Thank you for all of the memories, Alan.
He has to be one of the most polarizing runners we've seen in a long, long time. If this is indeed the end (I honestly believe it is), you have had a career many American runners would dream of.
From high school until now, many of us have been your biggest supporters, both in good times and bad.
At the end of the day, family is more important. Go back, enjoy the birth of your child, be with your wife and be happy in whatever you choose to do.
uh oh
Would you like that with wasabi or peanut curry sauce?
go away webb
Old Man Runner wrote:
Thank you for all of the memories, Alan.
He has to be one of the most polarizing runners we've seen in a long, long time. If this is indeed the end (I honestly believe it is), you have had a career many American runners would dream of.
From high school until now, many of us have been your biggest supporters, both in good times and bad.
At the end of the day, family is more important. Go back, enjoy the birth of your child, be with your wife and be happy in whatever you choose to do.
I agree - except for that part about it being the end.
I remember watching him break 4 indoors at the armory in high school, what a performance. I've been a huge fan ever since. Plenty of ups and downs, but one hell of a career.
I just don't think its over. Even listening to the interview after the race - the fire still burns. He may get away for a little while, but I think he will come back. I'll be rooting for him when he does.
He is 29.5 right now. He can be a contender at worlds for the next 2 years in 5k/10k.
DFL his heat
get some hair get a real job
Based on what?
Gordon wrote:
He is 29.5 right now. He can be a contender at worlds for the next 2 years in 5k/10k.
I honestly find it sick the amount of hate this guy gets. Watching his interview on Flotrack honestly makes me so sad and feel for the guy. He's a genuine dude and explains how he's been giving it all. I find it funny how all the ignorant gaunt t wats on letsrun love to rip on this guy. He's not doing it for anyone else but himself, and honestly he seems devastated. I hope he can come back
fgfg wrote:
DFL his heat
get some hair get a real job
Well, he took care of the first part, time for him to handle the 2nd. He is a really nice guy, I think he ought to get a job with Nike and call it a day.
No American miler has had the spotlight and pressure other than Jim Ryun I can recall. It was a huge albatross to run that freaking amazing 3:53 in high school but it will always remain in my mind the most excitement track has ever given me watching that on tv. Mind blowing and unbelievable. I kind of wish he never had that race and could have developed without that pressure. Every race he ran he had the spotlight and I wish he could have just enjoyed the sport and racing and taking lumps sometimes and hitting it other times like other great milers like Jim Spivey and Steve Scott with long careers.
I wonder if he ever experienced fun in the sport and being so blessed to be be able to experience the world class competition and travel. Once that is over life will never be the same.
F**k everyone here if they can't be serious for one of the US' greatest runner's end. He had a tumultuous but inspiring career that can be directly linked to a lot of the success the US is having with its current crop of athletes. I remember his highs and his lows, but in the end his achievements will stand for the inspiration they brought aspiring high school students everywhere all seeking to match his high school career and beyond. It is not often an athlete like him comes by and when his time to depart us arrives it should be a time in which we reflect upon his career positively and learn from it, not tarnish a man who lived under the weight of the world.
Whatever you may decide, Alan, enjoy life and your family, you have had too much stress and it is time for you to taste the other side of life.
America's King of the Mile
High School American Record holder in the mile.
American Record holder in the mile.
I don't see either of those going down anytime soon, and his High School record will likely last many decades.
He has proven he can throw down with the best in the world (Paris, 2007), just never all came together at the big show.
Been watching him since 2000, never gave up hope for him, but his 1500/mile days are almost definitely over. If there is a comeback, it will be in the 5000 or 10,000. I would very much look forward to seeing that, but if not, thanks for the memories.
(Wish I had the video of the 2005 USA Champs to post, he made the country's elite look like a bunch of high schoolers)
Are you guys crazy?? Give him one more year of interrupted training and hell be back. He hasn't had that in several years. He just needs to get his base back.
I have not heard that one before...
Martin van Buren wrote:
He just needs to get his base back.
I hope he stays with it for another 2 years or so. Maybe go for some longer stuff like 5k/10k+
Alan should try the 20K racewalk a shot.
BTW,
Webb is not "polarizing," track fans on this board are just idiots sometimes.
Maybe he is confusing or frustrating because he hasn't had the dream consistent career that American track fans hope for.
went back and watched his 3:53 and then his interview on letterman. he did a great job on letterman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=ouv3sM60aaE
hope he toughs it out and can get back on track. i have to think he might have something left for a run at a 5k spot next year.
ANYBODY dissing Webb BADLY wishes they had 1% of his success.
How was Webb's coaching this past 1-2 years??
Overwhelmingly, Webb's been at his best with Raczko- INarguable. Raczko coached him to multiple titles, a world top 10 finish, a 3:46 mile, as well as 1:43 & 27:34. One of his worst years with him, was Webb finishing 5th at the 2008 trials. Out of many years with Raczko, Webb was usually in insane shape to run fast.
Maybe he can't get quite that fast again- but he's better than what he's shown since leaving Raczko in 2008.