Coach not surprised by Efraimson's 9 flat
By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor
Alexa Efraimson was targeting nine minutes all along so when she crossed the finish line in the elite section of the 3,000 meters Seattle on Saturday in 9:00.16, it was expected.
In fact, she was slightly peeved not to have dipped under nine minutes. As it was she ran an all-time high school best (indoors or out) for 3,000 meters.
Since winning the NXN championship in Portland in December, the junior from Camas (Wash.) took two weeks off and then began an aerobic and strength phase with coach Mike Hickey.
That work includes tempo runs, hills, stairs and a variety of other strength exercises.
More than that, Hickey has been careful to make sure that Efraimson enjoys the process and the lifestyle of an athlete striving to make use of her vast talents. Hickey has been working with her since she was in the eighth grade.
"Sometimes I have to tell myself that she's still very, very young," Hickey said.
That youth does little to conceal her prodigious athleticism.
"She's very special biomechanically with just a few little things to clean up and her power output and speed is awesome," Hickey said.
In Seattle, running in a field of older accomplished runners, Efraimson took up pace-setting duties after the rabbit stepped off the track. Then, three women passed Efraimson hard and left her behind.
"She gave an effort to go after them but she's not quite at their level," Hickey said. Race winner Amanda Winslow from Oiselle won the race in 8:56.37. "But as she gets a little older (Efraimson) will find those reserves and be able to go to that area."
So what is Efraimson capable of on Feb. 15 in the Women's Wanamaker Mile at the Millrose Games in New York?
"I think she can break 4:30," Hickey said. "I don't know if she will, but I think it's possible. I think anything under 34 she'd be happy with."
In spite of the January emphasis on strength and fitness, Hickey said 2014 will be a year of "speed development" for Efraimson.
It's already heady stuff, and further evidence that Mary Cain isn't the only high school phenomenon forging into unchartered territory.
