Jos Hermans, the long-time manager of Kenenisa Bekele, on the story behind Kenenisa Bekele’s hamstring cramps in the 30 kilometer to 35 kilometers. Hermans noted that the hamstring issues were over the last twelve kilometers of the race.
Hermans noted that maybe it was more long runs, or more focus on nutrition. Jos Hermans noted that he told Bekele to go after 25 kilometers, and noted Bekele’s 2:49-2:50 kilometer push away from the field. Distance runners are prone to analysis, and Jos Hermans was a fine distance runner and now manager. Hermans did point out that Bekele will race in the fall, a major marathon where he will race fast. Then, Jos Hermans revealed that Bekele will rest, then go to the track, perhaps the 10,000 meters a the Prefontaine Classic. Hermans noted, at Alberto Stratti’s query, that Bekele will look for a very fast marathon in the fall. Hermans noted that 2:04 seems reasonable and that, without the cramps, Kenenisa Bekele could have run 2:04 without the cramp issue. “Energy was never the problem.”
