\n
\nAnderson: He did actually run at Arcadia, he was just in the Seeded race (finished sixth in 9:05.42). He actually ran between 9:01.79 and 9:01.83 three times last year, so I'm not sure he could have gone much faster this last spring. When I said he showed big improvement this year, I meant in cross country, specifically starting with his state meet race. From what I understand, that was a moment his coaches thought was a big breakthrough as well.
<\/div><\/div>
\n
\nCompletely missed that result at Arcadia, thanks. It does appear 9:01 was where he was at fitness wise. 14:44 for the win is a jump of 50 seconds over last year's state meet. That is indeed significant, both in terms of fitness and psychologically getting the big W. They are doing a lot right up there at North Central, that is for sure. I'm excited to see what Tanner and Wilmot can do on the track this spring. The nice thing with the track is that you don't have to wonder what the course is like; as long as it's sea-level and not extreme weather it's a good indicator of true fitness if it's a high quality meet.
\n
\nThanks for the back and forth banter, it's fun learning more about these kids.","date_added":"Dec 26th 2013, 8:31am","nest":0,"liked":false,"member":[],"can_delete":false,"item_id":199066,"item_type":"news","pb_image":"i\/no_avatar.png","pb_title":"cerutty fan","pb_url":"profile.php?member_id=50627","pb_url_dns":"https:\/\/www.runnerspace.com\/profile.php?member_id=50627","pb_wally_id":"1212787"},"938895":{"pb_id":"43715","pb_type":"members","likes":"0","parent_id":"0","pid":"938895","comment_id":"938895","member_id":"43715","comment":"Fair enough re: Wilmot.
\n
\nAnderson: He did actually run at Arcadia, he was just in the Seeded race (finished sixth in 9:05.42). He actually ran between 9:01.79 and 9:01.83 three times last year, so I'm not sure he could have gone much faster this last spring. When I said he showed big improvement this year, I meant in cross country, specifically starting with his state meet race. From what I understand, that was a moment his coaches thought was a big breakthrough as well.","date_added":"Dec 25th 2013, 6:19pm","nest":0,"liked":false,"member":[],"can_delete":false,"item_id":199066,"item_type":"news","pb_image":"\/\/www.runnerspace.com\/forum\/uploads\/av-43715.jpg","pb_title":"watchout","pb_url":"profile.php?member_id=43715","pb_url_dns":"https:\/\/www.runnerspace.com\/profile.php?member_id=43715","pb_wally_id":"1073498"},"938891":{"pb_id":"50627","pb_type":"members","likes":"0","parent_id":"0","pid":"938891","comment_id":"938891","member_id":"50627","comment":"
<\/a>watchout, on , said:<\/p> <\/a>DontStopPre, on , said:<\/p> <\/a>DontStopPre, on , said:<\/p> <\/a>DougB, on , said:<\/p> <\/a>watchout, on , said:<\/p> <\/a>RunSpokane, on , said:<\/p>
\n
\nTanner Anderson: He may have "only" improved 4.5 seconds in the 1600m from his frosh to soph campaigns, you have to remember that he focused on the 1600m as a frosh but not as a soph (and if he keeps dropping that much every year, by the time he's a senior he'll end up a 3k\/5k guy that can also drop down and run a 4:05 ... not too bad at all). More importantly, he showed dramatic improvement this year, running with (and often beating) 8:50ish guys like Hardy and Haney. Perhaps most importantly of all, though, is that he ran as well as he did this post season and is only a junior, while the rest of the guys you mentioned were all seniors.
\n
\nKai Wilmot: You point out how he already races like a champion. That seems like that should be a bonus for him, not a negative (or seemingly so, since he won in a convincing manner, is the same age as the other guys you are comparing him to, and yet is only #5 on your list and it's certainly not because you think he's put in more work - Arcadia being a very high mileage program compared to the moderate mileage NC runs - or has more speed, as IIRC neither Geberkidane or DeLaRosa have 800m or mile times that compare well to their 3200m+ bests either). The fact that he knows how to race, and does it well, should make him more attractive a recruit than a guy that HASN'T shown that ability (or, at least, didn't show it when they had the opportunity on the big stage).
