Can't say I'm surprised to see this transition. Realistically, she has little chance of making a team in the steeple now (the depth on the women's side has increased a lot) and its ultimately an obscure track event (to the casual fan's eyes at least). From a marketing perspective, the longer roads stuff is a much better bet.
She is doing a half marathon in early Feb., but I believe she only said she wants to EVENTUALLY do a marathon and plans on doing steeplechase in outdoor track still this year.
Not a lot of fast women really give the marathon a good shot until they're nearing retirement. The few who do are our near 2:20 types of runners. She's not exactly a speedster and more of a strength runner, so her running 9:21 steeple last year shows some upside. I could see a high 68 at Mesa next month, and a 2:26 marathon in the next couple years if she doesn't get injured in the buildup which is the largest obstacle.
I think she is the most likeable pro/runfluencer out there. Runfluencer is not a derogatory term in this case, she puts out silly content in addition to being a legit pro.
I'd imagine she's talented enough to be competitive on the marathon scene at a national level within a few years, and marathons are easier to follow than the trail circuit.
The pro-running world needs to be wider. Just because you finish 4th, and don't make the world team or olympic team, doesn't mean you have to go away. I root for Allie, and look forward to her videos.
She is doing a half marathon in early Feb., but I believe she only said she wants to EVENTUALLY do a marathon and plans on doing steeplechase in outdoor track still this year.
The Mesa Half Marathon is super flat too. It’ll be interesting to see how well she does (wish it was televised!).
She will probably run something decent, but not spectacular. I bet she competes in some small time marathons and places well in those and if she runs New York or Boston she probably finishes mid 2:20s on a good day as others have already said.