I'd like to point out that he mentioned that the temperature was not ideal. Even Trevor Dunbar ran a slowish time for himself (13:39?). I believe that might have slowed the pace up. It is safe to say that he is probably more like 13:40ish shape in an ideal weather conditions.
I was not being childish. Many of you are just bringing up the same points over and over again and contribute (until this post really) any new information. It's really pathetic how many of you just state the same phrase 'Solinsky hasn't run X and therefor is DONE.' That my friend is childish. You are assuming way to much about his training, his goals and his focus by dismissing him that easily.
If he is marathon focused, why should his 1500m be any faster than last year? I doubt (and I know it is contradicting for me to say this) he is any X times 400m workouts right now. I doubt he is doing anything to focus on his 1500m except for running 1500m races. That is a SAFE guess because he stated (in his interview) that he feels those races were like sprints. Why? Because he is focusing on longer and slower runs. Safe guess.
For me to make a specific concrete prediction would put me at the same level as all you naysayers who are ready to put a nail in the coffin. I am not going to predict that next year Solinsky will run X time. I will predict that you will see more of the old (young?) Solinsky next year.
Solinsky has always been a bounder. Very much unlike Rupp who has a high frequency.
It is funny how your name is 'Logic' and that your post is filled with illogical beliefs.
I am glad you can point out the obvious, just like 90% of other posters here have stated. Yes, Solinsky has run 13:50. Yes, that is 27 seconds slower than last year. One thing I don't think you understand is the main focus right now. Marathon training can DEFINITELY bring your 5k down that much, especially if you are not FOCUSING on running track but FOCUSING on running a fall or spring marathon and some fall road races. He has been quiet open about how things have been going the past year since his comeback. He has not mentioned an injury, he is just being cautionary and changing his primary FOCUS away from the TRACK. Want me to say that again?
Once again you guys have these bold predictions. You guys will definitely eat crow when the time comes.
Hey. Great job dude. I am sure you are just a master coach then huh? How many elites have you trained? What is your 5k pr? marathon? Make sure to back it up with some legit sources. Because I am SURE that you are just so wise for coaching an elite athlete like Chris. I am sure Schumacher would love to hear what you have to say.
'You should already have that under distance speed before the marathon specific work.' Okay! That is some pretty good advice! I wonder what a good way to get the 'under distance speed' would be? How about, after getting a good training base in, Solinsky should go to EUROPE and just do some low-key races where he can fine tone some of that 'under distance speed' and do some road races in the fall (like the Beach to Beacon 10k??) and then a spring marathon!
Sounds like a GREAT PLAN. Because that is almost EXACTLY what he is doing. But your blind ignorance won't see the bigger picture. You are so wrapped up in the here and now.