So, Alan Webb will be joining the Oregon Project and will place himself under the training supervision of Alberto Salazar. (See article on Webb in USA Today.) It's another fascinating new chapter in the career of Webb, the fastest American ever at 1500m, but a runner whose disappointing performances in major events overshadow his immense talent and impressive PRs.
I can't help but feel the real story here is the ascendancy of Alberto Salazar as the pre-eminent coach of American distance runners. In the USA Today article, Salazar says he was "completely surprised" by the overture from Webb. Salazar has never coached a major 800/1500 runner. Will he be able to unlock Webb's potential? Will he turn Webb into a 5000m runner with a devastating kick?
One thing is for sure, Salazar has the self-confidence to take on America's most enigmatic runner, and won't be intimidated by all that talent. In one of his first comments, Salazar says the heavily-muscled Webb won't touch a weight for six months. "He has to lean out," says the oracle of Oregon.
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4 comments:
American Bernard Lagat has run faster than Webb over 1500m. Perhaps you meant 1609.3m?
Wish I used that term "lean out" when trying to get all those guys down to size 30 waist. They might have relaed better to it.
Webb has displayed such talent at times, but hasn't been able to showcase it consistently. One would guess or assume that his issues are mental given his pedigree. In different interviews he seems to be on an emotional roller coaster, riding the clouds or subdued in frustration. Let's hope that Salazar can bring some Zen and vision to his mindset. The fact that Alan is choosing a sea change on his own accord bodes well for his future.
I have always felt that Alan Webb made a poor choice to leave the University of Michigan and Ron Warhurst. I think there's something to be said for the American NCAA system. I think that not only does it allow collegiate runners the opportunity to gain valuable training and racing experience but it also allows them an opportunity to leave the nest of their parents and their homes and spread their wings a little as individuals.
While I agree that some of Webb's problems have been mental, I also believe that part of his inability to stay focused and produce the best results possible was his unwillingness to embrace change. We can't continue to have success in any aspect of our lives if we don't learn to take risks and work with change.
By moving across the country and switching coaches, I believe this is the first risk that Alan has embraced since spending his freshman year at Michigan.
I wish him much luck and hope that he and Salazar both have success in this next chapter of the Alan Webb saga.
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