Not everyone can say they’re the second fastest woman in American history. The Northern native sprinkles her speech with a distinctly Midwestern accent when she speaks honestly and earnestly about her… + See More +
Not everyone can say they’re the second fastest woman in American history. The Northern native sprinkles her speech with a distinctly Midwestern accent when she speaks honestly and earnestly about her… + See More
- See Less - Not everyone can say they’re the second fastest woman in American history.
The Northern native sprinkles her speech with a distinctly Midwestern accent when she speaks honestly and earnestly about her collegiate struggles with eating problems. Upon sustaining multiple injuries and surmounting her eating problem, Goucher graduated from the University of Colorado in 2001, leaving a legacy of becoming the NCAA Outdoor Champion in the 3000m and 5000m, the NCAA Cross Country Champion and a 5000m Olympic Finalist, placing eighth.
Her mighty comeback continued as she finished second in the 5K at the USATF Outdoor Championships in 2006. She set personal records on the international level and ran the World “A” Standard in the 1500m, 5000m and 1000m. Her third place finish in the 3000m at the 2006 IAFF World Cup and her 10k time ranks her the second fastest American woman of all time.
Goucher continued setting records as she reigned over the Great North Run with a time of 1:06.57, a record that earned her the title of the fastest woman’s half-marathoner of the year and set a new American best time.
The record-setting, obstacle-dominating success story moved to Oregon with her husband – American runner Adam Goucher – and continues to be coached by Alberto Salazar.
#62
Anonymous Coward January 4, 2009 at 9:12pm
Flanagan is already the star at both the 5 and 10k's! Are you bloody serious? Her 10,000 pr is WAY better than Kara's. Please get educated before posting. Google can be your friend.
Anonymous Coward 2 was obviously correct, Kara did not run 2:22.
You're the original coward and always will be. When you get educated on running, give me a call some time. Or heck, I'll call you at 1800 LOSER! Have a great life hiding behing you're identity.
The point is she's not good enough to run a 2:01 last half in a 5,000 track race. Now, she finally admitted it..............see todays runnersworld! You people know nothing about running.
Now she will try the marathon and Alberto has her pegged for a 2:22 marathon. Well, it ain't gonna happen this fall in New York, & I'd bet the farm on that one. A fast 1/2 doesn't mean a fast full. Yeah, she did all she could in Bejing, no one's faulting her, but it wasn't good enough and she said after the fact that she really believes she could have won. GET IT!!!! She could not have and had NO chance. Give it up people, the original poster was right. Talk is cheap, she had no chance to medal in the 5 or 10. I for one am embarrassed for her that she'd rather sign autographs than watch her husband compete in the trials.
I agree, but even Mrs. Goucher is not above criticism. We all say wrong things, you me and yes, even her. I think she one of America's female distance runners by far, although I agree, she wasn't good enough to medal. Hindsight is 20/20. We can all make comments after the fact. Even slugs like me!
There are more important things in life than picking apart someone's interview, race plan, or goals. I just think people should be more supportive, and less negative. The negativity gets the sport, and the athletes, no where.
No one complained about Shalane's bronze or K. Goucher's place. Who complained about their finish?
I am late to the party and must have missed something.
The point was made that she was not going to win the gold and she said on video that she really thought during the race that she could win.
All people are entitled to their opinion, whether you or I disagree or not.
There is only one race in the 10000 for women, there are no heats to make the final. For that reason, anyone who makes the team is in the final, as way Amy Yoder Begley also.
Go to letsrun.com and you'll get a whole different view, whether you or I agree with it or not. Carry on!
2 american women in the olympic final under 31 minutes, one who earned a medal, and people are complaining. We have come a long way. I, for one am proud of them. I will not complain.
