Jakob is unbelievable at ratcheting the pace down over the final 1,000m of a championship 5,000 race, running 2:23 or under. Here are his final 1K splits for both Eugene 13:09 (15.3, 15.1, 14.8, 14.9, 14.9, 14.1, 13.7, 13.5, 13.2, 13.5 while celebrating) and Munich 13:21 (15.1, 15.3, 15.0, 14.9, 14.8, 14.6, 14.2, 13.7, 13.0, 12.8). Each 100m faster than the last over the final 900m, EL G Athens style. A 2:23 1K is 3:50 mile pace, and with the exception of Katir (+ maybe 1-2 others) that is faster than their 1,500m pr pace. How are these guys expected to negative split
~70% of their 1,500m pr at the end of the 5K?
So outside of Cheptegei rediscovering his 12:35 form how can you beat him in a championship race? I think its important you try to prevent him from controlling the race from the front, but thats easier said than done. He also might be the best time trialer in the field after seeing him dispatch most of the Olympic podium in Florence last year with a 12:48. So lets say you are the coach of the Ugandan federation next year, what do you tell Cheptegei/Kiplimo/Chelimo to do in order to beat him?