I’m surprised that no one here has mentioned that Cole also seems to be much more of a speed based guy than a strength-based runner, and the foundation of BTC and Jerry all centers around strength.
Cooper is much more suited for this type of training it seems, and it’s pretty interesting because he and Cole have similar PRs but very different strengths, and different racing styles (aside from TT style races). Coop takes races out hard and has a little bit of a squeeze down the finish similar to the upper echelon guys of BTC, and Cole hangs back blasting the last 400 and really explodes over the final 200.
Cooper can run a very fast 1500, but it’s a pretty commonly shared thought that through the next Olympic cycle his best event will probably be the 5000.
Jerry’s training is best for strength guys, but also allows for fast 1500s. And it’s not uncommon for speed focused athletes to struggle finding success with that type of training. Centro benefitted by being a mature, older runner with years of pro experience so that probably helped handle volume as a 15 guy, and I assume it’s similar for Josh Thompson. GDS is a tremendous talent, but for 1500 runners she falls more in line with the 1500/5000 hybrid, not as much the 1500/800 type.
Cole knows what works for him, and ripping hard speed sessions is probably better for him to maximize his potential in the 1500, than sessions like long tempos or 10 x mile at altitude.
As far as training partners go, obviously BTC has the most talent in the country, but as far as pure 1500 guys I believes it’s only Thompson and Amos and maybe Thomas Ratcliffe? Of course they have guys who can run great 1500s, but in terms of the main training parters for his event, they all have similar PRs to his current training group and I don’t think any have gone sub-3:35 other than Thompson (PR 3:34.77 indoor @ Boston). BTC 1500 guys are definitely more consistent than the new OTC guys, but the talent disparity isn’t as massive when you only look at the 1500 focused athletes.
He also probably knows that BTC is always an option down the line if his training doesn’t progress the way he expects.