I love the strides the Americans have been making in distance running. Ritz/Galen/Solinsky/Lagat (et al) have all taken great strides recently. But I've been noticing the trend that especially Solinsky/Lagat still put themselves in the position of the "underdog" in the races. Yes, I understand they technically are... but I'm simply referring to their position in the "line" of runners. This race is a prime example: Bekele tucks in right behind the rabbits as if the fast time is supposed to be set up for him, and everybody else just tag along. I understand that there may be some race etiquette (or mandates by race promoters), but it seems like we (USA) are getting ourselves in great positions and running fast to be "competitive" but are always ending up with the 2nds/3rds/etc... I'm not saying it's easy for Solinsky/Lagat to just beat these guys... but perhaps if Lagat didn't have to make up 2.5 seconds on Bekele that last lap he could've won. Granted the real "medal" races are run entirely differently from a tactical standpoint, but just a positioning point of emphasis. I know at the rawest of levels (HS) we have to teach kids to be "in position" so that if breaks happen you don't get caught... and that's just what it looked like with Lagat a little here.