<\/div><\/div>
\n
\nBoth good points. Re: Anderson - His 3200 time was only slightly better than his 1600 time his soph year, although both were very high quality efforts and the latter came just 24 hours after the former from what I can tell. I'm not sure how to word this next question without it possibly sounding bad...where did he show dramatic improvement? My guess is that he would have run faster than 9:01 had he been at the Arcadia invite last year, meaning his 3200 fitness was about on par with Haney 6-7 months ago. To be sure, this kid is phenomenal. It will be a lot of fun to see what he does on the track this season. Would love to see him and Wilmot at Arcadia.
\n
\nWilmot: - Can't help but like this kid the more I consider what he's done. Racing like a champion is absolutely a positive\/bonus; it can infuse a team with a ton of energy. The injury issues I've heard about would be the major drawback. In terms of absolute (time-trial like) performance I don't think he's better than those kids who were right behind him, which of course makes what he did all the more impressive. So, with that last point in mind, that's why I put him at #5, based on raw fitness only. The idea would be that as a college coach you have something to teach your athletes. With Kai, it's best to get out of his way; he already races like a champion! Seriously, hats off to this kid, that was a very special performance.
\n
\nI know that may sound confusing, and now I'm a little confused as well 
, that probably just goes to show that a list needs to have a very specific metric being ranked.","date_added":"Dec 25th 2013, 5:44pm","nest":0,"liked":false,"member":[],"can_delete":false,"item_id":199066,"item_type":"news","pb_image":"i\/no_avatar.png","pb_title":"cerutty fan","pb_url":"profile.php?member_id=50627","pb_url_dns":"https:\/\/www.runnerspace.com\/profile.php?member_id=50627","pb_wally_id":"1212787"},"938813":{"pb_id":"43715","pb_type":"members","likes":"0","parent_id":"0","pid":"938813","comment_id":"938813","member_id":"43715","comment":"Counter-points -
\n
\nTanner Anderson: He may have "only" improved 4.5 seconds in the 1600m from his frosh to soph campaigns, you have to remember that he focused on the 1600m as a frosh but not as a soph (and if he keeps dropping that much every year, by the time he's a senior he'll end up a 3k\/5k guy that can also drop down and run a 4:05 ... not too bad at all). More importantly, he showed dramatic improvement this year, running with (and often beating) 8:50ish guys like Hardy and Haney. Perhaps most importantly of all, though, is that he ran as well as he did this post season and is only a junior, while the rest of the guys you mentioned were all seniors.
\n
\nKai Wilmot: You point out how he already races like a champion. That seems like that should be a bonus for him, not a negative (or seemingly so, since he won in a convincing manner, is the same age as the other guys you are comparing him to, and yet is only #5 on your list and it's certainly not because you think he's put in more work - Arcadia being a very high mileage program compared to the moderate mileage NC runs - or has more speed, as IIRC neither Geberkidane or DeLaRosa have 800m or mile times that compare well to their 3200m+ bests either). The fact that he knows how to race, and does it well, should make him more attractive a recruit than a guy that HASN'T shown that ability (or, at least, didn't show it when they had the opportunity on the big stage).","date_added":"Dec 25th 2013, 5:39am","nest":0,"liked":false,"member":[],"can_delete":false,"item_id":199066,"item_type":"news","pb_image":"\/\/www.runnerspace.com\/forum\/uploads\/av-43715.jpg","pb_title":"watchout","pb_url":"profile.php?member_id=43715","pb_url_dns":"https:\/\/www.runnerspace.com\/profile.php?member_id=43715","pb_wally_id":"1073498"},"938811":{"pb_id":"50627","pb_type":"members","likes":"0","parent_id":"0","pid":"938811","comment_id":"938811","member_id":"50627","comment":"
\n
\nRegarding two other points of yours (travel and poor starts): Admittedly 3-time zone jet lag can be difficult but if I'm not mistaken runners have a couple days to adjust correct? (Not to mention that jetlag travel east to west is easier than west to
\neast). And I'm not sure how North Central travelled to Portland. IF it was by car\/van\/bus that's a long drive! If it was by plane then yes its a quick flight but the security and hassles are still hard. Regarding the poor starts that is kind of the runners fault unlesd they got pushed. I don't recall everyone's starts but I think NC had to move through a lot too (though I think it was part of the race plan).
