LetsRun had positive things to say about Jordan Hasay’s performance at the USATF meet. When Jordan ran for the University of Oregon, she had baffling, uneven results. Since she joined Alberto Salazar’s Nike OTC group, she’s improved steadily. From the LetsRun article:
Jordan Hasay is getting a lot better. Last year, Hasay wasn’t even in the NCAA 10,000 final. This year, she easily dropped the NCAA champion, Emma Bates….
Earlier this year, Hasay was getting destroyed in the final 300 of virtually every race she ran. Here, she kept things close until the final 50. Hasay couldn’t quite hold off the extremely tough [Kim] Conley, but she has to be happy with her first full outdoor season as a pro, as she should be. Five PRs and very nearly a U.S. title.
This is inspiring. It’s thrilling when an athlete starts to realize her potential after years of struggle. It’s doubly cheering when she’s guided by a coach who understands her special needs and isn’t interesting in using her to boost his own career and glory.
Hasay’s growth after college spotlights Arthur Lydiard’s belief about the U.S. college system – that it puts a big barrier in the path of a runner’s long-term development. The three competitive seasons in close succession tempt many coaches to work on speed rather than aerobic strength, which a runner must steadily improve if he wants to realize his full potential in college and after. It takes just six weeks of speedwork to realize anaerobic potential; but aerobic strength can be improved for years.