by Larry EderRunBlogRun opines: The NB 2 mile at the Reggie Lewis opened my eyes to the ferocity of Elle Purrier’s finish. As she took off on the final furlong of the 2 mile, she passed Dominique Scott and Emma Coburn, and ran a good 9:29.17. Elle used a 63.17 on the final 400m, and a swift 29.82 last 200m. She did not sprint away, she sped away.
Elle Purrier takes the 2 mile, Jan. 25, 2020, photo by Kevin Morris
The Millrose mile was fascinating. Elle Purrier, coached by Mark Coogan, kept her cool. In that final 200m, where the emotions get confused, and heart wants to sprint, and the legs said, take a sauna, Elle kept under control. Her attack, on that final straight, was surgical: precise, exquisite, and little bloodshed. The situation was this: there was no way in hell anyone, anyone was catchng Purrier.
Elle Purrier takes the AR, in 4:16.85, photo by Cortney Ware
Significance?
Remember, dear runners, when we began American Athletics in the Spring of 1989, we put Mary Decker Slaney on the cover. Elle Purrier took the most esoteric of Slaney’s records off the books.
What does that mean?
I can not wait to see Shelby Houlihan and Elle Purrier over 5000m this summer.
Enjoy the podcast celebrating Elle Purrier and her AR!
Thanks Mike Deering, Cortney White, Kevin Morris.
