How should a PRO runner retire?

I think that the discussion of when to retire largely doesn't matter. At the pro level, finances come into play, and it makes it very unlikely that a professional is going to retire when they are running at their best. These performances during their declining years don't seem to affect "legacy" much either (e.g. looking at Ryan Hall, Shalane, Goucher, Ritz, Webb, Teg, Kennedy, etc.)

The one thing I do think worth discussing is that these pros go and DO something with their lives after pro running AWAY from the sport. Provide something for society. Become an engineer, physician, attorney, military servicemember, teacher, whatever. To waste away your ENTIRE life after pro running "coaching" or being affiliated with the sport in a full-time capacity is just sad. My former college teammates and I all agreed that our best coaches were not elite athletes themselves. There is plenty of time to still be around the sport while having a full-time job in another discipline.

How or when? Because if it's how, I like what wrestlers do. (Olympic, not WWF.) When they retire they leave their shoes on the mat after their last match. That's a cool symbolic gesture. I like the idea of leaving shoes at the finish line. (Out of the way, of course.)

Run as long as you can and get everything possible out of yourself. Spin down your career until the last minute possible.

[quote]Looky Here wrote:

that these pros go and DO something with their lives after pro running AWAY from the sport. [quote]

I think Frank Shorter has done pretty good after retiring.

[quote]Provide something for society. Become an engineer, physician, attorney, military servicemember, teacher, whatever.[quote]

Like Drs. Tony Sandoval, Bob Kempainen ?

Not sure if Uta Pippig ever practiced medicine, I do know she went to medical school and "Take the Magic Step" to provide health information and charitable support to individuals and to organizations that promote wellness and education. In 2005, she was named to the board of advisors of the MIT Agelab. In 2008, Pippig and Take The Magic Step™ business consultant Michael Reger created the Take The Magic Step Foundation™ to provide financial and logistical support to organizations that promote education, fitness, and health.

[quote]To waste away your ENTIRE life after pro running "coaching" or being affiliated with the sport in a full-time capacity [quote]

You mean like Alberto Salazar did? Yes, tragic.

Some runners retire before washed down. Ed Moses (after Olympic Bronze), El Guerrouj (Double Olympic Gold), Bolt (triple Olympic gold, silver world champion).

I think Allyson Felix should give the last try in Tokyo 2020 and finish on the podium in 400m and win Oly gold in relay and retire on his peak. Same way for Shelly an fracer, Bekele (if wins a medal at oly).

Go out with a bang like El G did.

You mean getting busted for doping before retirement

They should retire like Suzy Favor Hamilton...…...on top!

Suzie for the Win! wrote:

They should retire like Suzy Favor Hamilton...…...on top!

The idea I had to get to page 2 for this response? What has happened to the Message Board I know?

They should run to the top of Mauna Loa and toss themselves in.

How every legend should retire: Balls out breaking the tape at the local Turkey trot yelling "GOBBLE GOBBLE MFERRRRRRRRRRZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Generally, pro athletes of any sport don't get to choose when they retire unless they suffer a career-ending injury. They retire when their contracts expire or no one wants to sign them.

Ggjhhhh wrote:

However they want

It’s running so it only impacts themselves

Playing for the wizards at age 40 didn’t hurt Michael Jordan’s legacy

Michael Jordan taught us one thing about what NOT to do in retirement: don't grow a Hitler mustache.

1. Talk Big

2. Underperform

3. Race sparingly

4. Talk about what you’ve done in the past as if you could do it now.

5. Pick up as much appearance dollars at events without racing as this would expose you.

6 Take strong stances on drugs without ever admitting that you are using thyroid meds.

7. Skip the Olympic Trials because you are no longer good enough but blame it on outside factors. But act like you are taking a stand so that you can make it about you.

8. See if you can convince your shoe sponsor that you are an icon and will continue to push the brand and they can’t afford to lose you.

9. Start another business so that you can promote the business.

10. Once you have exhausted all of this and everyone is on to your game. RETIRE.

Speaking Frankly wrote:

Just sayin... wrote:

I wouldn't really call Cragg is a "legend." Granted she has an impressive resume, but even though her PB is better than someone like Desi, I don't put her in that same category.

Way ahead of Des. Faster PBs for every distance. An Olympian in more tha one event. An Oly Trials Champ.

None of that makes her a "legend." Linden's runs in Boston (both her win and near victory in 2012) are "legendary" and things people will talk about and remember for years to come. Cragg's performances, while impressive, are not the kind of things you remember or look back at years later. I had to look up the fact that she finished 9th (2016 marathon) and 11th (2012 10,000) at the Olympics. Not to mention her 2016 OT win marred by the Nike "cheater shoe" controversy.

1. Mother Nature won in 2018 Boston.

2. 2018 is the only Boston without an East African winning a title in 30 years.

3. 2018 Boston was won in the slowest winning times since prize money.

4. Des wore carbon plated prototype shoes in 2018 and every race since.

Be consistent.

Also Amy owned Des throughout college when they were teammates at ASU.

Unfortunately they also print finishing times in Results. Seconds under 2:40 will never be thought of as legendary, no matter what the weather conditions.