Seems like a desperate last ditch effort to make the trials standard. Otherwise why would his coach let him run this race? They had to know he wasn't in good shape. He runs with those BTC guys daily.
Wonder if his Achilles is still an issue. Didn't he say at one point he had to change his training and limit mileage to 90 mpw with limited speed work? Not the recipe for sustained success, especially for a strength/endurance based runner.
In hindsight the start of his decline can be traced back to world cross last year. High expectations going in but underperformed due to injury.
Starting to remind me of Solinsky's career post hamstring injury. Came back in fits and starts with limited success and multiple weak performances by his standards.
Sad to see. Thought he had potential to run sub 27 but the fact remains that his 10k PR is 4 years old.