NAZ Elite - Major Changes Coming in 2025

It should be noted that most pro runners are independent contractors. And just like athletes in other pro sports, they sign contracts for X number of years and Y number of dollars. When the contract is up, the athlete is a free agent. The team may make an offer to bring them back, or they may not. Likewise, the athlete may choose to go sign somewhere else (despite the team/brand wanting to continue the relationship).

To say that any of these runners were "cut" is inaccurate, and a mischaracterization of the situation. No one would say that the Angels "cut" Shohei Ohtani. His contract was up, and he opted to sign a new contract elsewhere.

there's not much to do there, either. after the small town charm wears off it can get boring. unless you enjoy living off the grid, like your solitude, or already have a family it can get lonely as well. especially if your single. the dating pool there isn't great.

They could possibly be downsizing the team. Sponsoring athletes costs money.

still don't understand Kellyn Taylor's anger at NAZ Elite. it's like she's accusing them of agemism. seems like they did right by her. they supported her for years, gave her a fair shot to exceed in this sport. but her time has come. its not personal, its a business decision. it happens to every athlete in every sport.

Hannah Ballowe ex VA Tech as well it seems

You might as well say it’s a central bank’s decision since the real root culprit of her being cut from the team is inflation in the central banks which then informs all ‘business decisions’?

or better yet you could say Satan was the real root instead since the central banks are financial conjurers and scammers just like Satan! 😪

Off the grid? Flagstaff isn’t off the grid per se. It’s a fully electrified and irradiated town with seamless internet from ATT Verizon T Mobile and Elon Musks starlink! I agree that the air quality could be better though.

2:09 isn’t good enough for a male marathoner at the elite level. Futsam’s old friend king ches already running 2:05 training out of Kenya. Futsam deserves to be cut. In fact I feel like the whole NAZ elite and HOKA should be cut from this world too just because of that doper from 7 years ago. You know what I’m talking about!

maybe "off the grid" was a bit of an extreme description, I just meant very small and secluded, not for everyone. I will stand by my statement that the dating pool isn't great.

Runners shouldn’t think they go to flagstaff for dating. That’s the wrong mindset. They should think they go there to be a MONK first of all!! No sex, no alcohol and definitely no drugs! That’s how they will have to conduct their lives from 21-30 to have a shot at greatness.

im glad that dirty founder of NAZ elite has left the team because if he continues to stay he would pull them down with his not so propitious history and reputation! You know what I’m talking about.

on a side note I always wanted to know what he did to an innocent angel like Craig Lutz who came on the team and went missing as fast as he came? Did he get propositioned something nefarious by Ben Rosario that scare the heck out of him?

I tried living in Flagstaff. Lovely people and I did like the terrain, but the year around altitude combined with the snow and the wind just wore me down. I could never recover. It’s just not a great place to be long term. Throw in the 5 hour driving RT to the PHX airport and the multiple trips down to Sedona in the evenings when the schools closed, just ended up draining me more than what I gained in blood cells.

I would say it’s good for a 3-4 week altitude stint if you dont have a race and don’t really need to get on tracks or don’t mind running on a treadmill due to the snow or wind.

I think Hoka would be smart to just scrap the whole thing and go with the individual route. They have a few stars. Put their support to them directly.

It would be cool if there were a broader investigation of Hoka concerning the ageism claims. it's not just NAZ where Hoka does this, and it is a problem. just a tip for journalists. maybe look at how much women versus men are paid too

I went to college there and my biggest gripe was flying home for holidays and summers. having to get up at 4AM to drive down to Phoenix and catch an 8AM flight was such a hassle.

It's athletics and sport. Ageism !?!?!?! give me a break how woke can you be

So you're saying that if an athlete's contract expires (making them a free agent), a brand should be obligated to re-sign them if they're aged? WTF?

Is it ageism when an MLB team lets a pitcher walk because his velocity and control has diminished? How about when an NBA player cannot hit the jumper? Is it doing the soccer player dirty when you always have to substitute because he is winded 30 minutes into a match?

Athletes want to be treated like they are business folks. The company said we know what you are and you’re not worth it. What is the issue? If Hoka is wrong then it should hurt their business?
I'm betting on Hoka