Unpopular opinion: he needs to find a way to still get coached by salazar. You think it’s hard, I’m sure it’s possible. I believe that would bring him closer to his old self
Does anybody think he could coach? Clearly he has to have the Salazar philosophy down to a T. I was not surprised Ritz turned to coaching with his methodical logging of work outs and the number of coaches he had. Could Rupp help up and coming runners?
Absolutely, the Top Runners know just about everything about base work, diet, setting up programs, peaking, tapering, hard days easier, moderate days and phases when to rest, when to work very hard, how many and how intense to do intervals, gradual progression etc, The top runners are more knowledgeable then over 99% of the High School Coaches and over 90% pf the college coaches, Rupp would make a great Distance Coach as a College Coach, His Name Recognition gives him a leg up on Recruiting, And Recruits would think he has been where I want to be, he knows what it takes to get there, One problem with someone at his level, The OVERWHELMING MAJORITY of the kids he coaches will NOT be as dedicated as he is.
I think he has a few more Years, he was hurt today, Maybe he can run Valencia in December or Tokyo to get a fast time, Many though Cam Levins was past his prime, but he ran great today, Why not Rupp?
Does anybody think he could coach? Clearly he has to have the Salazar philosophy down to a T. I was not surprised Ritz turned to coaching with his methodical logging of work outs and the number of coaches he had. Could Rupp help up and coming runners?
I just don't see him coaching. Just because someone was a great athlete doesn't mean they a) want to coach b) can be a great coach.
Bill Rodgers was a great runner, but his personality is just not that of a coach. I'd say the same thing about Rupp.
Personally, as a trail runner, I would love to see Rupp tackle the trails. Not necessarily ultras, but maybe the Sierre-Zinal or even just the Trail Half Champs. But he has never indicated an interest and hasn't run an xc race in forever so probably never.
He's going to troll this board for the next 3-4 years, running the odd 10K in 29-mid just to stir things up a bit. He'll give up the super shoes, experience a brief resurgence, and finish 6th at the 2028 marathon trials.
Personally, as a trail runner, I would love to see Rupp tackle the trails. Not necessarily ultras, but maybe the Sierre-Zinal or even just the Trail Half Champs. But he has never indicated an interest and hasn't run an xc race in forever so probably never.
I'd love to see anybody move to the trails but I don't think Galen's rhythm running style is suited for that
I'm with KtG here - Joe Gray is older than Galen and still the mid-distance trail king in the US, but I just don't think Galen is built for mountain/trail running. Conner Mantz maybe.
He probably has a few good runs left in him if he can get the injury bug under control. A few nice appearance checks will top him off for heading into retirement. Running a 2:09 while stopping shows he's no slouch even at his age.
Post running he may move into coaching or some other running related profession...or maybe he won't.