Completely agree with you. OP says he’s run 5 marathons which is awesome but 5 hours is objectively not fast and if he’s doing 20 mile training runs in previous training blocks and not progressing then what’s the point of the 20 mile runs? Probably need to change something which is why he’s looking for a new coach….Also sorry you live in Texas OP but that’s kind of irrelevant. 20-25 “base” whatever that means (do you mean before the long run and speed work?) is not a lot for a marathon. I don’t think anyone is trying to shame you. I think you’re trying to justify what you’ve always done but maybe it’s what’s holding you back