It’s crazy that you believe you can write a short sentence dismissing all of Canova’s legacy.
And being funny once in a while is not an excuse for failing to provide articulated thoughts.
Canova has trained many big names in the sport like Shaheen and Florence Kiplagat (the latter with a long and successful career before and after pregnancy), and also a few ones who indeed emerged very rapidly: Nicholas Kemboi’s story is my favorite (I know it is pre-ABP era), but Erick Kiptanui and Josphat Boit (the Kenyan, not the American) were still new in the sport when they appeared internationally in 2018, and Moen has also astonished a few since his breakthrough in 2017.
Renato Canova has been very open about whom he has trained. He does not select athletes based on pre-existing running ability or PB. So far, his leading athletes have never failed a test while training with him. We also know about numerous athletes he has advised over the years, some of them with spectacular improvements. They are not all of African descent, and they don’t all spend most of the year in remote locations. Let’s take 2 German examples:
- Anna Hahner is a mid 33-runner on 10K (there are plenty of them in the US) but became a 2:26-marathon runner (there are much less US women achieving this) while getting advice from Canova.
- Arne Gabius (a self-coached physician) ran a NR of 2:08 in the marathon as a 34-year old after failing at breaking 13’10 for 5000 in a long track career.
The training logs of Salpeter and Moen before their best races are now available on these pages in a degree of detail and accuracy that you don’t have for any other runner of their level.
I agree with Subway and the others that being suspicious is normal given all what we already know, but failing to understand what Canova takes time to explain repeatedly and with much detail while not having to is both pretentious and ignorant. Someone (but not Canova) should correct Subway when he does false claims "she has had the same coach since 2011/2012, yet only two years ago did she make dramatic improvements. So we can rule out improved coaching" while Dan Salpeter has provided enough information to prove the improved coaching. Nobody does it (so I feel I have to try at least once) and it is a shame. The LRC can do better.
I think Canova is way too kind when he goes to the arena to debate with people who are neither stating their credentials nor open to a constructive discussion. He knows he is getting old and wants to transmit some of his knowledge, unfortunately choses the wrong audience here.
@Renato: It is time to concentrate on people you have a chance to help and convince. Debating with Coevett, Subway or LoneStarXC does not lead you anywhere. Keep your energy for the ones who are worth your time and dedication. (If you need help to reach more people, tell it! Some may be willing to help you too.) Thanks!