If he ran it "seriously" which I doubt happens, what does everyone think he could run? I think 68-70 minutes pending the course difficulty. I would actually want to do this race just to see if I could beat him if it was his legitimate effort.
If he ran it "seriously" which I doubt happens, what does everyone think he could run? I think 68-70 minutes pending the course difficulty. I would actually want to do this race just to see if I could beat him if it was his legitimate effort.
Symmonds knows he can't run any faster over 800m unless he improves his 400m speed. He said so himself last year. Either he tried and failed, or didn't try at all, and now it's too late, so he might as well run a road race.
Symmonds runs 25 minute 5M tempos in the offseason. He could run a half in 1:05-6.
There are two things at work here.
1 - Nick is 'racing' a half marathon sponsored by one of his sponsors. It's an appearance on long run day.
2 - Nick is not welcome at Hayward and will be at this half marathon instead of at Pre Classic that weekend.
halfsies wrote:
2 - Nick is not welcome at Hayward
say what? explain.
Unwelcome may be too blunt a description but not a lot of businesses invite ex-employees to hang out at the company picnic.
He did not re-sign with Nike and now is under shoe and apparel contract with Brooks.
illinoisphotographer wrote:
I mean, I see no reason why a 3:34 guy couldn't run a 1:08 or so. An elite time, no way. But it would be a real solid workout for him. Doesn't he run upwards of 70 mile weeks anyways with 14 mile long runs?
Right? I know of a 3:27 guy who just ran a 60 min. Half. Easy peasy for Nick.
Nick is a pretty smart dude with a degree in the biological sciences from a very good school. He is likely doing this to brand himself ( E.g. sign some autographs, network, shake some hands, smile for pictures, talk to hobbyjoggers, get his name out there, etc.) Basically, he is trying to do what Bill Rodgers did by developing a cult of persnality, which the guy is definitely capable of doing, without a doubt. After all, you can't run forever. I can't say I blame him to be honest. Good move on his part.
Hingle McCringleberry wrote:
Nick is a pretty smart dude with a degree in the biological sciences from a very good school. He is likely doing this to brand himself ( E.g. sign some autographs, network, shake some hands, smile for pictures, talk to hobbyjoggers, get his name out there, etc.) Basically, he is trying to do what Bill Rodgers did by developing a cult of persnality, which the guy is definitely capable of doing, without a doubt. After all, you can't run forever. I can't say I blame him to be honest. Good move on his part.
Don't get me wrong though; he can probably bust out like a 1:04 easily.
diamond league status requirements say:
4.1 The participation of athletes in an IAAF Diamond League Meeting is at the discretion of the Meeting Director concerned. However, the invitations are subject to the compliance with rules and procedures agreed by the General Assembly of the Diamond League AG.
I can't find these rules and procedures, but I bet they favor a WC medalist who scored lots of DL points last year. It would be kind of scandalous to keep him out.
However they don't have a points 800 this year anyhow.
double talk wrote:
have you read is training log leading up to london 2012?
he hardly ever runs over 70 miles a week, breaks down too much
Of course, with a lot of hard, hard miles. Right now he's dropping back down to low intensity training after the championships to build back up for outdoors. 13 miles isn't that long.
You guys obviously haven't seen the video of Nick doing that 10 miles at 9000+ feet with Leo in mexico. He then goes on to "climb" a few mountains after. 13.1 would not be a problem. Excellent video.
No chance of running 1:15 (the womens marathon trials qualifying standard) NO CHANCE
oh do you? is it morcelli or kiprop? these are the only 3.27 men in history. Unless you mean lagat/guerrouj
Symmonds will be fine. If he was a typical 800m runner running on pure hate, he would crash and burn. Instead he will adopt his typical approach* and go to the back of the pack. With 400m left he will start to move up and he will bust out his kick the last 200m to fly by the really old guy with the limp, the two hungover college age guys who did this on a bet, and the bride to be and her bridemaids who are all running holding onto the bride's veil's train. It will just be an easy run for him.
*World Championship excepted.
It's for money.
Saw somewhere his much discussed book may be released that weekend. Good time to get in front of some people and cameras to push sales.
After reading responses to me I realized Nick running a half won't ruin his season. Hell he has no need to be in top mid-distance for till late summer anyways.
With a half marathon on his schedule for the week after the IAAF World Relay Championship can we expect Symmonds to sign up for the USA World Relay Team selection pool or skip the meet?
I assume he is one of the 800m runners USATF sent a letter to asking them to opt into the team selection process.
Hingle McCringleberry wrote:
Nick is a pretty smart dude with a degree in the biological sciences from a very good school. He is likely doing this to brand himself ( E.g. sign some autographs, network, shake some hands, smile for pictures, talk to hobbyjoggers, get his name out there, etc.) Basically, he is trying to do what Bill Rodgers did by developing a cult of persnality, which the guy is definitely capable of doing, without a doubt. After all, you can't run forever. I can't say I blame him to be honest. Good move on his part.
ja, this is it - he is trying to make himself bigger than just his performances on the track. I'm sure we'll see a lot of non 800/1500 news from old nick this year as he tries to break out of the small sport trap into the world of celebrity.
Legend of the TT playground wrote:
Unwelcome may be too blunt a description but not a lot of businesses invite ex-employees to hang out at the company picnic.
He did not re-sign with Nike and now is under shoe and apparel contract with Brooks.
Ridiculous.
Pre Classic happens to be a competition, and Symmonds is one of the best and most marketable track athletes in the country. He could obviously run...if he gave a sh!t about Pre Classic.
Nice F-you to Nike.