Shalane Flanagan Parts Ways With Coach John Cook

Rowbury didn't really lose two training partners. From what I understand, these women all trained on their own for most of the year.

I think Rowbury will benefit the most from this. She now has one of the best US distance coaches all to herself.

J.R. wrote:

2 words, 4 syllables: wrote:

prima donna

Cook does seem to be the professional one here, apparently having not much idea of what happened. He's a great coach, continues to do his job well, nothing more can be asked or expected of him.

I have to say that Shalane's husband will not fill the gap.

And fine, if you don't want training to be strict then don't expect to be a professional runner.

She should go with Hudson, he'll be happy to blow smoke up her rear.

Hudson is a horrible fit. Many of these athletes require way too much attention.

Ritz trains alone even though he is part of a group. This would be tough for Brad to keep them both happy.

I can't think of a case where a top athlete changed coaches mid-career-peak and improved... maybe she'll be the first.

According to Erin, who is still down in Mexico training with Shalane, Flanagan is extremely fit. Maybe in the best shape since she has known Flanagan. They go back alot of years. So,I quess this will be the first case. Trust me,Cook did not want to lose Shalane as an athlete.

Fitness isn't the whole picture, not by a long shot.

Mahon or Hudson

Mahon or Salazar would be interesting so see how these two could develop her more. I know Salazar has said he would not take on anymore athletes do to his health but would be pass up the chance to coach Shalane if he had it. Two best 10k runners in the US training together and Amy Begley. That would be sick. I know Goucher is making the move to the marathon but still a good group.

Oh,really, fitness isn't the whole picture? Explain that to a certain coach when you get to runners heaven. Rowbury picked the Steelers this past weekend, what's her line on Flanagan to break the US indoor 5k record this weekend? I'll bet her fitness level carries her to another US record.

BINGO wrote:

Money talks wrote:

Perhaps money was the issue. Fired her agent AND her coach. Now her spouse Is filling both roles. Hopefully this isn't a case of penny wise and pound foolish.

Agent was a money issue and a smart one on her part. Coach doesn't cost that much so I doubt that was it.

BINGO, what do you know? You though Ray Flynn was her agent...

fUrCeOsNhN wrote:

J.R. wrote:

I have to say that Shalane's husband will not fill the gap.

http://www.flotrack.org/videos/coverage/view_video/249/64864-episode-7-shalane-flanagan

I would agree.

Wow. is that chick OCD or what?

I wonder if the issue was something a bit less controversial. Doesn't Cook live in Florida while Shalane lives outside of Chapel Hill? I would bet that Shalane wanted Cook to be more hands on, while Cook probably doesn't want to move to NC. I know Cook has turned down top athletes citing that he is looking to wind down his career.

Her husband is now both her agent and coach? Sounds like this was more his idea than Shalane's.

Sounds like a recipe for success!

Garnett wrote:

According to Erin, who is still down in Mexico training with Shalane, Flanagan is extremely fit. Maybe in the best shape since she has known Flanagan. They go back alot of years. So,I quess this will be the first case.

Your logic is backwards.

Let's see how she is doing after a 2 year vacation and more injuries.

Drop agent and coach all at once... signing huge contracts after a great year.... it's all about the money.

Good luck to her, it's not like you were doing so great pre-Cook.

Really foolish...

he must have really offended her somehow.

It's not all about the money. It's about running faster. Cook has his coaching limits. When does Rowbury move on??

I believe the comment of Shalane and Cook not seeing eye to eye personally or professionally says it all. Maybe the coach felt close enough to recomend she take her "training" to the next level, especially while in Mexico. wink, wink, wink. She wasn't willing to go to that next step and decided to distance herself publically before the house of cards crumbles.

Anyone know why Cook was fired at George Mason after winning a NCAA team title?

I agree that it's definitely more complex than just being "all about the money".

I think everyone is forgetting that both Shalane and Erin left. Why both? If it was just about Shalane wanting more money, or being unhappy with the training, or wanting a coach that could be with her in ten years, or any kind of selfish reason, why would Erin also leave?