"Kenny B" will not run slow. I think he knows he cannot outkick Lagat. However, Lagat cannot hang on if the pace is fast. Lagat said himself he'd be very happy with a 12:50. Bekele can go under 12:50, and I think 12:50 would be a good race for Lagat.
I think Lagat could run 12:47-12:50 with the optimum pacing (very fast with little surging); however, that will not be the case against Kenenisa Bekele. The chance for that type of race is great and hope that Bernard can hang on to ultra fast time. With the right training Lagat certainly can go faster and I hope he gets the chance to truly show his potential in the 5000m in the race with the world record holder. Whoever wins certainly locks up #1 world ranking in the 5000m for 2006.
when lagat beat bekele and ran 1259, i read from another poster lagats last 400 was 51.2 can someone confirm or deny this? if it is true lagat will smash kennedy's american record in a fast paced race, if he is not completely broken, bekele will need to go sub 1245 pace to break lagat, lagat may be being modest when he says he can run 1250, i cant wait, one thing that might break lagat is an uneven pace example 59, 64, 57, 63, 58 etc. even though the uneven pacing mat come out to 1250 the constant speed changing can make it a lot harder than an even paced 1250 with a fast last lap.
doug
I do remember the last lap DEFINITELY at least a 53 but not sure exactly how fast. I feel your on to something. I don't think Kenenisa is ready for the pacing you mentioned but I do think he'll go to his limit to break Bernard (ie world record pace -OR- a crazy kilo thrown into already super fast 5000m). Kenenisa won't try such fartlek type tactics as I'm SURE HE FEELS he can break Lagat in a ultra fast pace. Any other tactic (slow) would prove determential to his goal of winning a share of the Golden League jackpot in the final meet.
Lagats last lap at Norwich Union esd 51.94, putting Bekele well over 53.
Kenny B. has no choice but to make it extremely fast or do alot of surging. Where's the startlist?
Kenny B. has no choice but to make it extremely fast or do alot of surging. Where's the startlist?
Lagat 12:47.9
Bekele 12:49.4
I agree that Bernard Lagat could run 12:47 in a perfect pace race but Kenenisa won't be a perfect rabbit in Berlin. If I had to pick a winner I would give a slight edge to Bekele because he is obviously in great shape and Bernard is untested at the tactics Bekele will employ. I think he will do much the same as his last win:
2:31 then sub 2:30 and possible another until he breaks Lagat.
I REALLY HOPE he can't break Bernard Lagat. Why it would give the American a #1 ranking at 5000m and force Bekele to concenetrate more on his 1500m speed like he supposed to have done in 2006.
Berlin startlist as of 28 Aug 2006
http://www.istaf.de/content.php?content=starterliste&lang=en
Bernard yet to be confirmed for 5000m but look at the women's 5000m w/ Meseret Defar also yet to be confirmed. Could the large Ethiopian contingent be prepping for World Record attempt by Tirunesh?
How and why would Bernard be ranked number one if he wins Berlin?
Track & Field News tends to place a high premium on head to head records. To them, the only thing that counts more is how a runner does in a major championship. Since there are no major championships in '06, a 2-0 head to head record by Lagat over Bekele could possibly outweigh the pair of 12:48s wins and pair of 12:51 wins that Bekele had over some strong fields earlier this year.
numberone wrote:
How and why would Bernard be ranked number one if he wins Berlin?
What are Lagat's chances of beating Kenny B. twice? Think about it do you think Kenny B. will let Lagat hang around and spoil his share of the jackpot?
I believe Kenenisa Bekele is close (12:42-12:44) to world record shape and if he pushes the pace to that range then he will beat Bernard Lagat. If the pace is steady around 12:48-12:50 range and Bekele doesn't start a 800-1000m drive for home then its all Bernard.
Will the American Record fall this Sunday in the 5000m?
Bernard Lagat has defeated Kenensia Bekele in a sub 13 min 5000m this year among other top 5000m men. Lagat came out on top of several elite 5000m men in the 3000m not long before that 5000m win.
Kenenisa Bekele has stated he is in world record shape but will he push the pace that fast in GP final that he must win for share of $500,000?
What time do you think Bernard Lagat will run?
OBVIOUSLY.....unless age catches up with him in a hurry the next couple of years.
Bernard Lagat is definitely ready to run 12:48 but race tactics aimed specifically at him by the Ethiopians may prevent him from that fast time tomorrow. Hope he gets at least 12:51 and Adam Goucher goes sub 13 or at least pr's.
I'm a huge Kenenisa Bekele fan but would rather have Bernard Lagat win so USA could have an athlete finally ranked #1 at 5000m again.
comment from RW interview with Bernard that he will focus on the 1500m for the 2007 Worlds and 2008 Olympics. Do you think that's his best chance for Gold being he already defeated Kenny B in their first 5000m clash?
[quote]jaybird wrote:
anyone who counts Lagat's efforts towards AMERICAN records is retarded. he is KENYAN, not AMERICAN...I don't give a good g*d damn what papers he may have signed.[quote]Vipam wrote:
I agree. If today Payton Manning decided to become a British citizen would that make him the best British Football Player? Would he be the pride of Britannia? NO- just like the Kenyans that change citizenship and run for Qutar or Sweaden.
Jizzmo wrote:
I agree. If today Payton Manning decided to become a British citizen would that make him the best British Football Player? Would he be the pride of Britannia? NO- just like the Kenyans that change citizenship and run for Qutar or Sweaden.
Payton Manning would probably have a very difficult time being the best British football player. Just a hunch.