If true, it's his worst "healthy" performance as a pro. Not sure what can be done to right the ship. I don't think he's done, but he sure races like it.
What's the excitement about this guy? I don't understand it. He has a 2:10 best which puts him around 20th best American currently. His best at NCAAs was 3rd. He doesn't have a national chapmionship. His personal bests on the track are barely sub 28 and not sure if he has broken 13:30.
Elite but certainly not close to the amount of focus he gets. 25k American record? Lol what is that?
Actually thought about this after seeing the result today. You know, he was running well under Hudson, then went to Ritz, and things have just seemed to fall apart since then.
I'm not a huge fan of Roots Running. But, he's bounced around quite a bit, and can't seem to control himself and workouts. His social media post make it seem like he has two or three terrible months, and then has a good month, and then thinks that he's ready to do something special.
I honestly think he just needs a little consistency, and needs to dial it back a little bit.
It wasn’t a world-beating performance either, but he ran a lot better at the TC 10 Mile/US 10 Mile champs in Minneapolis/St Paul earlier this month (47:13/11th). That’s equal to what, a 1:03-flat? And on a much harder course. Clearly something was off I. Valencia.
Parker has always been a lightning rod—getting disproportionate attention for his performances, be they good or bad—and has struggled with immaturity at times during his life and career, but to the OP, that you hunk he should retire says more about you than it does about him or his quality as a person or runner.
I believe the dude had a surgery in early 2020, races didn't really happen for a while. Rallied to a 2:12 marathon this year, not his best but certainly not bad, and ran like 47:10 for 10 miles a couple weeks ago. The potential is still there. It wouldn't be shocking if he ran 2:10 or 2:11 somewhere between now and the trials. Should he have a big contract? That could be up for debate, but should he 'retire'? I say no.