Some Truth To D's Statements August 29, 2008 at 6:08am
I don't coach, but there is truth in what he's saying (or she). Kara was not going to win the gold and that much is true. Also, it appears a lot of you are only here to write/type what you want, as if you have an agenda of sorts. I also think she is a very good runner and I don't believe anyone can deny that. But I can also be honest and say there's no way she could have beat the Ethiopian or Kenyan lady (don't remember their names). It seems like a lot of you are losing it yourselves, because he/she never attacked anybody. The poster merely put his opinion in a post because he/she obviously disagreed with her comments after the race. In America, we all have that right, whether we agree with the poster or not. My husband and I have read all of the posts on this particular video, and Hipocrate sounds very defensive and delusional himself/herself. You all need to chill. There are way more important issues in life than a post on an interview.
Wow. I can hear you getting angrier by the minute D Cramer! I think you have found a punching bag in Kara. This is hilarious! To say I am only writing in so that maybe Kara will like me and respond - seriously - you are DELUSIONAL! You keep saying I know "nothing" about running, that I am only a recreational runner.. like if that were true it makes your statement any more valid. You keep patting yourself on the back about your coaching and betting who will medal, who will not, NO ONE CARES ABOUT THAT! Please, for the sake of all our sanity, get a life! Like I said before, I do know a lot about running, as I was a very successful D1 runner. But, that really makes NO difference here. I am not on here because "I just like Kara." I am on here writing to defend an innocent person from needless attacks from some crazy lunatic that thinks because he is a coach, his opinion matters and he has a right to attack Kara. I cannot believe that you can spew such hatred, and still get mad that people swear on here. Please, stop writing in. You are embarrassing yourself. I mean, I can just feel you getting angry, it is so crazy! I agree with the previous poster, you need to get over yourself!
the negative people on this page are lame and need to get lives!
example
"D Cramer" what and idiot!
so who have you coached that's gone to the olympics?
and what athletes have you coached?
you obviously don't have good coaching skills if you never push your athletes!
if you don't believe in them, then who will?
grow up stop being rude and get over yourself!
Woodgax2 said, you complain that she didn't medal, but then complain that she has too lofty of goals. Wrong big guy! I did not complain that she didn't medal, I said she had no chance of being in the top 3, and she didn't. Lofty goals, more like unrealistic. Why is Alberto moving her to the marathon? Is it because she's so good at the 5 and 10? I think not. If she had a chance to medal, she would be training for those races for London, but it won't happen. You people aren't looking at the times and ability of her, you're just looking at her and saying I like her! Shalane is cute, but that has nothing to do with her ability. She has the potential to medal and won this guy $50 from our assisant coach who did not believe my 3rd place prediction. Why didn't I put money down on Kara? Because I knew she would not finish in the top 3. I notice no one answered the obvious questions that I posted. Like why didn't she go to the front when it was slow? I was her only chance and it was slim at best to be in the top 5 or 6, but she chose not to. Then she thinks her kick is going to bring her home a medal, I don't think so.
Criticisms of her tactics, are you serious? Hindsight is not 20/20, it's real! She knew if they started jogging that it would be a sprint and she wouldn't be in it. If she went at a hard honest pace, she'd at least have a chance to finish higher than what she ended up in. Being in the Olympics or not is irrelevant and I feel bad for you to have thought processes like you do.
Bashing? I wasn't bashing anyone. I told the truth. You are a recreational runner who knows nothing about real racing. If you don't run your own race, you have no one to blame but yourself, at any level. You guys are just all Kara Goucher Fans and aren't being realistic at all. This is bashing?
Shame on you for your fake and phoney comments so maybe Kara will like you and respond. I never said she wasn't nice, nor did I say she wasn't a good runner. She's very good and one of America's best, period. But she had no chance to take the gold and win either of those races and you people can't come to grips with that.
Piss poor negative attitude as a coach? No, as I said, I'm a realist. I don't tell my number 2 runner that he should lead and go all out at an unrealistic pace, then to just die and fall apart in the late stages. You obviously aren't a real runner and no NOTHING about running. Would you suggest coaching that way and blow smoke up their you know whats just to make them feel good and give them a great feeling before the race? Again, you know nothing about coaching. Alberto knew she would not win, believe it or not.
