After this past weekend, we couldn’t be any prouder of the athletes with whom we have the pleasure of working. There was a sweep of 5000m titles north of the Rio Grande (Simon Bairu and Matt Tegenkamp) and three additional US athletes with podium finishes and a national team berth (Chris Solinsky, Evan Jager and Tim Nelson). But moreover, KIMbia athletes competed this weekend with verve and with guts, even if, in some cases, the end result was not a full reflection of their efforts.
In the Women’s 5000m, Rebecca Donaghue did much of the early leading, and, though passed late in the race, she conceded nothing, finishing a commendable 5th, in 15:36 — just 3 seconds off the podium. Only three entered runners have any IAAF standard, and with one of them (Kara Goucher) having declared her intentions to run the Marathon in Berlin, a “B”-standard race (15:25) might get Donaghue on the team yet.
Sean Quigley continues to make strides, as he took 7th in the Men’s 5000m. For Sean, it was his highest finish at a US Outdoor Championship, and between a new 5000m PB earlier this season at Mt. SAC, and being in the lead pack at the bell at the National Championship, as he was on Friday, there is every reason to believe that he will continue to evolve into a real player on the domestic — an international — running scene. In the same race, Brent Vaughn managed a 9th place finish — perhaps disappointing for a 13:18-athlete, but coming, it should be noted, in a strong field including five other athletes with lifetime bests under 13:20.
In the Men’s 10,000m, Tim Nelson ran with the leaders into the final kilometer, crossing the line third, but James Carney was also right there when the race was being decided; with Dathan Ritzenhein surging over the latter half of the race, Carney ended up leading on several occasions. With a little over a half mile to go, Carney was trailing and Nelson soon lost contact with Ritzenhein and Galen Rupp, as well. Nelly told Coach Jerry Schumacher the choice to fall back was a strategic move intended to keep something in the tank in case anyone made a late run for 3rd. Or as he said, dryly, “I sort of had it under control.” Of course, upon seeing Nelson coming back, Carney began charging hard, continuing the fine tactics he had displayed all race, and ensuring his fourth-place finish. The two KIMbia distance men would finish in 28:01 and 28:13, as Nelson blistered the final lap in a little over 60 seconds. For both, this would represent their highest finish at a National Championship on the track.
Post-race, Carney said, “I’m pleased with my approach and execution, but unsatisfied with the result. I kind of feel like I’m always on the outside looking in [...] but [the race] should translate into a successful campaign on the roads.” Indeed, for each KIMbia athlete, the 2009 National Championships should offer nothing but reason to expect big things in the future.
Want more inside dirt from our athletes, on their races at Nationals and plans for the rest of the summer? Then submit a question for our athletes below, and check back Tuesday for their replies!
I just wanted to hey to Madison buddies Tim Nelson, Matt Tegenkamp, Chris Solinsky and Evan Jager. I have a couple of question, first question how does it feel to sweep the 5K and have four Madison guys going to World Championships? Second question is to Evan Jager, how does it feel to be only 20 years old, a pro and making it to a World Championship? Jerry’s boys is in full effect.
So, Solinksy…. I’ve been wondering about the socks. At first glance, those look like ordinary compression socks, but I’m beginning to believe they might be something else. Are they actually covering up some new and risque tattoos on your calves or more likely, are they woven from a magical alter-G thread that lifts up your legs and makes them feel lighter than air in the last 250 meters of your race? What’s up with the new look?
Matt,
With your win at USA’s, your 13:04 5k PR, and 3:34 1500m speed, you have to be thinking about bringing home some hardware from Berlin. What do you think you have to do the rest of the summer to bring home a medal? What are your plans for the rest of the summer?
Rebecca,
2 questions. 1-Do you regret at all leading early on in the race seeing that you faded a little bit at the end? Did you do that because you were going for the b standard?
And 2-What are your plans for Europe and possibly chasing a spot on the world’s team? Do you have specific races lined up yet?
Matt, Chris and Evan,
First of all outstanding effort and good luck at the World Championships. What about the rest of the summer? What races will you run leading up to and after Berlin?
@Derek Rubis: Derek, we have a very exciting project starting up that will deal more directly with your questions, so we are holding off to let the guys speak for themselves in that project. Thanks for the questions, as always!