Mzungu in Iten wrote:
Bekele and Geb never prepared the 10,000m specifically.
I don't believe this. What makes you say that?
Also I don't see why Cheptegei would be considered a more strengh oriented runner than Bekele or Geb that broke the Marathon world record and were relatively slow at 1500 and even 3000 (7.25 both).
The pacing light and shoes are already in the equation since Chep had them for the 5k and that is what allowed him to break the record, on which we base for his 10k prediction.
So it would need to be an even greater advantage at 10k compared to 5k to make a difference, which is possible but not in huge proportion.
I think he can do 26:15-20 if he tries in a few week. And 10sec better if he dedicates a full year to it but that probably won't happen.
Sub 26 seems not possible for me unless his 12:35 wasn't a true 100% all-out effort which is possible because he looked very relaxed and fresh at the end.