Harder to win Olympic 10,000-5,000 or World-x?

[SQUACKEE]

I believe the World -X is the hardest race in the world to win, well unless your name is Bekele of course. Whatdoyasay?

[tlb747]

World-X, more compitition.

[kuha]

Yeah, I'd agree that its the World Cross... In part, the historical results of this race (with all the repeat winners) seem to prove that luck and cleverness play no part whatsoever in winning the thing--fitness and experience count for pretty much everything.

[bad hammy]

Olys - fewer of them. Besides, as recently as 1981 an American won the men's XC champs - how hard can it be?? :shock: :lol:

[SQUACKEE]

Olys - fewer of them. Besides, as recently as 1981 an American won the men's XC champs - how hard can it be?? :shock: :lol:

This could only happen with alien intervention. :twisted:

[kuha]

The answer should be obvious. The definitive book on the subject is titled:

The Toughest Race in the World: A look at 30 years of the IAAF World Cross Country Championships (IAAF/ATFS, 2002).

Very highly recommended, by the way.

[bekeselassie]

World XC. Like he said, more competition. Glad I could offer my unique spin.

[SQUACKEE]

Olys - fewer of them. Besides, as recently as 1981 an American won the men's XC champs - how hard can it be?? :shock: :lol:

Which begs the question- If the olympics just happen to be held in 1981 could Virgin win the 10,000? And if not , why not when he beat everyone in a harder race? :?

[tlb747]

World XC. Like he said, more competition. Glad I could offer my unique spin.

:lol:

[bekeselassie]

Wait a minute. Ya know what's the hardest? :evil: The Olympic 5000.

Especially when the history's most remarkable 1500 runner is in the race and you run a 13:20 pace, even though you're capable of running 12:37!!!! :x :x

[SQUACKEE]

Wait a minute. Ya know what's the hardest? :evil: The Olympic 5000.

Especially when the history's most remarkable 1500 runner is in the race and you run a 13:20 pace, even though you're capable of running 12:37!!!! :x :x

Glad to see your not bitter.

[Guest]

[Which begs the question- If the olympics just happen to be held in 1981 could Virgin win the 10,000? And if not , why not when he beat everyone in a harder race? :?

Well, I remember Salazar running in the World Cup 10000 in 81, and coming 3rd, so I assume he was US champ the same year? Did Virgin take part?

[26mi235]

Olys - fewer of them. Besides, as recently as 1981 an American won the men's XC champs - how hard can it be?? :shock: :lol:

Which begs the question- If the olympics just happen to be held in 1981 could Virgin win the 10,000? And if not , why not when he beat everyone in a harder race? :?

Beating everyone in a harder race does not mean that you will beat them in an easier one. Also, there are some runners that are just better on XC terrain relative to other runners. There was a bit of discussion on this in the fall. I thought that Bairu was a runner of this type, he just "floats" over the ground.

[EPelle]

I believe that conversation surrounded Sergei Lebed if I am not mistaken... he is one made for the hills, but not the flats. A strength runner can run mountains, but not necessarily be able to crank out pace under 60 seconds for his last 3-4 laps of a track race.

[kuha]

The above 2 posts are right on the money. X-C running is a different animal from track running--takes a different kind of strength, balance, and "touch." Some athletes have alot of both--Tergat, Bekele, etc. Some just don't: Geb, for example.