I know Ritz has said that the On team culture is enhanced because he doesn’t have athletes from the same countries competing against each for spots at Worlds/Olympics. I also remember when the Oregon Project was all about developing American talent. That didn’t last. Likewise, if Fisher wants to go to On, Ritz will be singing a different tune.
Rumor: in light of the success he had while coming back from injury at the end of the season, he’s decided to relocate to Florida to cross train with Parker Valby.
This move doesn't make sense to me given his success in recent years. He just set the 3k AR. Was he basically training himself and ignoring Jerry's plan?
I ran PRs at several distances my college senior year. This was in spite of my idiot coach, not because of him. Most of my teammates got injured or were so beaten up their race performances were consistently awful. I had learned I needed a 2 week taper and had to back off on regular workouts to stop the beat down. So I ignored him a lot.
Fisher may has this type of feeling. Maybe he was ignored when injured. Maybe the injury actually forced some rest and he was able to get in better health overall.
He’s moving to Park City. Think he’s not joining a group but not 100% sure on that. Not sure on coach other than it isn’t Mike Smith
BTC goes up to Park City in May/June then stays through USA champs and occasionally some weeks beyond, into July/August.
Park City is at 7000' elevation but the athletes stay in condos/homes up by the ski resorts at approx 8400' elevation.
Park City looks like a great place to live and train . . . from May - November.
But, what kind of training can you do in Park City from December - April . . . especially with the exceptionally heavy snows the UT mountains received this past winter?
About the only altitude places in US that are not snowbound in winter are some far southern locations in Arizona and New Mexico . . . and I've never heard of an elite distance runner doing altitude training in the mountains south of Tucson.
But, Grant has had tremendous racing success following training camps in Park City . . . his 4-5 weeks in Park City following USAs this summer is where he overcame his injury and regained his fitness prior to his excellent season-closing races . . . so he must have strong feelings for the area.
A source close to a source that spoke on a condition on anonymity confirmed late Friday night that Grant Fisher will be coached by Chris Solinsky. When Solinsky came to Oregon, Fisher hit it off with the former BTC standout who could relate to Fisher aspirations coupled with frustration of injuries hampering the athletes during championship and Olympic years. In Solinsky, Fisher further got more flexibility and will be relocating back to Portland as well as doing more altitude stints in Park City. This has not only caused a fraction in BTC in what has already been a rough period with the club relocating or Eugene, but also caused a fraction within the Oregon coaching staff as Jerry Schumacher has felt betrayed by his former protege. Stayed tune for more updates…
He’s moving to Park City. Think he’s not joining a group but not 100% sure on that. Not sure on coach other than it isn’t Mike Smith
Confirmed he is not joining a group and is doing his own thing. Still not sure on coach but it’s not one of the bigger names. The Tim Rowbury guess is an interesting one IMO but that’s just me speculating
If post above is correct, Solinsky fits the bill as a "not one of the bigger names" coach . . .
One thing I find strange is why Grant didn't share details about his next steps in his Instagram post. Only reason I can think of is to create some drama and get attention on a future post but Grant isn't the type to do that, so wonder what the actual reason is.
OAC won’t take him because they already have a 5/10 guy in Joe.
Mike Smith makes a lot of sense but who knows what will happen.
Sleeper picks for the possible coach or group would be Sifan Hassan’s coach or UAC to stay in Oregon but not in Eugene which we already saw two Bowerman athletes jump ship to here, yes they are 15 runners but it’s a possibility you can’t rule out.
What are you talking about?
Here you go:
Grant: Hey Ritz, it's Grant Fisher. I'm looking for a new training group, preferably at altitude and I'd like to work with someone who has a proven record of success both as a coach and athlete. I think you might be the perfect fit. What do you think? FYI, my Nike contract will end soon and I'd be thrilled to run for On.
Ritz: Hi Grant! Thanks for reaching out to me. I know you're the American record holder in the 3000, 5000, and 10,000, which is awesome. As much as I would love to include you in our group here in Colorado I don't think it will work. I'm already coaching Big Joe K, and I don't want to disrupt his mojo by adding one of the greatest American distance runners EVER as a training partner. Yeah, I know this would be catching lightning in a bottle having the two of you train together, but I don't want to risk it, and I don't think his wife Sage would be on board. Big Joe is somewhat fragile and I we don't want to rock his the boat. Good luck buddy, and we'll see ya around.
Get a clue bro!
If you paid attention at all you’d know that ON will not sign people of the same nationality because they don’t want to cannibalize spots on the team.
Instead of trying to be a smart ass why not do your research before posting.
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