Fastnbulbous wrote:
Meb holds the Olympic Trials record in 27:36.49 from 2004. In 2008, Abdi won in 27:41, with Rupp in 27:43. All under the A standard. So it's not like it's unprecedented to run the A standard in the trials. Rupp should be fit enough that A standard pace should be a given, and not a problem.
Ritz just has to be sure to be up front and ready to hustle the last mile, and I'm sure he will be. Chances are small that it'll be hot and humid in Eugene like it was in Hengelo that day. Even if it is, he should have improved his fitness enough that he could lop off 5 seconds without a problem.
It would be a great thing for Ritz if Rupp were willing to take it out and insure a finish under the A standard for Ritz.
I can tell you this, Rupp will do EXACTLY what Salazar advises him to do.
Look at it another way, Ritz may have to be the man and take it out and make sure it is on pace for his needs and not wait to be pulled to the time he needs.
That is the most likely scenario. Rupp may just wait to see how long Ritz can stay on that pace, or they could trade the lead cooperating every so often and then see how it goes.
The intention for Ritz has got to be to run well under A standard pace from jump street -- he's got to get it if he want to go to the games. It is that simple.
Rupp however, may not want to run in a crowd if the others dawdle...