I knew him reasonably well in high school. I saw his first win in a varsity outdoor race in 9th grade (a 9:30 2 mile with a terrific kick - I had run 9:20 as a ninth grader but with no terrific kick - he appeared very talented, way beyond what I did in 9th grade). I mentioned to his coach at this meet that I thought he was a bona fide 4 minute mile talent, and his coach, without any sense of puffery, agreed.
The owner of the local running store, a knowledgeable running guy, confirmed my opinions, feeling even more strongly about his potential. I met Alan over the next few years, and there is no way he was on PED's in high school. He did remind me of a thoroughbred, coltish in demeanor, and a bit high strung and passionate. Hardly unusual for a young miler, and indeed, likely positive attributes for a middle distance runner. Alan had wheels, really unusual speed in high school, and he was whippier back then, relying less on power than he did a few years hence.
I do remember the week before his 3:53 race, and his coach and team were expecting a sub-four performance. I think they believed the 3:53 was a bit of a surprise and perhaps not easy for him to replicate immediately, but, heck, it was in a race with El G in great conditions, and he was dragged along. No PED's - either - it just wasn't the case. He was a middle class kid from a good family in suburban Reston - that's who he was.
I wish him well, and I wish his young family well too. My feeling is that he is now an ecstatic father of his daughter, as he well should be. He has a lot to be proud of.