Alberto and Nike started the Nike Oregon Project in August 2002 with the best group of young hopefuls to make an impact in the MARATHON.
Dan Browne-several time national champ
Chad Johnson-25k national champ
Phillemon Hanneck--27:20 before becoming a US citizen
Mike Donnelly--28:10 10k guy (finished 3rd in the 2004 Trials in 10k)
Dave Davis--Portland kid that made the World Cross Team in Both long and short course and was then added to the group.
THIS GROUP WAS SET UP TO MAKE AN IMPACT IN THE MARATHON. These guys credentials were the best available in the US at the time.
The combined success of these guys was Dan Browne running 2:11:45 in Twin Cities and eventually 2:12:30 to make the Olympic Team in 2004.
Keep in mind that this guy is a 27:45 10k guy that ran his best marathon under the WCAP coaching. His 2:11:45 was 5 weeks after joining the group and NEVER equalled again.
The rest of the group had no one break 2:18. Keep in mind that THIS GROUP WAS SET UP TO MAKE AN IMPACT IN THE MARATHON.
Why is Alberto thought of as a Marathon coach? Who is his best male athlete marathoner?
Terrance Mahon has done better.
Bob Larsen has done better.
Brad Hudson has done better.
Greg McMillan has done better with less talent.
Hansons have done better with way less talent.
All of the coaches have coached faster men marathoners without the resources that are afforded Alberto. Why?
Before you try telling me that he has done a great job with Kara Goucher, I will tell you that she has under achieved in the marathon.
Her Marathon PB is 2:25:53.
That is equivelant to a 1:09:14 half marathon. She has run 1:06:57.
Her marathon is also equivelant to a 31:17 10k. She has run 30:55.
So currently Kara has underachieved in the marathon. In other words her best marathon has not been as good as her best 10k or half marathon.
I believe that Kara would run sub 2:20 with any of those other coaches that I listed.
NOW WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM ADAM GOUCHER? A 2:17:50 would make him his second best EVER.