What would Rupp have run this weekend if he did things like the vast majority of other D1 runners: went to college straight from high school instead of being a pseudo-pro athlete for a year, then trained under his college's coach rather than a "private" coach? And class on campus 4-5 days a week?
Sure, he ran a blazing race and has plenty of talent, but how much of an edge is this stuff giving him? I'm guessing we would not have seen a 27:33 out of him, I'll go ahead and say it.
Rupp is a dick for making running his #1 priority and sacrificing the social and academic benefits of university.
Also, I'm fcking retarded.
You will start to see more and more extremely talented prep kids taking the "Rupp route." Just wait until he breaks Rono's 25-year old collegiate record in the 10k.
how much of an impact has Al Salazar had on him? would he have run a 27:33 without Salazar? Is Al Salazar better than someone like Wetmore?
Rupp is an exremely talented runner. AlSal being something of a whack job aside, he and Rupp seem to be a good fit.
I think Rupp might be even better with another coach, but I could be wrong he appears a bit eccentric too.
What would Bekele have run for 10k if he had treated running as a mere hobby? Sure, he ran a world record and has plenty of talent, but how much of an edge did his dedication to the sport give him? I'm guessing we would not have seen a 26:19, out of him, I'll go ahead and say it.
Lets just say... wrote:
What would Rupp have run this weekend if he did things like the vast majority of other D1 runners: went to college straight from high school instead of being a pseudo-pro athlete for a year, then trained under his college's coach rather than a "private" coach? And class on campus 4-5 days a week?
Sure, he ran a blazing race and has plenty of talent, but how much of an edge is this stuff giving him? I'm guessing we would not have seen a 27:33 out of him, I'll go ahead and say it.
you forgot about the breath right strips. they gave him a huge advantage
The difference is the age that Al started coaching Rupp. Most other sports begin even earlier such as basketball. Mike Conley jr was winning aau championships in the 5th grade. A couple years later a tall kid named Greg Oden showed up to play. There is always a backlash when someone suggests distance training even as late as the 7th grade.
It is no coincidence that Tiger started playing golf at 2 years old.
That is also not to say that every great 12 year old will be a great runner but if you have a bunch of 12 year olds who become great 15 year olds who become great 18 year olds, you have a much better chance of being great in your 20's.
It also shouldn't be a surprise that runners are again running great times. They are being coached by the great runners of the 70's/ 80's who know what it takes to be successful.