KENENISA BEKELE won Britain’s top spring half marathon to prove his 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon race preparations are on course and Lily Partridge did likewise in the women’s race.
The fact Bekele broke Mo Farah’s course record is rather an irrelevance in a race that has been run just twice before, and in previously variable weather conditions, but far more telling was the way he floated alone in the second half to a time of 60:22 despite the blustery conditions. It must give the Ethiopian heart for next month when he returns to the capital to take on Eliud Kipchoge.
Sadly, the race initially built up as a Bekele v Farah showdown and then a Bekele v his replacement Lawrence Cherono was waylaid by injuries to both.
However, for half the distance, Bekele did not have it all his own way in unusual conditions for this past month. Following recent stormy weekends, 16,000 runners set off from near Tower Bridge on a very cool, sunny Sunday morning.
The Ethiopian – in terms of records and titles arguably the world’s greatest distance runner – was easily on course for a sub-hour run as he passed 5km in 14:00 after Chris Thompson blasted a 4:24 opening mile.
Alongside Bekele were the Brit and Midlands cross-country champion Omar Ahmed (14:01), even though the latter was not officially on the elite start lists.
In the second 5km, the pace slowed but Thompson still went through in 28:34 ahead of Bekele’s 28:35, times that win the vast majority of 10km races, and they were still short of halfway.
Thompson even surged clear at one stage when Bekele eased back at a drinks station and also took ground when his rival had trouble with some of the sharp bends.
Soon after, however, the Briton seemed to pay for his burst and slowed, with 4:50 for the seventh mile. Bekele quickly caught him up and then pushed on alone.
Bu hikaye Athletics Weekly dergisinin March 05, 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Athletics Weekly dergisinin March 05, 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Carbon Footprint
You'd have had to have been running on a different planet to miss all the recent debate about carbon-plated shoes. The talk of bans and performance enhancement has been so widespread that even non-runners are asking their running friends about the potentially magical footwear.
Trail time
WHEN looking for a trail or off-road running shoe, it’s often all about the grip. However, given that no two paths are the same, careful consideration is required. What’s the terrain like where you’ll wear the shoes the most? If you’ll be negotiating soft, wet and muddy conditions then look for deeper lugs. For tackling gravel tracks and forest trails then more evenly spaced lugs will work better. When it comes to cushioning, consider how hard the ground will be; if it’s soft then you’ll be fine in low-profile shoes, but on those firmer tracks reasonable cushioning will be called for.
Stay neutral
EVOLVING every year, if not month, neutral cushioned shoes are seeing developments in cushioning materials and dynamics at a pace which is nothing short of astonishing. The latest models feature new polymers in the midsoles to give them a cushioned feel while at the same time keeping their weight to a minimum. Give them a spin and choose the most comfortable for mile after mile of shock absorbing running.
Support network
WHEN it comes to ‘over-pronation’, a common question is ‘how much is over?’. With no hard and fast rules, it’s best to choose a shoe that instinctively feels right. Gait analysis can often assist in helping you make this choice and your specialist running store is always a good place to start if in doubt. To help you make that choice, here’s a selection of some of the best ‘support’ shoes around.
Need for speed
THE racing shoe segment of the market is becoming somewhat split. This is partially due to the rise of carbon-plated footwear but also the fact that many shoes are becoming much lighter. Here we take a look at some of the leading contenders to toe the line in.
Gadget show
WITH technological products to enhance every area of life, running is now no different. From headphones to treadmills, the devices to aid performance and recovery are endless. Here we take a look at some of the latest gadgets and gizmos to enhance your training.
What's in a shoe?
We bust some of the jargon around footwear
How To Prime Your Immunity
Taking steps to shore your body’s defences has never been more important. Here’s how to do it, says Peta Bee
English Schools Survival At Stake
Covid-19 could lead to ESAA losing thousands this summer
Covid-19: Athletics Events Are Wiped Out
Unprecedented calendar changes due to Covid-19
