I'm not surprised how much debate this has generated but lets be serious here. This Adidas inspired 'nothing is impossible' tag line is delusional. Some things are impossible no matter how hard you try. I've been to the alex's website and it surprises me to see how many people have told him it's a realistic goal. One guy advised 'train hard, don't drink, don't smoke and eat pasta, and you will do it". I think all the well wishers in the world cannot make you avoid the facts forever.
Firstly the timescale is way off. Progresison like that will not happen in such a short time. Secondly although he is not useless as a runner, I have serious doubts that he has the ability to ever break anywhere near 2.15.
Its looking likely that from the intermediate targets that he has included that it's not going to happen. I'd like to see a clearer breakdown of the training he has done. Here is what was mentioned on the site;
TRAINING OUTLINE FOR PARIS MARATHON
With the help of my coaches I have identified a number of areas to improve on. Firstly is to continue with the speed work on a Tuesday evening after taking Monday as a rest day. These session include 10 x 800, 16 x 400 and mile repetitions. I was running a track session on a Thursday but after two hard training sessions on a Wednesday I was not performing how I would have wanted. On a Wednesday I have incorporated two medium long runs/slower tempo runs of 15 and 12/13 mile. The first one is at a pace that is fast but which can be sustained on my own over the distance without being to exhausted (at present around 6:30 per mile) the second session of the day is a 12/13 mile run with the Serpentine Running Club over a route that takes in most of central London's landmarks, I run this at a slightly faster pace of 6:18 per mile) Although this is a very tough session it gets me good at running with tired legs and boosting my endurance. Thursday is either a second track session but I have to listen to my body or a lighter recovery run of around 6 miles. Friday if I do have a half marathon on the Sunday is a long run of up to 30 at a 7min mile pace. As the distance comes down closer to the Marathon I want to be able to sustain comfortably a 22.5 mile run at 6:10 per mile. On the last Friday of ever month I try to run in the Serpentine 5km and use this as an extra speed session in place of the Thursday session but I have in the past run both on consecutive days. Saturdays are either another recovery day (am 6 miles recovery) if I have a half marathon or 20 mile race or if a shorter 10km distance I will train with Karen Hancock's hill session group in Greenwich Park. Of all the sessions this is both my favourite and least favourite. It hurts like Hell during it but afterward you feel amazing and it really does build strength. Sunday session are races but used as fast paced tempo runs - doing the times that I want on my own is just too exhausting but running alongside others in a race environment can produce great results. If I do not have a race scheduled or am doing a 10km I will change the long run on Friday to a 15 miler and then run 22.5 miles after the race. My rest day includes a massage and a swim/sauna and no running. 4 times a week I will try to visit the gym to build on my core strength and sometimes cycle on the bike for a relaxed 20mins. I try to cut out all the unnecessary runs during the week like a 5 miles steady as I believe that it has very little benefit and only adds to the fatigue. Quantity fused with quality.
Well, if he is doing this level of training each then fair play to him. It's fairly intense and would lead to breakdown in plenty of the guys I know (myself included).
I'm sure many of us who have never had the chance to go at our training 'full-time' are curious to see what we are capable of if we put everything into it. Perhaps thats why the idea has been met by such revulsion from some of the posters on here. They seem to feel he is getting a chance he doesn't deserve or somthing. Lets be honest though. Anyone can say their goals is the Olympics and ask for help. That a long way from being given cash to pursue a flight of fancy.
I think the fact that elite running requires such hard work and commitment is blinding him to the fact that sub 2.15 and Olympic selection requires somthing additional (considerable natural ability). But good luck mate and enjoy the ride.