by Larry Eder
Galen Rupp, Alberto Salazar, Mo Farah, photo by PhotoRun.net
PORTLAND (USA): Oregon Project coach Alberto Salazar says that he thinks Mo Farah should not run another marathon until after the 2016 Olympics, report RunnersWorld. Salazar explained that he was disappointed by Farah’s 2:08:21 debut, adding „Part of me doesn’t like to see Mo get beat, but the fact that he did makes his decision clearer, „Let’s stick with what he’s best at in the world.” He says that he is open to the idea of Farah competing at the Commonwealth Games, but no decision has been made yet. He also revealed that Olympic silver medallist Galen Rupp will probably open his outdoor season over 5000m at the Occidental High Performance Meet in California (May 15)and then do a 5000m or 10000m at the Prefontaine Classic.
Rupp, Tanui, Farah, Moscow 2013, photo by PhotoRun.net
(Editor’s note: If you do not take chances, you are not human. Everyone can moan about Mo trying the marathon, but Farah’s marathon debut did several things. First, it was the sports media event of the year in England (or, it should be), second it promoted the Virgin Money London marathon like no other. Mo Farah showed class as he always does. Mo blamed no one and took his 2:08:21 race in stride. But he said something more telling. Mo Farah noted that it was first race in long time that he did not feel in control.
Part of Mo Farah’s genius is his relaxed ability to control his races, over 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters. Glad to see him considering the track once again. Galen Rupp is coming along just fine. A thoughtful young man, who is comfortable in his own skin, with the weight of the US on his back at times, Galen keeps a good sense of humor and private life that is private, which allows him to train, race and work to be the best.
Alberto Salazar? I have known Alberto since our junior year in college. Intense? Some might say that. Alberto Salazar wants the best for his athletes, as do all coaches. The difference is, he has the support of Nike behind his athletes. The things that make a good coach are also the things that some find a challenge. But, to his athletes, this coach helps prepare them, so that they can race to their limits.
It will be fascinating to see how Mo and Galen do over the next couple of years.)
