Coolsaet has written a great piece on this very subject on cbc.ca.http://www.cbc.ca/playersvoice/entry/canadian-record-or-olympic-glory-what-carries-more-weight-in-2016
Reid wrote:
"At 36 years old, marathoner Reid Coolsaet knows time is running out to break the 2:10 barrier. Chase the Canadian record or go for a strong finish in Rio?
That’s the question I’d been facing for months, as I prepared to set my schedule for the Olympic year."
Coolsaet chose the Olympics. That's something I'd almost always do as well but not in the case. I think I'd go for the record. He can still go for it and then try to do well at the Olympics just like all of the Kenyans.
1) In 40 years, no one will remember who was 12th in the Olympics but they will remember the Canadian record holder. Coolsaet admits himself that he think unless he's top 5 at the Olympics, Canadians would remember the record more.
2)He's 36 now. If he doesn't get it this spring, the Olympics mean he also won't get it next fall (well maybe he could do Fukuoka).
I do agree with him that it would suck to show up at some obscure marathon and find the weather wasn't good or there was no one to run with. And in 2016, there may not be any white dudes trying to run 2:09 anywhere.
So maybe he's making the right choice as maybe there are no good 2:09 races this year. It seems like Fukuoka or Tokyo next year would be the best bet.
Your thoughts?