Bower Man wrote:
They are racing now because BTC just returned from, essentially, 3 consecutive months of altitude training. Living & doing long runs at 7000' and above (Park City), interval/repeat training at 4500' (BYU track). The full effects of that kind of stimulus on the body will still be present.
BTC has never spent that long at altitude, let alone racing so soon afterwards. Though only a sample size of 3, we'll see if the "live high - train low" model has had an effect on these guys.
Physiologists, take note. Tonight's race has the feel of a science experiment.
Altitude living and training is the only way to legally be able to run these set of times and compete with the dodgy Africans.
Bowerman has the resources to do it.
Very difficult to get in a race in North America where these times would be possible. Very difficult for a North American to get into. Diamond league race where these times are possible. Jerry is smart to have done this. Next year McGorty and Fisher will need a similar race with even fast pace in an electrifying environment that only Nike and Bowerman can provide.
I am sure people will be crying the blues, saying unfair this unfair that. Those same people have been the ones saying Jerry’s group doesn’t race etc and can’t look beyond their nose to realize Jerry’s group is running/racing on the international calendar.
Bowerman Grouo has done a masterful job. Their results late in the season (women and men) price that. It also proves all the armchair coaches in this message board don’t know what they are talking about.
Congratulations Bowerman athletes, Jerry and Nike. This performance reinforces that you are doing things right.