Hi Kara--
Your California cousins are rooting you on! You are awesome and an inspiration--
Have been following your career and am so impressed to have a Grgas @ the Olympics (I was aqainted your dad--the Zablace connection)
If you need anything in LA--you are always welcome ()
eg
I will never understand people's comments like "why would she say she wanted to win, she never stood a chance!" Why would an elite runner at that level even bother showing up for a race if they didn't give themselves the chance to dream big, just to try? You complain that she didn't medal, but then complain that she has too lofty of goals. You can't have it both ways!! To compete at that level - you have to have the attitude that you have a shot - otherwise you shouldn't be there! Criticisms of Kara's race tactics are worthless because hindsight is 20/20, and I am pretty sure no one on here has EVER been in an olympic final, or any level even close - so you really have no right to bash. It's a shame you can post such negative comments on here. Keep your head up Kara! We love you!
Kara,
If you ever see this, please don't think most people are evil and mean like the a-holes on here. Stay true to yourself, and know that the majority of us will be routing for you always! You have tremendous talent, and no matter what event you end up running, I know you will give it your best. Lots of people go in circles to find their best event, and I'll be cheering for you with whatever event you choose.
Wow, thank God you are not MY coach. What a negative piss poor attitude! You must lead a really miserable life to find it necessary to come on the internet, and tear someone you don't know to shreds.. As for me not understanding running, thats funny! Mainly because I ran D1 cross country and track, and even got to run a little after college.. But you're right - I must know nothing! Karma's a , and you've got a lot of negativity coming back to you.
People who are miserable, jealous, or unsatisfied with their own personal shortcomings, focus their energy on bringing down and criticizing those who they aspire to be like. Especially when those who they aspire to be like, don't live up to their high expectations.
By the way Mrs. Hypocrate, why do you think she's moving up to the marathon, which by the way I've been saying for 2 years!!!! Why???
Because she knows she has absolutely, positively, NO chance to medal in the 5000 or 10000, and Alberto knows it too. It just took him longer to realize than it did me, and yes, I'm also a coach. So there!!!
People tearing apart other people just fun, is that what you said Hypocrate???? I did no such thing. I just call it as I see it and yes, I'm a runner with a 2:29:52 under my belt. 5:42 per mile might not be in Kara's league, but I never said it was. As a sub 2:30 marathoner, do I get to say I just missed qualifying for the Olympic Trials??? No!!! You couldn't pay me to make such a ridiculous comment, but Kara can say that she really thought she could win, when any real runner knows that she didn't have a chance, period! They would outkick her or go hard from the gun, either way, she is not going to be in the top 3. Don't go by her bronze in Osaka, Mrs. Hypocrate, it wasn't a fluke or lucky. She ran fine but only got the bronze because of who wasn't present in the race, not who was in the race. Do you understand what that means?
Kara had every chance to go from the gun when the pace was slow, but instead she made excuses after the race about this and that. Why didn't she take it from the start? Because she knew she would have gotten torn apart. You are obviously not someone who knows anything about real running, but just a follower who is not informed. You like Kara, so you stick up for her, yet I merely told the truth, you just didn't agree.
As far as kids reading my post, you are really stretching far with that one. That was a very tame post, and you know it, but you chose to put a spin on it because you don't understand racing, but you like Kara and want to be just like her. Good luck with that Mrs. Hypocrate!
Do you not think that had Kara kicked it up early, that Dibaba and the rest of the pack wouldn't have followed suit? She has stated that she thought her kick was her biggest strength, obviously and sadly the other ladies had more. But hindsight is 20/20.
Please let me know the next time either of you qualify for the Olympics.
Yeah I don't get why all these people are getting all up on kara. I mean, cmon you try it. i think the marathon is a great place. look at frank shorter i mean he started out doing shorter distances, had no luck, than moved up to the marathon and look where it got em.
