BEIJING — Kara Goucher says she will take a day or two off before beginning preparations for the 2012 London Olympics, and while it was said in jest, there was a kernel of truth in the quip.
Energized by her first Olympic experience, the University of Colorado grad believes she has just begun to mine the depth of her talent, and that could make her a force in women’s distance running over the next four years.
“I think I have so much improvement left,” Goucher said after finishing ninth in the 5,000 meters today. “I’m going to be back, and I’m going to be a lot better.”
She’s been pretty good already. She won a bronze medal in the 10,000 meters at the world championships last year and beat marathon world record holder Paul Radcliffe in a half-marathon in Scotland last fall.
There is talk about her moving up to the marathon, but she doesn’t want to stop running the 5,000 and 10,000. She also wants to see if she can lower her personal best in the 1,500 (4 minutes, 5.14 seconds).
“I refuse to choose either way,” said Goucher, 30. “I want to run the 1,500, I think I still have a 4-minute in me. I also think I could run 2:18, 2:20 (in the marathon). I’m not willing to commit to anything. You’ll see me do everything these next four years.”
Tirunesh Dibaba of Ethiopia won the 5,000, and the 10,000 last Friday. A slow early pace in the 5,000 today seemed to play into her hands, in case the 10,000 took something out of her, and it seemed to be a godsend for Goucher as well. Goucher figured to have a chance in a kicker’s race.
But she didn’t have enough leg speed to stay with the leaders today, finishing 8 seconds behind. She was the top American, though, edging 10,000-meter bronze medalist Shalane Flanagan.
“My strength is my kick, but apparently I’m at least a year away from kicking with them,” Goucher said. “Little more work to do.”
The pre-race instructions Goucher got from her coach, former marathon great Alberto Salazar, underscored the confidence he has in her long-term.
“He said, ‘Have fun, you’re going to be back, at least one more time, probably twice,'” Goucher quoted him as saying.
The preparation starts soon.
John Meyer: 303-954-1616 or jmeyer@denverpost.com