Who wins over a half marathon? How about a full marathon? I say Ritz can beat Hall at any distance right now including the marathon assuming he improves his eccentric hamstring strength (the probable cause of his cramping issues over the latter stages).
If it's a race (at any distance) of world championship importance, then Ritz every time. Not a slight on Hall. But Ritz has proven his championship mettle. (sp??)
If it's a blazing marathon in London or Chicago, I'd still pick Hall.
Unbelievable now, that Hall's 2:06 ability and Rupp's development have taken a back seat to Ritz' accomplishments. It shows how U.S. distance running has improved to world elite proportions.
Ritz of right now in the half. Next Spring, if the two are together in London-Hall
If they ran this afternoon, Ritz. If they both trained specifically for it, I say Hall, he is better suited to longer distances while Ritz is better at the shorter stuff.
lohalloran wrote:
If they ran this afternoon, Ritz. If they both trained specifically for it, I say Hall, he is better suited to longer distances while Ritz is better at the shorter stuff.
I disagree. I think Ritzenhein is more suited to the longer stuff. Hall ran a 4:01 1600m in high school. He has wheels. Ritzenhein doesn't have that kind of speed, but he is incredibly strong.
Possibly in the future, but so far in his career Ritz's 2mile and 5k perfomances are much more impressive and competetive than his marathon, half marathon and even 10k. Hall on the other hand is much more impressive and competetive in the half and full marathon.
Some of this may be due to training. If I remember correctly Dathan was running like 100-120mpw and some alter g time while training for a marathon, while hall, who has been alot more durable has run up to 150-160mpw. If Ritz can train better under salazar he may catch up to Hall.
RIP: D3 All-American Frank Csorba - who ran 13:56 in March - dead
RENATO can you talk about the preparation of Emile Cairess 2:06
Running for Bowerman Track Club used to be cool now its embarrassing
Rest in Peace Adrian Lehmann - 2:11 Swiss marathoner. Dies of heart attack.
Hats off to my dad. He just ran a 1:42 Half Marathon and turns 75 in 2 months!
Great interview with Steve Cram - says Jakob has no chance of WRs this year