53.74 would indeed be a shocking 5k finish for 2 LADIES!
I can understand you being shocked by that mistaken
time for their last 400 meters ... but what I cannot
understand, and you're not the only one to express this,
is why you are "RELIEVED to find out it was only 56"?
Why should you, a guy I assume, be threatened by the amazing kick of the 2 best women 5k runners in the world?
If you are a chick it is understandable because this kind of finish is other world-like ... but if you're a middle of
the pack 14 minute male 5k specialist ... its kind of shameful for you to be "relieved" that these ladies "only"
ran 56 for the last 400 ... I think you should be overjoyed
to live during a time of such never before witnessed female
excellance.
We may actually be able to imagine a woman breaking 4 minutes for the mile now. Listen to this ... with a finish of 56 seconds for a 5k ... you would think that one or both of them could run a 1:51 800 meters. That is the time most experts say you need to be able to run for the 800 to
have a realistic chance at breaking 4 for the mile. That
kind of speed/endurance suggests that they both should be able to handle 3:03 at the 3/4 mile point ... finish with a 57 and they've got it.