I agree with Steven. Kara ran a gutless cowardly race that played right to Tiru's strengths. Based on her mental reaction in the 10K (where she admitted to easing up at the half to save herself for the 5K) as well, it's clear that the first thing she needs to do is get her head straight.
If Kara wanted to win so badly, then why did she not show some aggressiveness in the 5K. The pace early in this race was really slow – around a ridiculous 6:00/mile pace – but no one made a move. Kara must have known that such a ludicrous pace would play into the hands of the real kickers in the field, including Dibaba, but she (along with others) went along with it and made no attempt to get the race moving. If Kara thinks she ran a good race in the 5K, she definitely should move up.
So... it's okay for children to read people tearing apart other people on here, just for fun, but not to see a swear word? Kara and Shalane are both equally respectable people. Their looks should not be an issue. You guys need to lay off and give people a break. It must feel good to make someone else feel bad! Keep up the good work bashing people!...
She's overrated in both the 5 and 10, but people who like her can't see that because they know nothing about track or road running. She's cute, but she's not a Goddess by any means. You people need to get a grip. She a very good runner but will never win the 5, 10 or even 1500 in London. Even the marathon will be a stretch. Shalane will crush her in all 3 events, because she IS a better runner, not just better looking, which shouldn't matter. By the way, who moderates this site. Letting people use the F word is deplorable at best. Delete their posts please. Kids read this.
A lot of what I am hearing from these athletes that were expected to win a medal in their respective events is pressure which means two things. First they need to learn to deal with that pressure and realize that they just need to do what they have been doing all this time, which is enjoy their running and stop trying to make it happen but let it happen. Secondly we are as a country getting better at distance running which is exciting! And they are all so young which means that they have time but they will also inspire many other young runners to be the best.
She's a terrific and talanted lady, but if she's saying she doesn't have Dibaba or Defar's "tight" build for the 10,000 or 5000, why is she convinced she'll be a great marathoner? She actually has a lot of talent in the 1500.
Remember, she was dead last in her heat in the 2004 trials. Four years later, to be even considering a medal - that is a BIG improvement! There is nothing to feel sorry for - there still could be room to grow.
Also, I think after running 2:19 in the marathon, Deena Kastor ran and won a major 5000 in 14:52 last summer in Europe, and I think also like a 8-fourtysomething in the 3000.
Kara and Deena have comparable 10,000 times. 30:50 for Deena and 30:55 for Kara.. I think.
Its great to see we are back in the mix with our women distance runners!
Do not lose your 10k mentality whilst you run a marathon. Previous 12 months before Radcliffe's WR, she ran circa 30:01 in Euro champs. To be No 1 Marathon you need to be no 2-3 in the world at 10k. Alberto and Steve Jones from that generation are good examples of the relaitionship. The current trend to divorce both events is a mistake , they are complementary.
Best of luck to you both, remember both what you have achieved so far and be proud of that huge achievement
Diaba is 23, you want to be a champion, radcliff and temescula and dena are
older, you will have less comp in the marathon to be a champion. its the same with bekele in the 5 and 10, unless you assassinate diaba you will not prevail in 5 and 10k . Isnt that enough motivation to go to marathon taking out radcliff in the half marathon? Do what craig mottram should have done, go to marathon
I believe that Kara will succeed in the marathon just like all the other events she runs. I don't think she's making up excuses and if she has to change her events to get gold, why not? She is an amazing athlete and whatever she does I know she'll do great! Kara is great!
Alex--I didn't SAY she was mediocre, SHE's the one who is implying it in the interview! I think her performance was excellent, but SHE's saying she's in the wrong events! But if Salazar has always said her best event will be the marathon, then why isn't she running it NOW? She's not that young anymore.
Anti-Critic: I already have trained my butt off. Now I have a career and a family. I've already met my goals, athletic, academic and otherwise. Kara obviously hasn't (at least athletically), given her statements. How about you?
