Notachance wrote:
Old forum yes, but I think the fact that he ran a 25:30 5k proves his inability
You should have posted the entire quote:
"Phelps: That was the worst idea in the world. We did a turkey trot, and I think I’m still dealing with plantar fasciitis. I don’t run, and I don’t do anything outside of the water. It’s been a painful recovery. I don’t know if I’ll ever do that again. I did win it, so I think I’m going to retire on top there."
He was injured. A 25:30 with acute plantar fasciitis is worth slightly more injury free.
But it also shows once again what happens to elite swimmers and cyclists - they got the aerobic capacity of a Bekele and El Guerrouj but the legs of a completely sedentary chainsmoker. No wonder they get all kind of injuries when they are in such a good shape that they can run with barely any effort but completely overloading their (running-specific) leg muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones and sinews.
Armstrong was dealing with shin splints for many years. All those elite runners and swimmers COULD be amazing runners, if they only would run with very slow people when they start out to hold them back and give their legs time to adapt to all the pounding. Their aerobic capacity alone is enough to run a 4:30 mile once they get the legs to that level.