TRI247
Search
shop

Gwen Jorgensen (the runner) racing again this coming weekend

Olympic Triathlon champion, Gwen Jorgensen will be in action over 10,000metres on the track this weekend? How fast can she go...

Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
SHOP
Watch Potter, Brownlee & Beaugrand LIVE
Advertisement

And this time, it’s 10,000 metres on the track

The next step on Gwen Jorgensen’s (potential) Road to Tokyo 2020 takes place this coming Friday, 30th March.

After running her first post-baby track race last month – impressing pretty much everyone with her 15:15.64 for 5,000m indoors at the Husky Classic in Seattle – this weekend Gwen will be doubling the distance to 10,000m and this time will be outdoors, when she runs at the Stanford Invitational in Palo Alto, California.

If that Stanford name sounds slightly familiar, the Cobb Track and Angell Field is the same Stanford University venue at which Alistair Brownlee ran his 28:32.48 for the same distance at the Payton Jordan Invitational in April 2013. That same meeting takes place on 3rd May this year, and is one which could also potentially feature on the Jorgensen schedule.

The women’s 10,000m takes place at 8:50pm local time this Friday evening (which would be 4:50 am UK time on Saturday morning).

Advertisement

What to expect?

Only five months since the birth of her son, Stanley, her 15:15 for 5000m was an impressive start to her ‘running’ career. Logically, one would think that a further seven weeks on she would be looking/hoping to see another step up in performance. Still, seven weeks isn’t a huge amount of time, and that last block of training at altitude will, I would speculate, have been more focussed on performances later in the year and laying her foundations for future marathons, rather than optimising for an early season track race. Further, Gwen is still building her capacity to cope with the mileage that she hopes to reach in time, using swimming and cycling as cross training.

One other factor to consider is the competition – in Seattle Gwen had the pacing benefit of athletes of the quality of Courtney Frerichs and Emily Infeld, both World Championship medallists. There doesn’t appear to be anyone of that pedigree and experience racing this weekend.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfATEy5At3k/?hl=en&taken-by=gwenjorgensen

Ok, with that background… 15:15 for 5,000m would, roughly, predict a time in the region of 31:45, all other things being equal / no ‘Beast from the East’ or extreme temperatures etc. Not an exact science, but assuming a run for ‘time’ (rather than a tactical effort for position), that would be the sort of time that would be on a par with last months 5,000m effort. At least, in my eyes.

On that basis – if Gwen is able to race in a similar manner and arrive with improved fitness since that run in Seattle – I’m going to say that 31:30 would be a strong effort. Quicker than that, let’s say circa 31:20-ish and I think she and her team would leave the venue very content. And rightly so.

Much quicker than that? Well, if she does, you have certainly got an athlete showing huge potential to go significantly quicker in the future too based on that rate of progression so early in her (pure running) career.

My Prediction?

Taking into consideration Gwen’s inexperience in this format of racing and perhaps the lack of that higher level of competition to set the pace for her to follow, I’m going to go for somewhere between those two times, 31:20 to 31:30, as my prediction for this weekend. I also think there is a strong chance that as the race progresses, racing to win may become a priority over going all out for a time.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see her return in May though, against a stronger field, ready to go faster with another five weeks of training in the legs and more experienced athletes in front setting the pace. On that basis, it is quite possible that this race will also be a fact-finding and logistical preview for a return to that Payton Jordan Invitational at the same venue. After all, Jorgensen and her team like to ensure all details are covered. When you’ve stated you have a goal of Olympic Marathon Gold in 2020, you have to.

As always, it will be interesting to follow her progress.

13th April 2024 - London
Watch Potter, Brownlee & Beaugrand as these triathlon superstars take on the world in the build up to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
LIMITED TICKETS - DON'T MISS OUT!
John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
IRONMAN Tallinn finish line
Let’s race… IRONMAN Tallinn
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
Brownlee brothers on the costly race day swim mistakes to avoid – plus their own mishaps
Cameron Brown signs off with seventh in his 25th and final appearance at IRONMAN New Zealand photo credit Graeme Murray
What is an average & good time for a triathlon?
Jonny Brownlee swim pool neom 2022 Photo Bartlomiej Zborowski Superleague Triathlon
Jonny Brownlee on the pool swimming drills to do now to get faster in open water
Pro triathlete Imogen Simmonds riding a Canyon Speedmax
Can your tri suit actually make you faster? The latest tech and how it could help your race day performance
latest News
Ashleigh Gentle winning the PTO Asian Open in Singapore in 2023
Chelsea Sodaro returns as World Triathlon release Singapore T100 Triathlon World Tour start lists
Sarah Crowley wins IRONMAN Cairns photo Korupt Vision]
Australian long course legend and Kona podium finisher calls time on decorated triathlon career
Mixed Team Relay France podium WTCS Sunderland 2023 photo credit: World Triathlon / Petko Beier
World Triathlon announce field size expansions following WTCS Abu Dhabi cancellation
Lucy Charles Barclay Laura Philipp Ellie Salthouse IRONMAN 703 Kraichgau 2023 photo credit: IRONMAN Germany
IRONMAN Champion heralds the strength of female long course racing and picks her main contenders for Nice
Sam Long fist bumps after taking second at the Miami T100
PTO World #5 hungrier than ever for T100 success after podium in Miami
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
Invalid email address
The SBRX Group

Proudly elevating endurance sports through content, products & services

SBRX
RUN247
Share to...