Kara - thank you so much for this. Mark, you too. I guess you don't want congratulations on your Olympic performance but...congratulations for being a phenomenal distance runner. We'll be watching.
ANTI TJ And Anti Critic. August 24, 2008 at 4:48pm
I'm guessing all of you jerks who are criticizing are actually Olympians or US title holders, maybe respected coaches, other elite runners? I'm not a betting man, but it's safe to say Kara would beat most of you by at least 5 if not 10 minutes in the 10 on the track.
Quit your ing and moaning! If you don't like the job she does or the career choices she makes, go train your ass off like she does and bring us home some hardware from the next Olympics! Criticism of an athlete, a 30:55 10k runner, faster than Lynn Jennings and her bronze in 1992 is wrong. What our athletes need is encouragement and support.
All of these arrogant know it all armchair quarterbacks. UGH!
TJ- Are you in trying to be in the Wanjiru mold are are you just gonna sit around and complain?
If you think people like Goucher and Flanagan are trying to be mediocre, your wrong.
Stop complaining and go train your butt off!!!!
Hey TJ
You're ARROGANT to call Kara Goucher mediocre!
All athletes have their ups and downs, and salazar has been saying that her best event will be the marathon since she started training with him
It may not necessarily be an excuse to be continually adjusting the event for an elite runner. And also, it is logical to believe that different events are better for runners at different points in their career. I don't really have an idea but I do hope the best for both Adam and Kara Goucher.
No offense, but the excuses are tired and lame. A few years ago Kara was convinced she was a 1500m runner. Then she got bronze in Osaka and said she was definitely a 10k runner. Now she says she's a marathoner. This is by no means a personal attack on Kara Goucher, but more of a general statement to any athletes (distance runners or otherwise) who can only turn in excuses when they don't live up to their own expectations.
She and Adam should definetly move up to the marathon. Adam has shown he really can't run the 5 and 10 anymore so I think he should look into the marathon. Just my take I guess.
When you're a woman and you run under 1:07 for a half-marathon, you should run a whole one. Salazar may be a great coach, but you don't have to be one to realize this is the road she must take.
Kara Goucher
Anonymous Coward 2 was obviously correct, Kara did not run 2:22.
??
Now she will try the marathon and Alberto has her pegged for a 2:22 marathon. Well, it ain't gonna happen this fall in New York, & I'd bet the farm on that one. A fast 1/2 doesn't mean a fast full. Yeah, she did all she could in Bejing, no one's faulting her, but it wasn't good enough and she said after the fact that she really believes she could have won. GET IT!!!! She could not have and had NO chance. Give it up people, the original poster was right. Talk is cheap, she had no chance to medal in the 5 or 10. I for one am embarrassed for her that she'd rather sign autographs than watch her husband compete in the trials.
she did all she could do in Beijing and that's all that matters!
K-Go Let's Go!
I am late to the party and must have missed something.
The point was made that she was not going to win the gold and she said on video that she really thought during the race that she could win.
All people are entitled to their opinion, whether you or I disagree or not.
There is only one race in the 10000 for women, there are no heats to make the final. For that reason, anyone who makes the team is in the final, as way Amy Yoder Begley also.
Go to letsrun.com and you'll get a whole different view, whether you or I agree with it or not. Carry on!
example
"D Cramer" what and idiot!
so who have you coached that's gone to the olympics?
and what athletes have you coached?
you obviously don't have good coaching skills if you never push your athletes!
if you don't believe in them, then who will?
grow up stop being rude and get over yourself!
Criticisms of her tactics, are you serious? Hindsight is not 20/20, it's real! She knew if they started jogging that it would be a sprint and she wouldn't be in it. If she went at a hard honest pace, she'd at least have a chance to finish higher than what she ended up in. Being in the Olympics or not is irrelevant and I feel bad for you to have thought processes like you do.
Bashing? I wasn't bashing anyone. I told the truth. You are a recreational runner who knows nothing about real racing. If you don't run your own race, you have no one to blame but yourself, at any level. You guys are just all Kara Goucher Fans and aren't being realistic at all. This is bashing?
