Fleshman to replace Runyan for Paris 5K

[dl]

It's not official yet, but T&FN has heard from a reliable source that USATF 4th placer Lauren Fleshman will replace Runyan as the lone U.S. entrant in the World Champs 5K.

2nd and 3rd placers at USATF, Flanagan and Culpepper, did not have a "B" mark.

It is not known why Runyan has pulled out, but Runyan did mention some fatigue in a recent Runner's World interview.

[dl]

Re: Fleshman to replace Runyan for Paris 5K

Now the word is that Runyan's not hurt, but that she feels the Paris 5K wouldn't fit in with her training for the NYC Marathon and her long term goals.

[Guest]

Re: Fleshman to replace Runyan for Paris 5K

If that's true that is bogus. It's unfair to Fleshman to find out 2 weeks prior that she is going. I like Runyan, but last I checked the schedules have been out for 1+ years - probably good though, sending a young lion into the fray for experience.

[bubba]

Re: Fleshman to replace Runyan for Paris 5K

Fleshman's been running in Europe recently and running fairly well (PRing recently at 5k). While the late decision by Runyan is a bit annoying if anyone can handle it Fleshman can. She has a great attitude and head screwed on tight. She's probably psyched for the opportunity especially since she's in shape.

[dl]

Re: Fleshman to replace Runyan for Paris 5K

I'm sure Fleshman's not complaining!

[dl]

Re: Fleshman to replace Runyan for Paris 5K

I'm sure Fleshman's not complaining!

[dl]

Re: Fleshman to replace Runyan for Paris 5K

From the horse's mouth:

http://www.marlarunyan.com/journal.htm

[Guest]

Re: Fleshman to replace Runyan for Paris 5K

I'd say (from what I've read, at least), that there's few women collegiate stars EVER who had their head screwed on tighter than Fleshman. She is one articulate, well-balanced chick. She should be a professional speaker or counselor in another life.

[Guest]

Re: Fleshman to replace Runyan for Paris 5K

Bad decision by Runyun. You simply don't pass up the WCs. This is the ultimate meet it is what track athletes train their entire lives for. Just because you "don't feel right" doesn't cut it. How many times has an athlete not felt quite right in training and a few days later had the race of their life.

There are two meets a track athlete must run if they are given the opportunity - WCs and Olys. NYC is nothing compared to the WCs. Her priorities are backwards.

[Guest]

Re: Fleshman to replace Runyan for Paris 5K

>Bad decision by Runyun. You simply don't pass up
>the WCs. This is the ultimate meet it is what
>track athletes train their entire lives for. Just
>because you "don't feel right" doesn't cut it.
>How many times has an athlete not felt quite
>right in training and a few days later had the
>race of their life.>

Maybe she hasn't felt right in more than a few days.

[Guest]

Re: Fleshman to replace Runyan for Paris 5K

I'm gonna retract my earlier negative comments about the situation and give Marla the benefit of the doubt. Just call me a patriot - I can't forsee a situation wherein I would have the opportunity to wear my countries colors and pass - baring losing both legs, an arm, and an ear. She must be pretty beat up to give up a spot.

[Guest]

Re: Fleshman to replace Runyan for Paris 5K

>I'm gonna retract my earlier negative comments
>about the situation and give Marla the benefit of
>the doubt. Just call me a patriot - I can't
>forsee a situation wherein I would have the
>opportunity to wear my countries colors and pass
>- baring losing both legs, an arm, and an ear.
>She must be pretty beat up to give up a spot.

Patriot-

Her statement didn't make her sound to beat up. She said she was feeling a bit better after a couple days of rest and the EFX.

I agree. Most competitive athletes would give an arm or leg to be on the team.

[Guest]

Re: Fleshman to replace Runyan for Paris 5K

>Most competitive athletes would
>give an arm or leg to be on the team.

Consider it this way: Marla thinks she has an excellent chance to make the Olympic team in the marathon. She believes she can run a much better marathon than she has run. It would be a huge boost to her confidence if she could show that against world-class competition prior to the Olympics. NYC is her only chance to do that.

This is her focus now. Not 5k on the track. Not even at the WC's.

[Guest]

Re: Fleshman to replace Runyan for Paris 5K

Marathoner - you are correct. But what part of your analysis did Marla NOT know 6 months ago. Notice that KK did not run to make the U.S. team just to back out - he knew his priorities. I have no problem with athletes running the national championship, then IMMEDIATELY passing on the opportunity (Drossin could have done it, or Meb). My beef is waiting so long, then using a weak excuse. She said she was feeling better, so the assumption is she would be OK to run in a few weeks.

Fleshman may indeed be ready - but no doubt she could have been more ready with 2 months to prepare rather than 2 weeks. It just smells a bit selfish.

[Guest]

Re: Fleshman to replace Runyan for Paris 5K

>>Most competitive athletes would
>give an arm or
>leg to be on the team.

Consider it this way:
>Marla thinks she has an excellent chance to make
>the Olympic team in the marathon. She believes
>she can run a much better marathon than she has
>run. It would be a huge boost to her confidence
>if she could show that against world-class
>competition prior to the Olympics. NYC is her
>only chance to do that.

This is her focus
>now. Not 5k on the track. Not even at the WC's.
>

Her focus changed a couple of weeks too soon. She has already made the WC team in the 5. She should fulfill this obligation first then set her sights on her next endeavor. Sure the Olympics are huge but so are the WCs.