<\/div><\/div>
\n
\nNot consciously Pro-CA or Anti-WA. I do prefer the Pacific Northwest over Southern California, for about 4 months of the year, then the reverse holds true.
\n
\nIt's definitely the fault of a runner if they get a poor start, but one has to say what the rankings are supposed to be ummm...ranking. I took the perspective of ranking potential performance in the next year. I don't have enough data on all of the starters to properly rank them all, so it's an approximation looking at some of the top finishers. Some of them I've seen throughout the year, such as Yoho, so am aware of their situation better than others.
\n
\nRegarding Anderson, he went 9:01 for 3200 as a sophomore. Very impressive, but after going 4:18 for 1600 as a freshman it would indicate he's improved little since then. That would concern me a little as a college coach. That doesn't take away the FACT he got 3rd place at NXN, though!
\n
\nContrast that with Yoho, who very rarely matches up against equal competition since he competes in a very small division during the regular season and therefore is not pushed as hard. He ran 10:07 for 3200 as a sophomore and 9:33 as a junior. Now he has caught up to Anderson, which tells me his current trajectory put him ahead of Anderson in a year or two. If I had to bet on it, I would certainly put my money on him over Anderson.
\n
\nWith someone like Haney, he appears more mature biologically so would be expected to improve less. Of course, anyone running 3:44 for 1500 is only going to improve so much more! He looks to have tight hip flexors too, so maybe there would be additional upside working on that.
\n
\nDe La Rosa is no stranger to starting out a little more conservative, and that fits his physiology better, but in a race of this caliber that can potentially backfire. There were reports of him falling early on, which if true, make his performance all the more impressive, but all the more frustrating at the same time. McMillan (63 - 41 - 13 - 10 -7) seems to have run nearly side-by-side with De La Rosa (62 - 38 - 11 - 7 - 5). De La Rosa is a championship racer. His 2 best results were from the meets that in my mind had the greatest level of energy at them; Woodbridge in the early season and then NXN. The same can be said for Haney actually. It may sound strange to say Woodbridge is 1 of 2 highest energy level races, but it's a very high quality event late at night and early enough in the season where nobody has had the chance to show their stuff yet. The buzz was very high there. The other thing about De La Rosa is that he looks like a boy still. And he has a very fluid stride. The only reservation I'd have with De La Rosa is that he only has 2 varsity wins in his HS career (both his jr year of XC, none on the track) according to easily accessible records on athletic.net. Caldwell (78 - 31 - 9 - 6 - 8) got out a little slow as well. The times at the first split won't be significantly slower, but being in that position can take a lot more energy due to the jostling going on and not knowing exactly where you are stepping draining energy by increasing muscular tension.
\n
\nAs for NC moving through the pack, that doesn't appear to be the case when looking at the splits. Anderson (7 - 8 - 2 - 9 - 3) and Wilmot (11 - 10 - 1 - 1 - 1) clearly came to race and believed in themselves. The latter can be hard to teach. To be clear, those guys owned it. Especially Wilmot. He took it by the scruff and smashed everyone. Totally awesome to watch. The kid is a champion. That is how champions race. He put himself in position to attack at the right time, which, consciously or not, further heightened his nervous energetic capacity due to the natural reaction of being chased.
