Didn't Gouch have a bunch of injuries and down time? He's made one hell of a comeback. It will hopefully happen for Ritz some day soon. Maybe this is the start.
Didn't Gouch have a bunch of injuries and down time? He's made one hell of a comeback. It will hopefully happen for Ritz some day soon. Maybe this is the start.
KnowItAll wrote:
Didn't Gouch have a bunch of injuries and down time? He's made one hell of a comeback.
That's why it was one he!! of a comeback. If yearly injuries continue, then Ritz will be in a position to HAVE to make one he!! of a comeback.
ttc wrote:
5) We're seeing a guy (in Ritz) who is running very very good times while never being fully ready. When he gets hold of all that (and I know some of you say that's too big an IF, but I'm confident he will), then everyone better watch out.
I'm not sold on Ritz being a great 5K'er, but do think he's our guy to REALLY compete at the WC level in the 10K. Problem is, all of these down times are going to catch up to him at some point, the way it has with Gabe Jennings. Gabe did it to himself, but the lack of training in years' past is a b!tch to make up. Ritz' injuries could make him regress if they continue. But I totally agree with your 5th point.[/quote]
ttc,
You and I are in agreement. Sadly, even if Ritz does eventually run a 12:50 like I think he can, that won't make him a great 5,000 meter runner -- just a great American 5,000 meter runner. There are lots of hurdles ahead for Ritz, and he doesn't have an eternity as a distance runner, but I can't quite put him in Gabe's category. Gabe is a little bit of a free spirit (using 'free spirit' as a euphamism), and Ritz seems much more grounded an focused. 10,000 is his event for sure, unless it's the marathon (assming he can handle the training for a marathon).
Now I must jump in, Flagpole.
Since when is 12:50 not "great"?
Skuj wrote:
Now I must jump in, Flagpole.
Since when is 12:50 not "great"?
After all, according the the IAAF, only nine people have ever run sub-12:50. El-Guerrouj's best is 12:50.24.
If one were only to kick the door in, the entire rotten structure that is Flagpole Willy would come crashing down.
Flagpole = FlagTroll
I'll reiterate my point. Sub 28 at this time of year = huge for Webb, any type of PB for Ritz = huge for him.
Quax 13.12 (WR) 27.40, it's hard moving up to bust a quick 10, and I'm sure thats not what Alans after.
Ritz must be very nervous. The 10,000 is suppose to be his event. If he loses against a miler, that would be very sad.
Lets just hope they all get pr's and leave the meet without injuires...
PS dont forget Alistar Craig is in the field...but were is Torres and Gouch? Is Hall in the field? I noticed that Ritz spanked King at the Oregon invite, which shows he was really sick at the xc trials for King to beat him...
It would be nice for all of them to do well...10k is diff. monster than the 5k...so it'll be interesting to see if Webb can hang in there...
If the all get under 27:40/Hall/Webb/Ritz/Craig it will be great for distance running...
if web ran 13:10 for his 5k, i dont think he will have any problem "hanging in there" for 10k. Alan Webb will own them all hands down, Alan Webb is the #1 American Miler/5k/10k runner.
eat my shorts wrote:
if web ran 13:10 for his 5k, i dont think he will have any problem "hanging in there" for 10k.
Actually the 13:10 could be an argument against Webb. That's a ways away from 3:48, and even 8:11 (quality-wise). Lagat ran 12:59, and is only a tad faster miler. Mottram (3:48 miler) runs mid-12:50's. Could be an indication that Webb's not quite ready for a top track 10K
A track 10K in 4:28-29 pace is a lot different than a 1500, 5K, or even XC at 4:50 pace. Some serious long-interval threshold type work is normally needed. I think Webb's talent and determination will give him a good race, nonetheless. But at 4.75 miles, he just might have some serious lung-burning and turnover issues, if he's going at 27:40 pace.
Why 4.75 Miles? 7600m?
Anyone else notice that Jacob Korir is registered for both the 5 and 10K? which one do you think he will scratch from, or is he going to be tough guy and do both? the Mens 5k field is going to have a slew of guys under 14 it looks like.
I really hope that Dathan is off to a great year in 2006 and several years without injury so that he can truly reach his potential. Alan Webb is definitely more of the future of U.S. distance running than Dathan because of his durability. The young runners both display great potential but potential without the ability to train like an elite without sustaining injuries every other year means little. I wouldn't be shocked if they both run sub 28 minutes but I'm more excited about Alan Webb and his future in the 1500m/5000m.
KnowItAll wrote:
I kind of hope Webb drops a 12sec 100m around 8k. You can't buy comedy like that.
best post on the whole thread
I'm reminded of Ovett and the 21km that he entered. "Sheer madness" he said. Still, 65min was a walk for him, I think.
I'm still confused by this move by Webb. Am I the only one?
I was skeptical too, thinking that a 10K was a bit too far to help his 1500m. But if Steve Scott could enter half-marathons, then I guess not.
Skuj wrote:
I'm still confused by this move by Webb. Am I the only one?
the funny thing flagpole, you act like HAll is not up to par with Ritz's talent. You think HE has not gone through injuries, challenges, ect ect. He is at a higher level than Ritz right now. If Ritz gets his act together(and yes i think a lot of this problems have been mental) he will be tough.
Goucher - His comeback has been totally outstanding and I have total respect.
Skuj wrote:
Now I must jump in, Flagpole.
Since when is 12:50 not "great"?
Well, good point. 12:50 is indeed great. I guess I was trying to diffuse the rash of "12:50 is not great, when you've got Bekele running 12:37" talk.
12:50 would be great (although, more and more people will begin running that time and faster) -- still a great time though.