I don't think it'd be miracle crazy for Rupp to medal. Teg just about medaled in 2007. Heck, Teg's kick was what almost got it.
But with the unbelievable progress in Rupp's tactics and the huge improvement in his kick (rarely happens), I won't put it past him in the future. More improvement is likely coming.
most of you are forgetting rupp is injured, this puts him out of any thought of a medal. if he was healthy and ready to roll i would say with shinine(sp?) out he could come top 5, but the injury pushes him down to 7 or so.
Fast mann wrote:
I disagree, I think he should be in the top 5. He really had no competition in the states, so he basically ran slow and easy. In the Worlds his true running will show.
Fail.
conspiracy theories wrote:
depends on uncle al's special sauce, i guess.
Give it a rest Assbag. This line of thinking is getting old!
Shucks did you have to use the word "heck".
ttc wrote:
I don't think it'd be miracle crazy for Rupp to medal. Teg just about medaled in 2007. Heck, Teg's kick was what almost got it.
But with the unbelievable progress in Rupp's tactics and the huge improvement in his kick (rarely happens), I won't put it past him in the future. More improvement is likely coming.
128 wrote:
edumacator wrote:If Rupp runs in the 13's it won't even be close.
True enough. He'll win by the biggest margin in history and set a world record that will never be broken (if he runs in the 13's).
:)
Yes, but it will have to be low 13... ; )
Rupp's had a sore paw (hip) and Ritz seems like he's feeling really good now. The two will likely work together to stay in the lead pack as long as possible and both go for top 10. I think both can get top 8 and that will be a nice stepping stone for next worlds when they both have a good lead up to it rather than a marathon recovery and coaching change for one and a massive collegiate season and recent minor injury for the other.
I personally still believe Rupp will be hanging on longer than most think he will and Ritz won't want to miss the party. It'll be about who's able to react/hold on better over the last 1200-1600.
If the good ol' US of A has two guys in the mix of the 10k with 1200-1600 to go I will be very happy. Actually it'd be a bit disappointing if that happened but then they got outkicked by every single athlete in 'the mix.' So if they can stay in it then each of them outkicks one other guy from the guys in 'the mix' I'll be happy.
And one other thing: I don't know if this is too much to ask or not, but would it be possible for anybody who for whatever reason hates Rupp or Ritz to not discuss this hatred between now and the race? Seriously can we all just be Americans cheering on our boys for a few days?
Let's be realistic. If Rupp/Ritz finish top 8, this would be an incredible race for both/either guy. Rupp is injured, hasn't raced in a long time (sharpness??), and may not even have arrived to Germany yet. Ritz has been trying to convince himself he was a marathoner for the past few years, hasn't raced the 10k on the track internationally in years, and also may not have the physical OR mental sharpness he needs to go out their and run sub-13:20 after running 13:50 or so with no rest. For some reason, I have the feeling it won't be as fast as in year's past (and I think Sileshi's absence will contribute to this), but I also don't expect a crawl and kick type of race.
Top 8 would be very good.
Rupp will "smartly" go for top 10. In the last 800m, he'll realize he could have done much better if he had gone with the top group. By then it'll be too late, but he should make top 8, and everyone will call it a success.
conspiracy theories wrote:
depends on uncle al's special sausage, i guess.
WTF?
IF the race doesn't dawdle into a strategic sit-and-kick affair and the weather is nice, Ritz will break 27:30 and beat Rupp. Otherwise, that comes later in Europe.
I hate to break it to all the Rupp lovers, but he won't medal and he will be beaten by guys you have never even heard of. That's the way it always happens. The 5k in 2007 didn't have all the big boys in it, making the final relatively weak compared to previous years.
Any of you guys having trouble with the live stream?? It wont load for some reason.
big kick might save a lappin
ttc wrote:
I don't think it'd be miracle crazy for Rupp to medal. Teg just about medaled in 2007. Heck, Teg's kick was what almost got it.
But with the unbelievable progress in Rupp's tactics and the huge improvement in his kick (rarely happens), I won't put it past him in the future. More improvement is likely coming.
A little perspective on Rupp's progress (and no, I am not a Rupp hater - I'd like to see him medal just as much as the next American).
1) "unbelievable progress in Rupp's tactics" - This is what you call sitting on the shoulder of clearly inferior runners and then kicking past them? I've done this a few times against the local high school kids. It's great fun. But "unbelievable progress"? Come on!
2) "amazing", "extraordinary"...kick - Rupp's kick is mediocre on the world stage. As has been said, kicking off a jog (14 pace) and kicking off a race (13 pace) are two very different things.
All said, I really do wish Rupp the best of luck. Just try to keep it all in a realistic perspective.
Cheers
IF the race doesn't dawdle into a strategic sit-and-kick affair and the weather is nice, Ritz will break 27:30 and beat Rupp. Otherwise, that comes later in Europe.[/quote]
I just cannot imagine Ritz beating Galen. I think Ritz is pretty much done as far as being world class. He's a great States runner but thats it. I feel Galen should run under 27:20
fgfg wrote:
big kick might save a lappin
POD!
Hahahahaha.
i know who you r wrote:
I just cannot imagine Ritz beating Galen. I think Ritz is pretty much done as far as being world class. He's a great States runner but thats it. I feel Galen should run under 27:20
Galen probably will be a sub-27:20 runner, if not now, then soon. I doubt few think otherwise. But, I'd be willing to bet that Ritz's career will be rejuvenated under new guidance and he will roll on the track this year or next. Sub-27:30 at some point this year, maybe sub-27:20 himself. Lots of marathon and threshold training behind him now (bigger base) and he's only 26. He's not done.
Fast mann wrote:
I'm feelin it!!!
So you're saying Rupp's best chance to get something is to come from behind?