Bekele in sub 2:02 shape?

I'd say he could probably go low 1:50's, maybe 1:52 or so. He had quite the leg speed velocity back in the day.

Oh wait, you mean the marathon, not the 800.

Sub 2:02… not happening.

Bekele has to watch out for returning course record holder Lawrence Cherono.

As regards Kam, I also have high hopes for him in the marathon. However, his fastest performance remains his 2:06:12 debut in Berlin (in 2013, behind Kipsang and Kipchoge). I think he's run 2:06 three times in Berlin now. Likewise his half PR 58:54 is from RAK in 2013 (although I don't think anyone doubts he could challenge Tadese's record).

I hope he scares 58minutes before moving up to the marathon full time but am increasingly worried this won't happen owing to his very full racing calendar (world XC, world half, track, NYC marathon, etc).

Bekele , in my view is the GOAT ! Loved watching him win all those medals !

fpqc wrote:

Bekele has to watch out for returning course record holder Lawrence Cherono.

Cherono was crushed by Mosinet Geremew and Bedan Karoki in Buenos Aires 2 months ago. He ran 1:01:58 so I don't think he could break his own course record (2:05:09) now, Almost 62 minutes for the first half is a time that Kennster needs in order to break 2;02.

I predict 2:02:39. The pain of breaking what would've been the world record if Kipchoge hadn't broken it first, and by more.

Or a DNF.

Bekele did get the marathon wr when he ran 2:03:03. That 2:02:57 is as dirty as the Citarum river.

Oh wow, I hadn't seen that. He didn't run well at all in London either (I think 2:10+ but I don't recall. Not notable, at any rate.)

I thought he looked very promising after his course record last year and thought he'd be one to watch. One can never be sure with the marathon though.

I think Bekele looks amazing in his latest videos. I like to rewatch all the Bekele videos and gaze at images of him. I could just stare at him all day. It's like literally my eyes were invented to look at him. He ran 2:08 in London after running a 13:49 5k and 61 half mary in the same race. He lost motivation and just jogged to the finish. He could have gone faster but wasn't bothered. His most recent race is a true reflection. He did a 10 miller in Bern and destroyed the field in a hilly course. He will do the same in Amsterdam. I like Amsterdam. There are cool coffee shops and the buildings are amazing. The food is great. I would love to sit with him for coffee in one of the side streets overlooking the canal

can someone finally tell us about his 40k tempo run? so annoying

It was 5k easy at 6 minute miles, 5k at 4:40, 5k at 6:00, 5k at 4:35, 5k at 6:00, 5k at 4:30, 5k at 6, 5k at 4:25 pace . The 6:00 was the easier parts between his progressive 5k segments. 2:11 altogether.

Banana Bread wrote:

It was 5k easy at 6 minute miles, 5k at 4:40, 5k at 6:00, 5k at 4:35, 5k at 6:00, 5k at 4:30, 5k at 6, 5k at 4:25 pace . The 6:00 was the easier parts between his progressive 5k segments. 2:11 altogether.

any source?

His best days have passed. Still a great runner and can beat almost everyone but he is not gonna get WR. Not even old WR.

Tron wrote:

Banana Bread wrote:

It was 5k easy at 6 minute miles, 5k at 4:40, 5k at 6:00, 5k at 4:35, 5k at 6:00, 5k at 4:30, 5k at 6, 5k at 4:25 pace . The 6:00 was the easier parts between his progressive 5k segments. 2:11 altogether.

any source?

No source. That is just the kind of workout I would do if I was doing a long run for a marathon at his level. I thought I'd share my brains. Maybe I would make a great couch someday.

Banana Bread wrote:

Maybe I would make a great couch someday.

I guess you would invite Bekele to sit in your lap then.

+1 for Banana Bread

Jogger Hobby wrote:

+1 for Banana Bread

Thanks. I have to chuckle looking back at this thread knowing that it was true all along. Imagine what Bekele can do next year. Bekele is going to leave a trail of carnage behind him in London and Tokyo if he does them races. I miss Sand Dunes. I hope he comes back so we can watch Bekele together