Brussels 5k is being paced for 12:45. I predict Fisher will run 12:46.79. What does everyone else think?

Hoping for Grijalva to get under 13, too

Really, for Kejelcha? when was the last time he ran a fast race or was even in contention in a race.

Those are very fast splits - wow.

Its easy to toss around fast end times. Broken down splits like that is eye opening. Coming through 3k at 7:39 is very fast coupled with another 2k to go. These guys are amazing athletes to be able to roll along at that pace.

If the pace is set for 12:50 as per Kejelcha’s request, it’s likely that no one else requested faster (not that Kejelcha is being prioritized over the other athletes). Kejelcha ran 12:52 this June so asking for 12:50 pace seems entirely reasonable.

He ran 12:52 in Rome and did all the hard work after the pacers dropped. Was in the lead until 250m to go, and then was wrecked from leading.

you’re turning into rojo part 2

Fisher stagnated in college, probably due to his schoolwork. But he was an established major talent, as evidenced by his sub-4 mile on low mileage and soccer and that Pac-12 champs in which he closed in 51 or 52, in addition to other competitive performances. The one year 18 second drop was totally unsurprising. That was his first full year as a pro after graduating Stanford in 2019. He had swapped out slower college training partners for a group of low 13 and sub 13 guys doing high #'s of reps. Then when the strength work had been absorbed, he came back a lot stronger and he's at his peak now at 25. Enjoy it while it lasts. There's no telling whether he holds at this level or even a bit higher for a month, a year, or five to ten years. I hope he has a shot at the 12:40s. That might require him to lead, so I hope he does that if it's necessary and gains some confidence to stick his neck out to lead next year. Good to see BTC actually running a major competition other than US, World, or Olympics.

Agreed. At the pro level he is all in. In college he was getting a electrical engineering degree at Stanford which I imagine is very demanding. If pacing is right I say anywhere from 12:44 to 12:50

12:48.63 for a new American record

12:48.63

Agreed.

When Grant ran his 12:53 this winter and split 7:53 en route, his 3k pr at the time was 7:37 from the Prickly Pear meet a year earlier. So, 16 sec slower.

Now that his pr is down to 7:28, going thru the 3k tomorrow in 7:44 should seem comfortable to him.

Jerry likes to have his runners run slight negative splits in these time trial races. Thus, I can see a long train of runners in single file thru 3k with Grant somewhere near the back but definitely "connected."

After that, a gradual move towards the front with 60-61 laps culminating in a sub-60 anchor which should get him the AR and possibly under 12:50. He may not win but that likely is not the goal -- don't go out too fast, lock up and miss the AR.

Has anyone listened to Chris Chavez's recent Citius Mag podcast with Joshua Cheptegei? Joshua -- unprompted by Chris -- brings up Grant as a competitor he very much admires. Coming from the multiple World/Olympic champ and WR holder, that's the highest praise an athlete can receive.

That pace is too fast. IMO, it doesn't help anyone. They'd be better pacing it for for 12:50-12:52 and trying to kick it home. I think it will be like the 3k in Lausanne last week - the field will see the pace is too hot early and they'll let the pacers go. No way someone like McSweyn is going to push the pace while it's going out at 12:45, he's not an idiot. Someone in the field has got way ahead of themselves asking for this pace (I don't think it was Fisher, I don't think he would be able to influence the pace).

12:49.75. First place, kicking for the win.

He’ll run 12:58 for 5th. Winner will be 12:56. Pace will lag after 3k. They’ll run a few 64 highs before closing in like 62 then 55. Sad trombone.

I hope not but one never knows given it is racing.

What I can’t understand is the few that want to wish I’ll will on our American athletes.

sending my best to Grant Fisher and all the American athletes competing today in Brussels.

it would be great if Fisher sets an AR.

We merged two threads all talking about Fisher into 1.

I basically already said that. Pick another time, lol.

Back in 1982 me and some men where at work and I bought bread from a man in Brussels, he was six-foot-four and full of muscle. I said, do you speak my language? He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite Sandwich!

No, you said 12:48.8. I’m saying 12:48.63.