New York standouts struggle against elite field in invitational 3,000, but Cain offers perspective for Tuohy and other future prep stars about handling the spotlight; Mu places second to Jonathas in 400

By Brian Towey for DyeStat

NEW YORK – In the waning stages of the women’s invitational 3,000 meters Saturday at the Dr. Sander Invitational Columbia Challenge at The Armory, when former Bronxville NY star Mary Cain passed North Rockland NY senior Katelyn Tuohy, it was a reminder of the fragility it takes for a human to race.

RESULTS | INTERVIEWS | PHOTOS

Cain, whose struggles with an eating disorder and her body image as a Nike Oregon Project runner are well-documented, lent a human face to a seemingly ironclad field of stars.

Cain, 23, is struggling to regain her fitness after an Achilles’ injury, and was gapped by an elite field, placing 13th in 9 minutes, 24.38 seconds, as she works toward achieving an outdoor best.

And for the 17-year-old Tuohy, who struggled mightily against a professional field (14th, 9:32.88), she’s the ideal role model.

“I wanted to give her my number because I know how hard it is to be so young and in the spotlight,” Cain said. “I want her to carry herself with confidence and poise.”

Tuohy labored in the pro field, falling from fifth to ninth to completely out of contention. Tactically, she tried to summon the resolve to compete against a packed-in field of professionals. But she looked wounded and out of place.

Nicole Hutchinson, a first-year Canadian professional representing The Mission Athletics Club, broke the meet record and led five athletes under 9 minutes by running 8:48.92.

Like Tuohy, Cain has shouldered this incredible responsibility. The two ran elbow-to-elbow beneath the Armory Track during warm-ups.

And, years removed from her time as a childhood running prodigy, Cain feels it’s her duty to pass on the knowledge she’s learned.

“I’ve been doing this for a very long time,” Cain said. “And I want to pass on the wisdom to other athletes. The thing I’ve learned about this sport is it’s very easy to feel alone. You can be part of a program (and still feel alone).”

Cain tearfully related how she neglected to help a young, Japanese teammate with the Nike Oregon Project struggling with pressures of body image with the club.

She’s tried to reach out to her since, but since she’s closed her Instagram page, they lost contact.

Clearly it’s a regret that wears on Cain, and she chose to open up in front of reporters.

“I hope I don’t get emotional,” she said, crying for minutes about her regret.

It seemed a cathartic, brave move by Cain, who, before sharing her story, spoke of her pride for Tuohy and how she is handling her business.

“She’s doing great,” Cain said. “She grabbed her spikes after the race and went.”

Cain’s post-race interview and show of support reveal how hard the competitive scene can be.
And it lent a reminder that after a bad race, or a bad season, you’re never truly alone.

Another prep standout, Athing Mu of Trenton Track Club from New Jersey, appeared very much at ease against a professional field in the 400 meters, finishing second in 53.14 to reigning NCAA Division 1 outdoor champion and first-year American professional Wadeline Jonathas (51.71), a member of the U.S. gold medal 4x400 relay at the World Championships in Doha.

“Whatever happens, happens,” Mu said. “I knew I would run under 54.

“Today was the first day I felt well, calm, ready to race.”

Mu, who set the national prep record in the 500 meters Jan. 17 at the Virginia Showcase, will run Feb. 8 in the 800 meters at the Camel City Classic in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Hofstra runner Alex Masai was the second collegian across in the invitational 3,000 meters, placing ninth in 7:54.34. Furman’s Ryan Adams was second in 7:49.45, with Jordan Gusman of Tinman Elite prevailing in 7:49.11.

Linet Masai, Alex’s sister, finished third for Kenya in the 10,000 meters at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and won the World title in 2009, before capturing bronze again in 2011. His brother, Moses Masai, finished fourth in the 10,000 meters in Beijing, before earning a bronze medal in the 2009 World final.

“Since I was 6 years old my brother’s been running,” Masai said. “By the time I was 10, he was my idol. I watched him on T.V. Then my sister joined him.

“I didn’t want to make my parents pay for college. I’m just enjoying it. I’m here because of (my brother and sister).”

Kingsway NJ won the high school boys 4x800 relay in a national-leading 7:52.76 over West Springfield VA (7:57.18) and Carmel NY (7:59.70).

Ward-Melville NY won the high school girls 4x800 in 9:22.75 over West Springfield VA (9:26.17) and Kingsway NJ (9:26.65).