We merged two threads on the same topic and combined the thread titles although the first thread wasn't posed as a question. It was posted as statement: "Put a fork in Joe Klecker"
He has to run the Ten at this point, right? He's 0-2 on halfs, and is out of competitive ones to run now that spring marathons are ready to roll.
I didn't think he'd finish top 3, but getting smashed by Maier, Richtman and the like is shocking. He has one chance to revive his running career, and that's the 10k. A PR at the Ten is the only thing he can do. A flop there and his options funnel to the trails, full marathon (where I think he could be successful) or coaching.
I'm a big Klecker/OAC fan. I feel for him. Was it 2 winters ago that he ran that 12:52 at Boston in a duel with Woody? Remember how totally spent he was after that race. Is it possible that that kind of effort can have a carry-over effect and still be impacting his performances?
Klecker 8th place in 1:01:34 at the USATF half marathon champs. There’s no way you can spin this result. Absolutely terrible outcome. What does he do now? Given his size, I’d predict he’ll only be worse in the Marathon. Doesn’t have the kick or ability to be a contender on the track. Where does he go from here? Or I guess the better question is, how much are sponsors willing to pay him on his next contract? Luckily for him, I’m guessing he has a few years left. I wouldn’t give him more than $80k/year when his contract is up
Tbh I wouldn’t be mad at all making $80k a year to get to race and train as my job lol. do you guys think most athletes of his caliber are making 80k base or better? not a bad situation to be in at all..to get to do what you love, get paid that much for doing it, and not have to work a typical 9-5 imo
You all put too much stock in half-marathon performances. It's an odd distance, a weird gear, and hundreds of world-class athletes just can't seem to nail the distance, but they are completely fine at the 10K and marathon. If I were Klecker, I would try the marathon as soon as possible. I'm betting that he would excel at the marathon.
Weird gear? Is in not right around the Lactate Threshold pace?
His dad held either the world record or just the American record for the 50 mile distance in the 80s. So before he hangs it up he needs to do one of the following: run comrades, go after 50 mile record or try to get a golden ticket and run western states.
He and Sage need to find another coach and regardless of the results need to begin transition into real world jobs.
What real world jobs?? Promoting energy bars? Or starting up the umpteenth online coaching group like Robby Andrews that no one signs up for. Because none of them have anything else going on for a decent career.
Klecker 8th place in 1:01:34 at the USATF half marathon champs. There’s no way you can spin this result. Absolutely terrible outcome. What does he do now? Given his size, I’d predict he’ll only be worse in the Marathon. Doesn’t have the kick or ability to be a contender on the track. Where does he go from here? Or I guess the better question is, how much are sponsors willing to pay him on his next contract? Luckily for him, I’m guessing he has a few years left. I wouldn’t give him more than $80k/year when his contract is up
The BIG take home messages of this weekend are: 1) Cheptegei is not going to be a factor on the world stage in the marathon any time soon, and maybe never. 2) Klecker is not going to be a factor on the US stage on the roads any time soon, and maybe never. Unexpected….yes Disappointing….yes
why would he be running 200’s. I’m not calling for the coaching staff’s job. I’m just saying all the money OAC puts on this. It should be way more scientific …guys are getting injured. Unexplainably people are just disappearing off the team ie Monson.
It is amazing how much attention and money Joe and Sage get considering their results.
Well, not surprising... they are like the 4th best in the nation based on those results.
Sage has been "almost" on the podium a bunch of times and it feels like she is right at the threshold of a breakthrough (and has been for years).
Joe ran 12:52 a couple years ago and as such, he should be on podiums. We are curious about him because, like Cooper Teare, he should be crushing it. He is a bit of an enigma.
They are both "in limbo" with their performances, especially when you look at their ceilings. That is why I find their stories interesting.
We can’t voice opinions on the sport unless we are better than him? Do you hold that same logic for NBA, NFL, etc?
You can voice whatever opinion you want. Just realize that when you say a guy who ran 1:01 is done, what are you saying about yourself? Your opinion tells me more about you than it does about him.
The same is true of people who voice opinions about the NBA or NFL.
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Promoting Excellence in Running, Integrity of Character, Clarity of Mind, Sublime Humor.
He and Sage need to find another coach and regardless of the results need to begin transition into real world jobs.
What real world jobs?? Promoting energy bars? Or starting up the umpteenth online coaching group like Robby Andrews that no one signs up for. Because none of them have anything else going on for a decent career.
Assuming they both received degrees at Colorado that would prepare them for a life after athletics.
This logic is so bad. “What are you saying about yourself?” No one is paying him to run, genius. And he also didn’t claim to be gunning for the American record in the half. We are all allowed to discuss and criticize professional athletes. They are paid to run for our entertainment. Part of that entertainment is discussion and criticism. Do we always know what we are talking about? Of course not. But there’s no reason for you to make a half-arsed dig at the poster who never claimed to be a notable runner himself. We get it, you like Klecker. Try not to get too emotional about it.