Jonathon Johnson Defeats Lagat at Mt. Sac

live coverage at

www.mtsac.edu

in case you didn't know.

wire to freakin wire by johnson.

how and why does pyrah keep racing these races, when he runs high school times, every time?! i have respect for the guy for trying, but honestly it has to be embarrassing for him....at least a little.

Does anyone know if this was Jonathon's first race of the outdoor season?

But was Jason wearing thoe cool shades?

anyone know the splits? Johnson is going to be so good. He can lead the entire race or sit and kick with his 44 point 400 relay speed. Anyone else think the 800 trials might have the most predictable top three with Krum, Khadevis, and Johnson?

lagat ..........still no 800m PR

Bernard Lagat defeats Kevin Elliot at Mt. Sac.

if i'm those guys i'd be worried about woodward. he's fast (44+ relay speed) and has more endurance than anyone but krumm (ran 3:46 this season). he also experienced: 2000 olympics, 99 WCs.

he didn't race at all indoors, (as far as i can tell) so he's just rounding into form. since the trials are late this year, he's got time to sharpen up.

here's his outdoor season:

3/27 (stanford):

3:46.48

4/10 (cal):

1:50.15

4/16 (pomona):

1:49.74

4/18 (mt. sac):

1:49.89

52.4...I missed the 600m split, 1:18 something I think.

Johnson is going to win nationals, and he will run in Athens. Not bad for a guy whose longest run is 3 miles. This guy is the most natural track athlete I've ever seen, and I'm glad to day I have raced against him. He whooped my ass but then again he is the fastest 800m runner ever in the state of Texas, as a High schooler. He is the future USA middle distance running, and the future is bright.

He split 52.1 and came back in 54.2--I think the above post was correct in that JJ passed 600 around 1:18. He had 15 on the field at the 400 and 20 on Lagat with 200 to go (the rest of the field was about 25 back). Lagat closed quickly and it looked like he was going to get him, but with about 70 to go, it stayed at 5 meters all the way to the line.

Wire to wire against one of the best milers in the world (strength & tactics v. speed & balls), pretty good statement. Now if somebody would just attempt to run up there with him from the gun. I would have enjoyed seeing Krum, Robinson, Burley, or Kimata in that race. Etoot was supposed to run, but scratched. Don't know why. Scared maybe??? I would be.

A shallow win considering Lagat has to stay away from the juice.

Its going to be interesting to see Jonathan running in Europe this summer against guys who will follow or compete with him for the first lap lead. 2004 debut with a 1:46.3 is pretty nice for the Texan!

Vipam

You have got to be kidding me, you cannot be serious. Any time you beat some one its not shallow, unless your one of those runners who never beats anynone. And to say its shallow because the fact the guy was a known cheater and now can cheat makes his victory even more sweet. Johnson in athens in 04'.