\n
\nThe scoreboard ALWAYS takes precedent over the what-ifs. So, again, my take was more of a future performance sort of ranking as basing rankings directly off of results is redundant.","date_added":"Dec 25th 2013, 4:30am","nest":0,"liked":false,"member":[],"can_delete":false,"item_id":199066,"item_type":"news","pb_image":"i\/no_avatar.png","pb_title":"cerutty fan","pb_url":"profile.php?member_id=50627","pb_url_dns":"https:\/\/www.runnerspace.com\/profile.php?member_id=50627","pb_wally_id":"1212787"},"938687":{"pb_id":"45158","pb_type":"members","likes":"0","parent_id":"0","pid":"938687","comment_id":"938687","member_id":"45158","comment":"Cerutty fan: I'm certain the rankings aren't based on just talent (but will let Doug B answer that if he chooses), HOWEVER I love your take on the rankings. Your spin was an entertaining read and I enjoyed looking at your list and appreciate your opinions. Seems like you have a pro-CA and anti-WA bias but maybe that's coming from my pro-WA bias lol. No Anderson in your top 7? Really? I will say however personally I would've ranked the CA Haney higher.
\n
\nRegarding two other points of yours (travel and poor starts): Admittedly 3-time zone jet lag can be difficult but if I'm not mistaken runners have a couple days to adjust correct? (Not to mention that jetlag travel east to west is easier than west to
\neast). And I'm not sure how North Central travelled to Portland. IF it was by car\/van\/bus that's a long drive! If it was by plane then yes its a quick flight but the security and hassles are still hard. Regarding the poor starts that is kind of the runners fault unlesd they got pushed. I don't recall everyone's starts but I think NC had to move through a lot too (though I think it was part of the race plan).","date_added":"Dec 24th 2013, 9:43pm","nest":0,"liked":false,"member":[],"can_delete":false,"item_id":199066,"item_type":"news","pb_image":"i\/no_avatar.png","pb_title":"DontStopPre","pb_url":"profile.php?member_id=45158","pb_url_dns":"https:\/\/www.runnerspace.com\/profile.php?member_id=45158","pb_wally_id":"1182171"},"938655":{"pb_id":"50627","pb_type":"members","likes":"0","parent_id":"0","pid":"938655","comment_id":"938655","member_id":"50627","comment":"
\n
\nIt's true that Wilmot's 4th place State finish doesn't jump out and advocate for a clear and decisive national champ ranking but (again) keep in mind who his competition was (compared to Fisher or anyone else).
\n
\nIt's too bad Fisher and Wilmot didn't race each other to make the ranking easier. But even then if the meeting would've been early season it would only be a small factor, when I believe the biggest factor should be the last race. It's understandable to use the undefeated season point as the distinguishing factor (or tie breaker if you will) but I feel the distinguishing factor should be quality of race in the focal point race of the year whether its FL or NXN. When you run at North Central EVERYTHING is geared at peaking at NXN! State performance pales in comparison (Borderclash isn't even on the radar more than a very solid workout). Wilmot won the big one when it counted. He was the underdog but the underdog who steps up and wins March Madness with a so-so record not only wins the national championship but is #1 in the final rankings too.
<\/div><\/div>
\n
\nFair points, but Wilmot, and the other Northwest kids had quite a bit in their favor. They were competing close to home (minimal travel, same time zone) in an environment they were used to.
\n
\nContrast that with the kids from southern California who are not typically exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees. Or those from moderate altitude, such as Geberkidane, who aren't able to get in the really high intensity work that can be done nearer to sea-level. Or those from east coast who moved 3 time zones.
\n
\nMaybe it should be asked as to what the individual rankings are supposed to represent. Talent? Certainly the rankings don't directly mirror the results, so what are they meant to reflect?
