What does it mean if your coach wants you to run the steeplechase?

Been coaching 20 years in D3. When I transition runners to the steeple, it’s mostly due to them being awkward or just weird. You know, the guys who everyone kind of talks bad about when they aren’t around. I can keep them all separate from the important event groups (1500/5000) without having to cut them outright. When other coaches and I watch the steeple at conference we always swap stories about these social misfits to share, so I know this is common outside of my team as well.

That’s funny! On this team all the distance people practice together almost all of the time, so it’s mostly about race day, so I don’t think social isolation is the key motivator. The athlete in question is very well regarded by their teammates too, though I have no idea if the coaches think they are weird or a bad influence.

It simply means that there are two faster guys than you this season in 1500/5000, and you can pick up some points for the team. There are three positives to take from it..

(a) you get to boast about how much tougher you and your event are

(b) training for it is actually quite interesting

(c) you will actually get to race more often that if you didn't have this skill.

Train smart and consistently, and later when you are one of the fastest on the team you will have the pick of the races.

Thank you for the serious response. Figured it was more likely a commentary of the current roster makeup than either a truly negative comment on long term prospects in the 1500/5000 or a positive comment about unique steeple talent. Do you think all steeple runners start out this way because the other events are full, or are there things that a coach might see that would lead them to believe that and athlete has a chance for greater long term success in the steeple and best to start at it early?

Probably means the coach thinks they can score some points. Only way to figure that out is run some races.

Most likely just a question of there being faster teammates in the flat races...although on some teams basically every distance runner does hurdle drills, and coaches will sometimes spot potential SCers in those.
I had a guy who was mostly an IHer in high school but clearly (as a freshman) showed good xc ability--eventually he was #1 on the team--so targeting the steeple for him was a no-brainer.

It's too bad more states dont include the steeple in HS. In the northeast we often put excellent athletes who have the ability to change gears and have good strength and mobility in the event. It's not like you cant be a very good steeplet and not a very good 3200 meter runner and CC runner

Essentially no one runs the steeple in high school so that isn't even a factor. Every distance runner should give steeple a try. If I was a coach I'd make every freshman give it a serious go. If you happen to have what it takes to hurdle and run fast you're one of a select few who can be competitive in the steeple.

Sure, many steeplers aren't the fastest at flat events. But the fastest at flat events aren't going to be the fastest steeplers either. Running the steeplechase well takes a special breed.

Some might see it as a demotion (probably depends on how the coach views the event) but it doesn't necessarily have to be that way. If I were the coach it would be a compliment that I thought you had what it takes to be successful.

Coach thinks you're slow.

It’s based on the coach wanting you to have success in college and seeing qualities in you that translate well to the event. quit being a diva and learn how to do it. he’s doing you a favor.

The athlete is my child. Overall, they are a very good athlete, very flexible and coordinated and pretty fearless, so maybe steeple is going to be a good fit. In race 1 their foot slipped pushing off the water barrier mid race and they took a full bath, but they just got up and caught the pack and passed a few back and finished towards the front. The coaches were very pleased with the tenacity, and the team all got a good laugh.

They don't.

A key trait for steeplechase is size and ability to overcome the start stop rhythm of the barriers. I was put into steeple as freshman, had some success and liked the challenge. Had one team mate coach would let him run steeple for fear of getting hurt or and another being too short. So maybe he thought I was expendable but so what. I liked that crowd would not leave stands at start of steeple. They wanted to see the crashes, like NASCAR. Unlike 10k when most left to go get snacks. Oh and those 2 coach didn’t want to run steeple found success in other events. Like 2nd place at Boston marathon and other had US half marathon record for 20 years. I enjoyed the event and had decent success, 8:42 eventually.

If I could only watch one track event it would be steeple. Not too long and not too short and the jumps are always a little suspenseful.

I always thought that's where the good xc runners who weren't as good on a flat track wound up.

Steeplechase is for the dudes who can't get it done in the 1500m, 3000m, or 5000m.

It means your coach thinks you could score points in the steeplechase at conference. Take it as an endorsement.

Do you believe that 200 meter runners aren't good enough for the 100, that 400 meter runners aren't good enough for the 200, that 800 meter runners aren't good enough for the 400, that 1500 meter runners aren't good enough for the 800 etc....?

Just curious. Does your non-binary child compete on the men's or the women's team?

My college coach once put me in the steeplechase, just hoping for some points. One lap, and I walked off the track. My only DNF ever!