“Elite” track clubs in Phoenix

Looks like a fat NO

WU Semi pro wrote:

Ok letsrun... I’m putting my fate in your hands. I’m a soon-to-be graduated D1 runner from a power 5 school with track times in the 14:0Xs, 8:0Xs and 4:0Xs for 5k, 3k and mile. I am moving from the north to Phoenix for a job but I want to pursue my career as a washed up semi pro runner as well. Are there any “elite” track clubs or groups in the area that I could join? I’m not talking the hobby jogger running store groups but like actual groups that’s I could join and expect to improve and be in good company. Maybe I’ll do McKirdy trained ;). Also if anyone in the area needs a roommate... I’d be happy to consider you.

You’re out of luck. I’d contact Cory Leslie at AZSt to verify your lack of options, but I think you’re on your own. Obviously, flag is up the road; but that’s not going to be feasible for a daily scenario. Pete Julian takes his crew to Phoenix each winter, but I think you’d be persona non grata at those sessions. Even Steve Scott trained alone as a Phoenix resident, and that was >30 years ago.

It's a big enough area that there's got to be a handful of sub 14:30 5k from college guys in the area or roughly 4:10 mile guys, you could start something.

Altis

Just take the leap, and go out there. There are plenty of people around your ability, and better, get out and meet them. You'll find your way, whether it be a specific group, or private coach, or none at all. You just gotta go there.

But don't support McKirdy Trained. The guy lied to get where he is today, claiming that he was an Olympic Trials Qualifier when he never was, and is still inflating other results to this day. It's a slap in the face to all actual Trials Qualifiers, and simply to anyone who's ever gone out for a job and unfortunately lost a job to someone who lied about their achievements.

The following is a link to a screen shot from a mass email campaign announcing James' employment at Fleet Feet Sports back in 2015 where it states "He qualified for the Olympic Trials in the Decathlon before injury sidelined him,...". After he was called out about this, and asked to provide proof of his qualification, he could not produce any result backing his "achievement" because he simply did not ever qualify for any Olympic Trials.

https://ibb.co/C7sW905

Talk to the ASU track coach. I believe ASU and NAU sometimes have open track meets that will allow anyone to compete in.

Em Sisson

+1

1/10

No.

Your only option would be to search for 1 or 2 runners ok your level to train with. You'll have to organize it on your own. There are a small handful of fast runners at your level in the area, but overall at your level you will be disappointed.

James is on there boards hourly. Why no defense?

Talk to Sara Slattery at Grand Canyon University.

Cause his only defense would be to admit that this is true. The snippet is from a Fleet Feet West Hartford email blast, as noted towards the bottom of the article, and they received immediate criticism from locals who knew the truth about McKirdy's accolades, or lack there of.