Armstronglivs wrote:
how do we know the ideal build for 1500m wrote:
I am sure you are better than that. You know Asbel Kiprop, listed at 6'2 1/2" 139lbs. on Olympic Sport Reference had a different build than Jim Ryun, 6'2" 168lbs.
Not saying Ryun didn't do some PEDs, but how do we know what the ideal build for 1500m? Asbel Kiprop for all we know only ran what he did was due to PEDs. Andrew Wheating was 6'5 at 180 ibs and ran a 3:30 1500m. At one end of the Spectrum is Taoufik Makhloufi at 5'9 and 154 ibs with a 1500m PR of 3:28 and than we have Abdalaati Iguider who is listed at 5'7 and 115 ibs, both have almost identical 1500m PRs. Me personally, I believe the ideal build for a pure 1500m runner is like a 400m runner, but a bit leaner, so think Alan Webb.
There will be considerable variation within the "ideal build". The main test is - as always - how do they run and how successful are they. There will be quite a range between too tall, too short, too thin and too heavy. Have a look at Ryun's finish in the 1500m at the Colisseum Relays in '67, when he put thirty metres between himself and Keino in the last 300m to destroy the previous world record. Effortless explosive running. One of the all-time great performances. There is no way you would think the guy was limited by his build. (If he was, what does that say about Keino?)[/quote]
Reminds, makes one wonder how much the Kenyan build changed over time. Not talking so much with the Maasi as they have always been taller more muscular more 800m and below runners. But the Kalenjin runner build has changed since the 60s. Kip Keino was 5'8 and 146 ibs in his prime. But now most Kalenjin runners at the elite level today at around 5'8 are 20 ibs or more lighter than Kip Keino. I wonder how much of this change has to do with PED use?