Bekele running Chicago marathon tomorrow

pconn062 · 11-10-2014 7:19pm #1

His second marathon, on what is probably considered a faster course than Paris.

Interesting article here by Canova who seems to think that Bekele will go under 2.03 within his next two marathons:

http://www.runnersworld.com/race-training/creating-the-ideal-marathoner

What do we think? Conditions are looking good for fast time, I'm predicting something in the 2.04's.

ThePiedPiper · 11-10-2014 8:10pm

His debut in Paris was a phenomenal performance. I wasn't sure he was capable of that after the last couple of years of misery. He effectively ran by himself from about 15 miles in Paris, if I remember correctly. Neither the pacers nor the competition came with him when he made a move, and he had some cramping issues also.

His form is incredible, much smoother than what Haile had, perfectly suited to the marathon like Kimetto, Kipsang and the modern specialists. Mentally, he would seem ultra confident of his own abilities, he was disappointed with his Paris performance.

He also has the tactical nous and speed to put in the mid 14 minute 5k splits that are required to get close to the WR. I don't think he'll get massively close to it this time, but I would think if he has company until 35k, sub 2:04 should be possible.

ecoli · 11-10-2014 8:15pm

At press conference he felt he had over trained for Paris and felt this contributed to the quad cramping he suffered in the late stages

Seems to have cut the mileage back a bit this time round and seems to be after the course record (2.03.45)

Interested to see how both him and Kipchoge go. Think they can push each other to a sub 2.04 if conditions are right. Pretty interesting match up given how well both of them have adjusted so quickly to the roads