\n
\nIf it's strictly talent and I'm recruiting as a college coach, then looking at NXN separately from FL I'd say Yoho is #1 (this may have been his only race of the year where he was actually racing, not time-trialing). Geberkidane is extremely close #2 (based on him not being used to sea-level intensity). De La Rosa #3 (got a poor start and is from a much warmer climate). McMillan #4 (got a poor start and doesn't have sea-level intensity in his legs). Wilmot #5. Caldwell #6 (got a poor start and traveled 2 time zones). Haney #7.","date_added":"Dec 24th 2013, 7:59pm","nest":0,"liked":false,"member":[],"can_delete":false,"item_id":199066,"item_type":"news","pb_image":"i\/no_avatar.png","pb_title":"cerutty fan","pb_url":"profile.php?member_id=50627","pb_url_dns":"https:\/\/www.runnerspace.com\/profile.php?member_id=50627","pb_wally_id":"1212787"},"938638":{"pb_id":"45158","pb_type":"members","likes":"0","parent_id":"0","pid":"938638","comment_id":"938638","member_id":"45158","comment":"I agree with RunSpokane and Watchout: being undefeated and racing in Spokane is virtually impossible due to the competition in the city (or team) let alone state! Also agree that Bordetclash or any allstar race shouldn't go into any ratings equation.
\n
\nIt's true that Wilmot's 4th place State finish doesn't jump out and advocate for a clear and decisive national champ ranking but (again) keep in mind who his competition was (compared to Fisher or anyone else).
\n
\nIt's too bad Fisher and Wilmot didn't race each other to make the ranking easier. But even then if the meeting would've been early season it would only be a small factor, when I believe the biggest factor should be the last race. It's understandable to use the undefeated season point as the distinguishing factor (or tie breaker if you will) but I feel the distinguishing factor should be quality of race in the focal point race of the year whether its FL or NXN. When you run at North Central EVERYTHING is geared at peaking at NXN! State performance pales in comparison (Borderclash isn't even on the radar more than a very solid workout). Wilmot won the big one when it counted. He was the underdog but the underdog who steps up and wins March Madness with a so-so record not only wins the national championship but is #1 in the final rankings too.","date_added":"Dec 24th 2013, 5:35pm","nest":0,"liked":false,"member":[],"can_delete":false,"item_id":199066,"item_type":"news","pb_image":"i\/no_avatar.png","pb_title":"DontStopPre","pb_url":"profile.php?member_id=45158","pb_url_dns":"https:\/\/www.runnerspace.com\/profile.php?member_id=45158","pb_wally_id":"1182171"},"938507":{"pb_id":"43715","pb_type":"members","likes":"0","parent_id":"0","pid":"938507","comment_id":"938507","member_id":"43715","comment":"
<\/div><\/div>
\n
\nI agree that more than one meet needs to be taken into consideration.
\n
\nI also agree that State\/NXR\/NXN\/FLR\/FLN are the meets that should matter the most.
\n
\nI disagree that BorderClash should really play much of a factor, as not all the kids gunned it - particularly kids with bigger post-season plans (e.g. North Central guys, Gig Harbor guys, Central Catholic guys, and Joe Hardy).
\n
\nI think Wilmot's season results are at least<\/em> on par with Grant Fisher's. The only difference in Fisher's favor is that he never got beat (and he also didn't really race anyone).
\n
\nWilmot's state race vs. Fishers? Wilmot's was the better performance, but Fisher won while Wilmot was fourth (to three guys that finished in the top 5 at NXN\/FLN)... Wilmot's time was only 4.5 seconds behind Fishers, and MIS flat\/fast\/gently curving\/wide open course is more than 10 seconds faster than the rolling hills of Sun Willows.
\n
\nWilmot's NXR race vs. Fishers' FLR race? I'd give the edge to Fisher.
\n
\nWilmot's NXN race vs. Fishers' FLN race? I'd give the SLIGHT edge to Wilmot.
\n
\nWilmot's best invite races vs. Fishers'? I'd give the edge to Wilmot (Firman + Richland) over Fisher (Portage).
\n
\nWilmot had much more than one race showing that he was at least on the same level as Fisher. And I'd argue he showed more dominance when all the cards were down (@ the national championship meets).