Shame on you for your fake and phoney comments so maybe Kara will like you and respond. I never said she wasn't nice, nor did I say she wasn't a good runner. She's very good and one of America's best, period. But she had no chance to take the gold and win either of those races and you people can't come to grips with that.
Piss poor negative attitude as a coach? No, as I said, I'm a realist. I don't tell my number 2 runner that he should lead and go all out at an unrealistic pace, then to just die and fall apart in the late stages. You obviously aren't a real runner and no NOTHING about running. Would you suggest coaching that way and blow smoke up their you know whats just to make them feel good and give them a great feeling before the race? Again, you know nothing about coaching. Alberto knew she would not win, believe it or not.
Your California cousins are rooting you on! You are awesome and an inspiration--
Have been following your career and am so impressed to have a Grgas @ the Olympics (I was aqainted your dad--the Zablace connection)
If you need anything in LA--you are always welcome ()
eg
If you ever see this, please don't think most people are evil and mean like the a-holes on here. Stay true to yourself, and know that the majority of us will be routing for you always! You have tremendous talent, and no matter what event you end up running, I know you will give it your best. Lots of people go in circles to find their best event, and I'll be cheering for you with whatever event you choose.
Because she knows she has absolutely, positively, NO chance to medal in the 5000 or 10000, and Alberto knows it too. It just took him longer to realize than it did me, and yes, I'm also a coach. So there!!!
Kara had every chance to go from the gun when the pace was slow, but instead she made excuses after the race about this and that. Why didn't she take it from the start? Because she knew she would have gotten torn apart. You are obviously not someone who knows anything about real running, but just a follower who is not informed. You like Kara, so you stick up for her, yet I merely told the truth, you just didn't agree.
As far as kids reading my post, you are really stretching far with that one. That was a very tame post, and you know it, but you chose to put a spin on it because you don't understand racing, but you like Kara and want to be just like her. Good luck with that Mrs. Hypocrate!
Do you not think that had Kara kicked it up early, that Dibaba and the rest of the pack wouldn't have followed suit? She has stated that she thought her kick was her biggest strength, obviously and sadly the other ladies had more. But hindsight is 20/20.
Please let me know the next time either of you qualify for the Olympics.
stupid idiot!
kara is better than YOU!
Good luck on your decision Kara!
Kara and Deena have comparable 10,000 times. 30:50 for Deena and 30:55 for Kara.. I think.
Its great to see we are back in the mix with our women distance runners!
Best of luck to you both, remember both what you have achieved so far and be proud of that huge achievement
older, you will have less comp in the marathon to be a champion. its the same with bekele in the 5 and 10, unless you assassinate diaba you will not prevail in 5 and 10k . Isnt that enough motivation to go to marathon taking out radcliff in the half marathon? Do what craig mottram should have done, go to marathon
kara seems a little beat down she will be a champion one day I love her
Anti-Critic: I already have trained my butt off. Now I have a career and a family. I've already met my goals, athletic, academic and otherwise. Kara obviously hasn't (at least athletically), given her statements. How about you?
race a few more years, then start a family.
there is life beyond running.
so despeartely sad to continue this.
painful to watch, really.
Quit your ing and moaning! If you don't like the job she does or the career choices she makes, go train your ass off like she does and bring us home some hardware from the next Olympics! Criticism of an athlete, a 30:55 10k runner, faster than Lynn Jennings and her bronze in 1992 is wrong. What our athletes need is encouragement and support.
All of these arrogant know it all armchair quarterbacks. UGH!
TJ- Are you in trying to be in the Wanjiru mold are are you just gonna sit around and complain?
If you think people like Goucher and Flanagan are trying to be mediocre, your wrong.
Stop complaining and go train your butt off!!!!
You're ARROGANT to call Kara Goucher mediocre!
All athletes have their ups and downs, and salazar has been saying that her best event will be the marathon since she started training with him