[quote]t94bell wrote:
One of the utmost basic principles of distance running is that running faster makes you more tired. People were wondering in shock how the field dropped Rupp so much during the WC 5K, but overlooked the fact that he was simply tired. He led 80% of the race, dropped back in the pack then used energy to accelerate back to the lead.
He didn't pull a 52.5 last lap because he's "faster", he just has more energy to rip a 52 at a slower pace.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
You are correct that better endurance will enable him to kick better, but you also have to be able to sprint. Distance runners in North America tend to forget that no matter how good your cardio is, you will get destroyed on the last lap if you can't sprint. There were some very aerobically fit guys from 5 - 9th in that 5000m that could stay with the pace until they picked it up.
If Dathan Ritzenbaum and Lagat raced a 5000m, it wouldn't be the strongest guy that would win, but the fastest. So the story for distance runners is....don't sacrifice your strength for speed, but also, don't forget about speed development - all year round.