Zach Panning in 2:05 shape? He recently did his marathon simulator workout at 4:47 mile pace

Well considering his half marathon best from September 2022 is a slower pace than he says he did 16 miles in training, either the dude has made a major breakthrough or he is training too fast, or he is due for a big pr in the half marathon, or something.

His performance in Budapest indicates he was mid 2:07 shape at that time. He finished 12th in hot humid conditions beating many sub 2:07 guys. He may have improved since then.

Not really. Probably 2:09.

He ran 2:09:28 in his 2nd Marathon. improved to run 12th at Worlds in Budapest. I would guess he is a couple minutes plus faster now. We will find out soon.

An ironclad rule of Letsrun: If your workout makes it to the message board, you ran it too hard, and are cooked by the time your goal competition arrives. So no, he's not in 205 shape, and will not make the Olympic team. He'll hang in there for 13 miles or so and then fall off the pace. And in typical runner fashion, wonder why he wasn't at his best on race day.

Panning will make the oly team and break 2:08

Why are you quoting yourself?

Because that way he won’t be misquoted.

What?

I'm not sure how this workout simulates anything? I've never run a marathon that didn't fell easy (yes I said easy) all the way through 17 miles -- then suddenly felt impossibly difficult between 17-19 miles.

You’ve also never run 16 miles that fast

Malmo was a better runner than Zach, in my opinion. Show some respect.

The facts say otherwise

How many times have we seen someone absolutely kill a pre-marathon workout and the hype train gets rolling and then come race day it's crash and burn?

As a matter of fact, has there ever been a case of an American male in the last 15 to 20 years killing a pre-marathon workout (ie last long run before the marathon) and actually performing on race day? ShoeTubers not withstanding ;)

I fully root for the guy to run fast, but don't put very much stock in 16 miles at 2:05 pace. All it means to me is he did 16 miles at 4:47 per mile pace.

Riveting insight

Well let us not go down this rabbit hole. You are entitled to your own opinion. Let me know when Zach sets a US record. Anyway he is a great story. Let us wish him well. Zach is like the Little Engine that Could. He is inspiring.

American records mean nothing. It’s all about the times you run

People should listen when George talks he was a great runner back in the day 61–2:12. He has been around the sport longer than many of you have been alive.

The Hansons call it a simulator because they run it in their highest mileage week without any taper. 130 miles for Zach. It was 66 degrees with 95% humidity. Flat 4 mile loop according to Strava.

OK. And I suppose you think that Jim Ryun was not as good as Cole Hocker. I forgive you for you know not what you know not.