I'm new to running, so please bear with me.
There was lots of talk about how Rupp "did all the work" for Solinsky. If two runners run the same distance in virtually the same amount of time, it seems they've both done the same amount of work. What defines "doing all the work"? Thank you.
Most people find it easier, psychologically, to follow than lead. You can just concentrate of the back of the other guys head and lock into their pace. When you're in front you have to maintain that pace. I guess there are also negligible differences in wind resistance. The guy in front is "breaking" the wind. I expect that only really comes into play on very windy days though.
Danny Komen wrote:
I guess there are also negligible differences in wind resistance. The guy in front is "breaking" the wind. I expect that only really comes into play on very windy days though.
The effects of wind resistance are real, even on calm days. It would be increased on windy days but it is a real issue even on calm days. Also, wind resistence increases at a square of your speed (so double your speed the wind resistance is four times as much) so it is greater when people are going faster (and more important in a world class event than in my local 5k w/ hobby joggers).
The lead runner does not block all the wind
Nobody makes the lead runner take the lead
Most elite races are run in relatively calm conditions on the track and have pacemakers
In competitive races at the collegiate level or above, the race leader is at a distinct disadvantage to those following in second or third (or in the lead pack). One, you're setting the pace and catching wind resistance for the others, but you're also blind to attacks. Aside from record attempts you'll rarely see the favorite leading a race before the last or second to last lap because their goal is to win (see Geb). Winning wire to wire in a big race requires a bold runner with big balls.
carter wrote:
In competitive races at the collegiate level or above, the race leader is at a distinct disadvantage to those following in second or third (or in the lead pack). One, you're setting the pace and catching wind resistance for the others, but you're also blind to attacks. Aside from record attempts you'll rarely see the favorite leading a race before the last or second to last lap because their goal is to win (see Geb). Winning wire to wire in a big race requires a bold runner with big balls.
You made a little bit of a typo.
It's actually - "Winning wire to wire in a big race requires a bold runner with superior fitness to the rest of the field."
ukathleticscoach wrote:
The lead runner does not block all the wind
"All the wind"? Please tell me you're not really a coach, if you don't understand the concept of drafting off another car, horse, person to reduce wind resistance (not eliminate)?
I should have said air resistance, because even when there is zero wind, there is still inherent air resistance.
carter wrote:
In competitive races at the collegiate level or above, the race leader is at a distinct disadvantage to those following in second or third (or in the lead pack). One, you're setting the pace and catching wind resistance for the others, but you're also blind to attacks. Aside from record attempts you'll rarely see the favorite leading a race before the last or second to last lap because their goal is to win (see Geb). Winning wire to wire in a big race requires a bold runner with big balls.
Really being in front gives you more control over a race and lets you react better to other people's moves. See: GF last year in the NCAA 1500, he was able to react whenever anyone came up on him.
IIRC the benefit of drafting on a non-windy day is 1-2% due to the lead runner breaking the wind.
1-2% of what?
1- 2% of time, not effort sounds about right.