This entire thing really cracks me up. I applaud him for pure marketing vision and actually looking for a way to fund a dream - I'm sure there are many who would like the opportunity to train full time and see what their potential is. Alex has found a way (or at least is trying to). Maybe he'll fall short.. more probable than not.
Simple reality is that 11 pages into this thread his actions have sparked interest and debate. If his story is followed more deeply by the media closer to his pre-finite goal of London 08 he will have raised awareness for the sport, his project and himself. Brilliant.
Sometimes I think that speed is only one measure of talent. He may discover that his talent is an ability to absorb a lot of training and improve as a consequence. He will be able to talk of an 'ordinary guy' running with the dedication of an 'extraordinary guy'. He is creating his opportunity to do so. I would have a far greater problem if he was claiming to do this and in fact was off smoking hoagies in a Mayfair tavern instead of purported 30 mile runs.
At the very least, his regime may actually kick a few talented souls into action and say - f***-it, if this bloke can do it and I'm not.. I am not doing my talent justice. He might just have more influence at the top-end than Radcliffe has...
BTW, I have an idea of creating a team that could actually enable talented people an opportunity for funding expenses, etc. in the UK. This guy's actions could actually help fulfill this idea.