10,000 metres down, 52,200 more to go for Sifan Hassan — and so far, so good.

The Dutch runner added the first jewel to her triple crown attempt Monday by winning bronze in the women’s 5,000-metre final. Next up is the women’s 10,000 metres on Friday, followed 36 hours later by the women’s marathon.

It’s a feat many, including a former Canadian Olympian who attempted two long-distance events in 2016, are watching with incredulous admiration, wondering whether a person’s body can handle such a pummelling — and compete with the world’s fastest women for a medal.