Cousin Ernie wrote: So after this weekend’s 1/2 marathon result, what does Rupp do to beat Mo? I think his only option is running as fast as he possibly can, starting at about 21 miles.
No. If Mo is on his shoulder at 21 miles, he's done.
He must be bold and visionary and IMMEDIATELY SEPARATE from MO, to allow him to work against Mo's habit of hanging back and sprinting past in the last 400m.
Rupp can do this, but it will take big b@lls and can ONLY BY ACHIEVED GOING OUT IN 49.5 for the first 400. Once the necessary separation is achieved he needs to relax immediately into race pace.
Gotta be precise about this plan and GO HARD.
52.5 is simply too slow, Mo will stick like a leech.