Description

Biological factors that go primarily into a distance racer are developed fast and type 1 slow twitch muscles, adrenaline (usually for the final kick), anaerobic respiration (bringing it in after the final kick), racing tactics, and aerobic conditioning.

Lots of tactics can be employed in this race, too numerous to discuss here. A very tough distance to perform at mentally. The distance is often witness to some of the more tactical, more physical races in the sport.

Greats: Bob Schul

Cool Gear

Robert "Bob" Schul (born September 28, 1937) is a former American long distance runner. As of 2004, he is the only American to have won the Olympic gold medal in the 5000 m, at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

Schul, born and raised on a farm in West Milton, Ohio, started running in high school. His results were not remarkable, until he joined the air force in 1961. That year, he finished third at the national championships in the 3000 m steeplechase. Injuries prevented a real breakthrough until 1964.

ASICS® Men's Turbo Ghost™

The ASICS® Turbo Ghost™ is a premium track spike designed for the distance runner seeking super light performance. Ideal for distance events from 800m to 10K. Open mesh upper provides superior ventilation and comfort. SharkDuo® heel provides traction on a variety of surfaces. Nylon spike plate with removable spikes adds increased durability and traction. Wt. 5.8 oz.

Links

» Bob Schul - article
» Bob Schul - article
» Bob Schul - On this video clip you will see the final two laps of the race, perhaps the most exciting finish in American distance running history.

Nike Women's Zoom W

Designed, developed and tested to the exact specifications of the top female middle and long distance track athletes. Seamless, lightweight, nylon ultra mesh upper with injected TPU side walls. Molded Phylon midsole. Women's engineered dual-density spike plate with four-spike configuration in the lightest plate Nike has ever made. 4.2 oz.

Bob was the 1964 Olympic Champion at 5,000 meters in Tokyo. He held five American and one world record. Schul is the only American Distance runner who has won a Gold Medal while being the favorite going into the Games. Picked by Sports Illustrated and Track and Field News to win the Gold Medal based on his having the fastest time in the world that year (13:38) at 5k (world record was 13:35), as well as setting a new world record in the two mile (8:26.4) and 3:58.9 in the mile. (All were run on dirt tracks)(The 13:38 is equal to a 13:14 on the all-weather tracks.) As a sophomore at Miami University (Ohio), He ran 4:12.1 in the mile for a new school record. During the outdoor season he went undefeated at 5000 meters, breaking the American records for three miles in 13:15.4 and the 5K in 13:38, running the last lap in: 54. (The world record was 13:35) After winning the USA vs. USSR meet, the National Championships and the first Olympic trials in June, he broke the world record for two miles. (8:26.4) He then ran his second mile under four minutes (3:58.9). Bob is one of only five Americans to win a Gold Medal in a distance race in Olympic history.

Nike Men's Sphere React Cool Half-Zip Top

You can't get any cooler than this. Moisture-wicking fabrics team up for the best in breathability and super no-cling performance. The Nike Sphere React Cool half-zip running top features Nike Sphere React Cool™ strategically placed at the upper back and sides. It reacts to moisture expanding it's structure to allow increased airflow when you need it. Nike Sphere Cool™ mesh is placed at the center back adding zoned venting and cling reduction. Nike Sphere Dry™ at the front sleeves to keep you dry and comfortable. 8" center front zipper adds adjustability and temperature control. Flat seaming reduces bulk and abrasion. Reflective graphics placed on both front and back. Embroidered Swoosh design trademark at left chest. Nike Sphere Dry™ 91% polyester/9% spandex circular knit jacquard. Imported.

Greats: Elvan Abeylegesse

Elvan Abeylegesse (also formerly: Hewan Abeye (Amharic) and Elvan Can (Turkish)) (born September 11, 1982) is an Ethiopian-born Turkish woman middle and long distance track and field athlete, running in the disciplines 1500m, 3000m and 5000m, but also 10000m, 2 miles and cross country, ranking world 7th. She is holding the world record at 5000m.

Where to get it:
» Niketown
» Nike.com
» Footlocker
» Eastbay
» Ernst Sporting Goods
» Dick's Sporting Goods

Adidas Women's Response Shimmel

The adidas Response Shimmel will keep you cool and running hard by pulling sweat away from your body. ClimaCool® fitted tank with multiple fabric combinations to enhance performance. Inner shelf bra with molded cups provides additional support. Anatomically placed mesh inserts, flatlock seams. Reflective piping, 3-Stripes® and adidas brandmark. 87% polyester/13% spandex with 89% polyester/11% spandex. Inner bra is 92% polyester/8% spandex. Imported.

She was born as Hewan Abeye on September 11, 1982 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and raised with her seven brothers and sisters. She began her career in running cross country. In 1999, Hewan started for the Ethiopian junior team at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Belfast, Northern Ireland and finished 9th. There, she was invited for a meeting in Istanbul, Turkey. Came in Istanbul, she liked it there very much. "I didn't get enough support from my federation in Ethiopia," she said. "My track club in Turkey gave me all the support I needed. So I decided to move to Turkey. The support was much better in Istanbul. I thought it would be easier to reach my goals in Turkey.” To get Turkish citizenship, she married and became Elvan Can. Meanwhile, she is divorced again and called as Elvan Abeylegesse.

Where to get it:
» Footlocker
» Eastbay
» Ernst Sporting Goods
» Dick's Sporting Goods

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