Goucher’s U.S. title in the 5,000 is part of grand marathon plan

EUGENE, ORE. – Kara Goucher conquered her kick. The middle-distance runner-turned marathoner entered the 5,000 meters at the U.S. nationals for the sole purpose of feeling more comfortable with her kick — that burst of speed that often decides a race. Goucher had felt uncomfortable with her ability to turn it on late at the Boston Marathon, where she finished third. "I don’t usually fear the kick, but in Boston I did, big time," she said after winning the 5,000 on Friday night. "And I think it cost me." Goucher, a Duluth native who lives in Portland, ran the 5,000 and 10,000 at the Beijing Olympics, then last September Goucher announced she was turning her focus to the…

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