\n
\nBut, again, I can certainly see the rationale for having Fisher #1 - they were similar enough at the end of the year (the national series meets), and Fisher was undefeated which should count for something.","date_added":"Dec 23rd 2013, 11:47pm","nest":0,"liked":false,"member":[],"can_delete":false,"item_id":199066,"item_type":"news","pb_image":"\/\/www.runnerspace.com\/forum\/uploads\/av-43715.jpg","pb_title":"watchout","pb_url":"profile.php?member_id=43715","pb_url_dns":"https:\/\/www.runnerspace.com\/profile.php?member_id=43715","pb_wally_id":"1073498"},"938446":{"pb_id":"43805","pb_type":"members","likes":"0","parent_id":"0","pid":"938446","comment_id":"938446","member_id":"43805","comment":"The reason to.not use BC as a data point is that kai and tanner were talking most of the race. They took off the last little bit.","date_added":"Dec 23rd 2013, 6:13pm","nest":0,"liked":false,"member":[],"can_delete":false,"item_id":199066,"item_type":"news","pb_image":"i\/no_avatar.png","pb_title":"RunSpokane","pb_url":"profile.php?member_id=43805","pb_url_dns":"https:\/\/RunSpokane.runnerspace.com\/","pb_wally_id":"1073997"},"938416":{"pb_id":"44418","pb_type":"members","likes":"0","parent_id":"0","pid":"938416","comment_id":"938416","member_id":"44418","comment":"
\n
\nI agree that Kai's the more impressive XC runner this year, particularly when comparing the national meets. However, I can certainly understand the rationale for having Fisher at #1 - it's not his fault that he didn't face much competition before the Foot Locker meets.
\n
\nBoth seem deserving of #1 to me, but only one can get the honor... Fisher is the more PC choice, as he was never beat.
<\/div><\/div>
\n
\n
\nThere has to be a little more than one race to justify a season ranking. In the case of the Washington guys, I believe the state meet matters, NXN\/FL regionals matters and BorderClash matters. Anyone who might have an expectation of finishing No. 1 has to demonstrate some level of dominance. And don't get me wrong, because I like Wilmot a lot and he had a really good day at NXN. But he was 33 seconds behind his teammate at the state meet and didn't win either of NXN NW or BC. (And if you want to argue that state\/regional\/all-star meets don't matter at all, then it undermines the entire list). You may have an argument that his NXN is better than Fisher's FL -- although I'm not convinced of that. Keep in mind John Dressel was 6-1 against Wilmot this season.","date_added":"Dec 23rd 2013, 5:30pm","nest":0,"liked":false,"member":{"wally_id":"1082747","email_settings":"4294967295","email":"dbind4@aol.com","address":"DougB","gender":"u","member_id":"44418","member_name":"DougB","avatar_location":"av-44418.jpg","avatar_type":"upload","avatar":"\/\/www.runnerspace.com\/forum\/uploads\/av-44418.jpg"},"can_delete":false,"item_id":199066,"item_type":"news","pb_image":"\/\/www.runnerspace.com\/forum\/uploads\/av-44418.jpg","pb_title":"DougB","pb_url":"profile.php?member_id=44418","pb_url_dns":"https:\/\/DougB.runnerspace.com\/","pb_wally_id":"1082747"},"938399":{"pb_id":"43715","pb_type":"members","likes":"0","parent_id":"0","pid":"938399","comment_id":"938399","member_id":"43715","comment":"Meylan posted a good article today on how he would see a hypothetical race of the top athletes in the nation:
\n
\nhttp:\/\/tullyrunners....tSeason2013.htm<\/a>
\n
\n(he used only athletes at the national meets, but their races at that meet wasn't his only criteria in evaluating their odds)","date_added":"Dec 23rd 2013, 1:26pm","nest":0,"liked":false,"member":[],"can_delete":false,"item_id":199066,"item_type":"news","pb_image":"\/\/www.runnerspace.com\/forum\/uploads\/av-43715.jpg","pb_title":"watchout","pb_url":"profile.php?member_id=43715","pb_url_dns":"https:\/\/www.runnerspace.com\/profile.php?member_id=43715","pb_wally_id":"1073498"},"938345":{"pb_id":"43715","pb_type":"members","likes":"0","parent_id":"0","pid":"938345","comment_id":"938345","member_id":"43715","comment":"
<\/div><\/div>
\n
\nThis.
