John Perry wrote:
i don't know who "just checking" is but I suspect that he has never had the experience of being a finalist in the National Championships or Olympic Trials. (I have). I think GH is a tremendous talent and still has a chance to make an international impact. I'm not being judgemental about becoming a rabbit, but I know for a fact that getting sent out to be a plow horse when you are a racehorse is not good.
I've been involved in this sport for over 50 years and know that confidence and aggressiveness is everything. I can't imagine Zatopek, Herb Elliot, Roger Bannister or Jim Ryun agreeing to go out and be a pace setter and dropping out of a race.
If you're not ready, run in the "b" race and learn how to win again.
In my opinion, GH should have said "no" if he was asked to be a rabbit.
By the way, you don't have to be a pro and do nothing but workout. There is plenty of time to hold a real job and workout.
Runners are way to worried about what their sponsors are thinking.
My advice, never be a rabbit and never quit a race!
You make some good points, but times have changed. I am pretty sure he didn't volunteer for this, he was probably asked at the last minute and more importantly paid a couple of grand for running what amounts to a workout. My question is why didn't run further?