If there were a theme for this year’s USATF Indoor Track and Field championships, it would be that “front running can pay off”. After sitting back the first couple of laps, Morgan Uceny took to the front of the women’s 1500 meters and could not be tracked down. ”Coming from the 800 (meters), relaxing and sitting back just isn’t my style. I just wanted to get out there and feel more comfortable in the front,” explained Uceny.
Uceny, a member of the Mammoth Track Club, was able hold off a strong finish by Shannon Rowbury. Rowbury finished a mere .02 seconds behind the winner. Unfortunately for Uceny, she does not have the world standard and will not be able to make the trip to Doha.
Erin Donohue, who had just finished 4th in the 800 meters 35 minutes earlier, does have the standard and was next across the line after Rowbury. ”I felt more comfortable since it was slower pace. I tried to make it a 400-600m race,” explained an exhausted Donohue. Quite a finish for her considering the minimal amount of time between events.
Rowbury has indicated that she may skip Indoor Worlds to focus on the upcoming outdoor season. ”To be able to do back to back, a 3k and a 15, haven’t done any altitude training. (I’ve) just been doing my strength work at home, I think this sets me up well for being at my best for outdoors.”
1 Morgan Uceny Reebok 4:19.46
2 Shannon Rowbury Nike 4:19.48
3 Erin Donohue Nike 4:21.86
4 Sarah Bowman New Balance 4:22.28
5 Treniere Moser Nike 4:22.81
6 Liz Maloy NYAC 4:22.90
7 Maggie Infeld NYAC 4:24.70
8 Molly Lehman NYAC 4:25.76
9 Mason Cathey Indiana Invaders 4:35.51
10 Gabriele Anderson unattached 4:36.28
11 Annick Lamar unattached 4:37.43
12 Laura Farley Team Ind Brooks 4:38.57
13 Lesley Higgins NYAC 4:42.71
14 Allison McCabe Grtr Boston TC 4:46.39
15 Ali Mann Nike Team Run LA 4:49.36
-- Anna Pierce Nike DNS
-- Sara Hall Asics DNS
