Of Mice and Marathons

Cragg was obviously holding back - she ran the 26th mile 30-40 secs faster than the previous 3. Goucher might have caught Flanagan if Cragg didn't pull her along... those 6:00s could have easily become 6:30s for Shalane. Fantastic run and teamwork from Cragg... pretty darn impressive on both accounts.

Oh I know. It was clear she was helping her by letting her stayed latched on. I was just worried that she was going to wait too long and someone would catch her but I guess no one was quite that close.

I guess Cragg is not only a far better runner but a better friend/teammate than I would be (her teeth are much nicer too). I was screaming "let her bleed!" I like Shalane a lot and she showed what running hard when you are dead is all about. Great stuff on the ladies end of things (as usual).

Thoughts on Rupp? I expected him to blow a gasket.

Same here. She had to be careful because if Desi got any closer who knows what might have happened.

I'm not surprised by Rupp. Whether you like him or not, when he is "on" he's at a different level than everyone else, and he wouldn't have even toed the line if he wasn't prepared and confident. Pretty much a perfect debut marathon situation for him - not like a London/Chicago/etc where he'd have to hammer from the gun.

a great showing of teamwork for sure, although i was also screaming at the tv to just let her drop. amy looked so strong and was spending her energy helping shalane -- getting her water and all that sideways turning she was doing to encourage her along. shalane looked like she was going to collapse to a walk at any moment. what a battle!

i also thought rupp might blow up, but he clearly knew what he was doing. can't wait for nike's new line of distressed singlets.

"There was a point where I thought, I'm dying," Flanagan said. "I can't do this. She completely talked me through it. Sweet Baby Jesus, I'm so thankful for her."

The turning made me the most nervous. I was so worried she would turn an ankle.