[quote]Montesquieu wrote:
First off, that it might be warm in Rio is irrelevant. As I said in another thread, it's one thing to be running a warm weather marathon when the circumstances are such that one has been able to get used to it, and another thing entirely when circumstances conspire against it--for example, a marathon run in the middle of winter. So guys who if given the opportunity would race fine in warm weather, might not be able to in LA because their circumstances won't allow them to get acclimated. And there's no sense to talk about fair or unfair here: these are just the facts.
Of course, it doesn't make much sense to me why they didn't schedule the starting time at 8:00 am, whereby the race would have been cool enough. Historically, when LA has had high temps in February, the temps in the morning have still been fine enough. But putting all that aside, the weather adds a large variable to the race. Not only does it put a premium on being able to be acclimated and running well in warm weather, but it puts a premium on experience. This race will be even more unpredictable than it previously was.
Finally, about the first 20 miles at 5 per mile being like a training run for Rupp--not only doesn't he train at that distance that fast, but even if it would be relatively easy for him, that is not germane: what is germane is how he feels at 22-24. And that no one can know.[quote]agip wrote:
[quote]Precious Roy wrote:
When did low 70s become extreme, that's about 5 degrees cooler than the average Olympic marathon; if you can't compete in the low 70s, how are you going to do in the upper 70s in Rio. Yes, the weather will affect some athletes, but in long distance running, your ability to handle weather conditions is part of the game.