\n
\nI agree that Kai's the more impressive XC runner this year, particularly when comparing the national meets. However, I can certainly understand the rationale for having Fisher at #1 - it's not his fault that he didn't face much competition before the Foot Locker meets.
\n
\nBoth seem deserving of #1 to me, but only one can get the honor... Fisher is the more PC choice, as he was never beat.","date_added":"Dec 22nd 2013, 11:07pm","nest":0,"liked":false,"member":[],"can_delete":false,"item_id":199066,"item_type":"news","pb_image":"\/\/www.runnerspace.com\/forum\/uploads\/av-43715.jpg","pb_title":"watchout","pb_url":"profile.php?member_id=43715","pb_url_dns":"https:\/\/www.runnerspace.com\/profile.php?member_id=43715","pb_wally_id":"1073498"},"938263":{"pb_id":"10661","pb_type":"members","likes":"0","parent_id":"0","pid":"938263","comment_id":"938263","member_id":"10661","comment":"Jacob Pickle was 11th at Foot Locker South yet is ahead of 9 guys who beat him? This really gives no love to those that qualified for Foot Locker. Poor.","date_added":"Dec 22nd 2013, 8:41pm","nest":0,"liked":false,"member":[],"can_delete":false,"item_id":199066,"item_type":"news","pb_image":"i\/no_avatar.png","pb_title":"coachhovis","pb_url":"profile.php?member_id=10661","pb_url_dns":"https:\/\/coachhovis.runnerspace.com\/","pb_wally_id":"32557"},"938340":{"pb_id":"44418","pb_type":"members","likes":"0","parent_id":"938263","pid":"938340","comment_id":"938340","member_id":"44418","comment":"Foot Locker isn't the only national meet. So if Pickle has a really good NXN, which he kind of did, and some of the guys from South don't fare so well at FL Finals, how would you figure that?","date_added":"Dec 22nd 2013, 10:52pm","nest":1,"liked":false,"member":{"wally_id":"1082747","email_settings":"4294967295","email":"dbind4@aol.com","address":"DougB","gender":"u","member_id":"44418","member_name":"DougB","avatar_location":"av-44418.jpg","avatar_type":"upload","avatar":"\/\/www.runnerspace.com\/forum\/uploads\/av-44418.jpg"},"can_delete":false,"item_id":199066,"item_type":"news","pb_image":"\/\/www.runnerspace.com\/forum\/uploads\/av-44418.jpg","pb_title":"DougB","pb_url":"profile.php?member_id=44418","pb_url_dns":"https:\/\/DougB.runnerspace.com\/","pb_wally_id":"1082747"},"938025":{"pb_id":"43805","pb_type":"members","likes":"0","parent_id":"0","pid":"938025","comment_id":"938025","member_id":"43805","comment":"It's harder to stay undefeated when there are 3 top 6 runners in your league ","date_added":"Dec 21st 2013, 8:27pm","nest":0,"liked":false,"member":[],"can_delete":false,"item_id":199066,"item_type":"news","pb_image":"i\/no_avatar.png","pb_title":"RunSpokane","pb_url":"profile.php?member_id=43805","pb_url_dns":"https:\/\/RunSpokane.runnerspace.com\/","pb_wally_id":"1073997"},"937839":{"pb_id":"44418","pb_type":"members","likes":"0","parent_id":"0","pid":"937839","comment_id":"937839","member_id":"44418","comment":"