Thoughts on Galen Rupp and elite distance running wisdom...

Thinking of helpful or interesting things to post- I was watching Galen Rupp win the men's 10k in the USATF National championship meet. Galen had run behind another athlete the entire race, right on his heels. As the end of the race neared, the announcer mentioned that Galen would kick with 500-600m to go and no one would be able to stop him from there. As the race progressed, sure enough, Galen started his kick at 500 to go, pulled away immediately and won the race easily. In his post race interview Galen said, "You never go to the front until you are going to hold the lead til the line" (or some statement close to that) I thought this was a great thing for triathletes to think about because I dont think we have the same discipline when it comes to the tactics of racing the run. Galen goes with 500-600 in every race, this is no coincidence. He goes at this time because he knows that is how long he can go for, close to all out, and hold it until the line. I am sure he has trained many hours just on developing the precision of this kick. I think we could really learn from this.

During the run in a triathlon, you are hot, tired, in serious pain and just wanting to be through as quickly as possible. But if you are racing against a particular person or even those in your pack off the bike, it might be of benefit to have patience and a plan. Before the race even starts it may be useful to have a plan if you find yourself running against someone at the end. Let them do the pacemaking until a point when you can take the lead and hold it until the line. If you have speed, this may be as short as 400m or maybe even less...if you dont have speed this point could be a long pressing kick starting at 1.5-2mi out. Know thyself and have a plan. Of course if your competitior is running too slow, just leave him and hunt the next one down- but the point is that once you pass someone, they should not be passing you back! If you arent sure, be patient, sit in behind them and conserve your energy....until you know you can leave them for good!