reach but I’m not betting against her. Does the outdoor championship schedule make a 1500/5k double possible? I also think she will return for XC since the team has a great chance of winning again. Then a redshirt for all of 2024 and finish out eligibility in 2025. I think Jenny Simpson (Barringer at the time) did something similar in 2008-2009.
She mentioned in her interview the plan is to focus on shorter stuff outdoors. I still hope she goes for the 5k record.
BUT, maybe be see her attack some 800's with Bush? It would be exciting for her to drop down a bit and really be challenged. At this time I think she has a much better shot at the 5k record and running 14:50's in the near future than running sub 4:02 without more speed.
ACCs is going to be a great conference for the 1500m this season, that I am sure.
She’s still on a steep progression rate. I would bet that 8:30/14:40/4:00 is all within reach now. It will need to be proven but her recent 4:23 split indoors indicates that her fitness level is in the ballpark. I wish she could arrange for pacers in her upcoming races. That would help to achieve these goals.
I can’t help think that the organised sporting development networks within the USA, seem to inadvertently set their young participant athletes up to subconsciously celebrate National honours as the the pinnacle of achievement. - The hype, the recognition the social media expectations, the endless interviews and conjecture. Someone like Tuohy must feel like a jaded old pro already. Surrounded by coaches and minders to guide her every footstep and organise every aspect of her “future”
counter this with the Ethiopian approach where literally all their top athletes come from very poor, humble and hardworking farming families. They train very differently and always in groups. Training alone is a no no in Ethiopia. Their shining talents are told to aim for international honours. Making it to the top of the pile within Ethiopia is no cause for celebration. It comes with the responsibility of performing internationally - their job has only just begun…
This isn't a criticism of Tuohy, at all, of course, but as lifelong track/distance fan, I can't think of a lot of things more yawn/eye-roll inducing than someone successfully doubling in the 3 and 5K. Really, the best runner at 1.8 was also the best at 3.1 ?? Shocking!
Boring.
And yeah, I know, the doubling - especially against fresh competition - shows strength. And yeah, I know that there are plenty of other race distance comparisons - sprint and distance - that are, arguably, similar. But there's something about having the (flat) 3K and 5K in the same (championship) meet that just seems particularly unnecessary.
I can’t help think that the organised sporting development networks within the USA, seem to inadvertently set their young participant athletes up to subconsciously celebrate National honours as the the pinnacle of achievement. - The hype, the recognition the social media expectations, the endless interviews and conjecture. Someone like Tuohy must feel like a jaded old pro already. Surrounded by coaches and minders to guide her every footstep and organise every aspect of her “future”
counter this with the Ethiopian approach where literally all their top athletes come from very poor, humble and hardworking farming families. They train very differently and always in groups. Training alone is a no no in Ethiopia. Their shining talents are told to aim for international honours. Making it to the top of the pile within Ethiopia is no cause for celebration. It comes with the responsibility of performing internationally - their job has only just begun…
I think the biggest difference between US and Ethiopia/rest of world is that sports are linked to the education system in US; first high school and then college. This gives the chance to be a 'national HS champion' and an NCAA champion. The chance to earn a college scholarship now worth $300k plus also plays a role. In sports like gymnastics and swimming that are 'more' club based, no one but those deeply involved in the sport know who the u16/u18 champions are.
I don't think anyone feels jaded, it's actually quite fun. In sprints, throws, hurdles and jumps this same system produces world class medal winners like a machine. In distance we tend to get overexcited about our HS and NCAA champs, but slowly we are again becoming competitive on the world level.
I would hope in Ethiopia that those who do make it to the top of the pile have access to at least a coach and an agent/financial advisor. Someone needs to help young people navigate their short running career and a transition into their longer 'rest of life' career.
This isn't a criticism of Tuohy, at all, of course, but as lifelong track/distance fan, I can't think of a lot of things more yawn/eye-roll inducing than someone successfully doubling in the 3 and 5K. Really, the best runner at 1.8 was also the best at 3.1 ?? Shocking!
Boring.
And yeah, I know, the doubling - especially against fresh competition - shows strength. And yeah, I know that there are plenty of other race distance comparisons - sprint and distance - that are, arguably, similar. But there's something about having the (flat) 3K and 5K in the same (championship) meet that just seems particularly unnecessary.
Outdoor Olympics/NCAA 1500 5000 10000
indoor world/NCAA 1500/mile 3000 5000
what would you change?
I don't see an issue with the 3k/5k because you will get milers in the 3k, and steeplers, who are not going to step up to 5k.
It would be cool if the NCAA outdoors schedule was better for doing the 1500m / 5k double. As it stands today that double is basically impossible due to the schedule, and 5k runners get stuck doing 5k/10k. This also makes the 1500m is less competitive.