American Track & Field

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Spring 2013 $5.95

Volume 20, Number 1

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contents

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images/IAAF

7 Publisher’s Note

10 Galen Rupp’s Other Coach, Dave Frank, Achieves Success, Finds Contentment

8 Starting Blocks 14 Jenn Suhr: The Sky’s the Limit

31 Exit 18 USATF Prepares for New Heights in Dynamic Olympiad 21 Aries Merritt Is An Effervescent Hurdle Perfectionist 24 2013 Spring Shoe Review

Group Publisher: Larry Eder, larry@runningnetwork.com Group Editor: Christine Johnson, christinej.ssm@gmail.com Advertising: Larry Eder, larry@runningnetwork.com Editor: James Dunaway, jodunaway@sbcglobal.net, 512.292.9022 Writers/Contributors: David Hunter, Dick Patrick, Cregg Weinmann, Mark Winitz Photographer: Victah Sailer/PhotoRun Layout/Design: Kristen Cerer Circulation Changes: shootingstarmediabiz@gmail.com

American Track & Field (ISSN 1098-64640) is produced, published and owned by Shooting Star Media, Inc., PO Box 67, Ft. Atkinson, Wisconsin 53538-0067. Copyright ©2013 by Shooting Star Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Publisher assumes no liability for matter printed, and assumes no liability or responsibility for content of paid advertising and reserves the right to reject paid advertising. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in any form without written permission of the Publisher.

American Track & Field is not related to or endorsed by any other entity or corporation with a similar name and is solely owned by Shooting Star Media, Inc. Publisher recommends, as with all fitness and health issues, you consult with your physician before instituting any changes in your fitness program.

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ATF_Spring 2013_ATF Summer 2011 6/10/13 10:48 AM Page 7

Publisher’s Note B

en True is one the best American distance runners that you may know little about.

On the Memorial Day weekend, in the heart of New York City, I was fortunate enough to see Ben True in the flesh.

In the past year, True has set personal bests at 1500 meters, 5000 meters, and 10,000 meters, and he led the U.S. senior men’s team to a bronze medal at the 2013 World Cross Country Champs.

“The footing was treacherous. The real job was to stay on your feet during the race.

I had hoped to be in the top-20; I had no idea that four of us would be in the top 20.” noted a relaxed True, prior to the adidas Grand Prix.

“I train mostly by myself. Most days, Mark Coogan, my coach, and I will be on the Dartmouth track. Most of the time, a few of the Dartmouth runners may watch me or join me for a few repeats, but the rest of the time, I run by myself,” he added.

On April 28 at the Payton Jordan Invitational, True outkicked Evan Jager, winning the 5000 meters in 13:14.40, the world leader.

On May 18 at the Oxy High Performance meet, True ran his personal best for 1500 meters.

When asked before the adidas meet that next Friday, how he would pursue the 5000 meters, True said he had no racing plan. “We will see how it goes.”

It went well. True was running against Hagos Gebrhiwet, a 12:46 runner at 5000m; Dejan Gebremeskel, silver Olympic medalist at 5000m; and Ibrahim Jelian, the WC gold medalist from 2011, who, after sprinting past Mo Farah, did a bullfight rendition that has to be seen to be believed.

In terrible, windy conditions, with cold not normally found in New York at the end of May, Gebrhiwet ran 13:10.03 to win the race. True finished fourth, battling Vincent Cheprok and Jelian, running 13:16.94.

Not his personal best, but probably the best race of his life. True has found, with coach Coogan, a system that works for him and allows him to grow as an athlete, both in racing savvy and in confidence.

Some athletes need a group to encourage them, and some athletes, like Ben True, enjoy the solitary time to train and reflect. As a coach, your challenge is to find out what your athlete needs.

Larry Eder, Publisher

Jiro Mochizuki, www.photorun.NET

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s ta rt i n g b l o c k s

Starting Blocks M

ary Cain set herself a high standard after her stupendous indoor season of six national high school/junior records, plus her first national indoor title, all while a high school junior and only 16 years old. But given her early performances in the outdoor season, she obviously knows what to do for an encore.

Still 16, she set a national high school record in the 1500 of 4:10.77 at the Drake Relays on April 27, running against a field that included five Olympians. After turning 17 on May 3, she stole the show at the May 18 Oxy High Performance Meet in Los Angeles. In a field of pros and collegians, she finished a close second overall and ran a stunning 4:04.62, setting high school and national junior records.

“I run to compete and learn,” said Cain. “So as I am racing, I don’t worry about the clock.” Of course, she added, “It’s always exciting for me to break a record, even when it is my own. It’s especially sweet, since it [came] as a surprise to me. It wasn’t until I crossed the line that I realized the true meaning of all that had just happened.”

Not only did Cain, who missed first place to Katie Mackey by 0.02 seconds, shatter her own high school record, she improved Suzy Favor Hamilton’s American junior record (4:09.10) by more than five seconds. Cain also achieved the A standard (4:05.30) for the World Championships. When you consider her U.S. national indoor title in the 1500 and her Oxy performance, she’s a contender for the August Worlds in Moscow.

In addition to running fast times, she has racing savvy, as shown by her indoor title in a slow, tactical race and her performance at Oxy. Entering the bell lap, Cain was seventh.

And with 200 meters to go, she was still in the middle of the pack before swinging wide into lane 3 and sweeping toward the leaders with an impressive kick.

“Although there are certain aspects of the race I need to improve on, such as not letting myself fade during lap three, and getting boxed in, I’m just thrilled I didn’t let my poor position with 200 to go dishearten me,” Cain said. “It also was exciting, for that race was far from ideal that last 300m, but I was still able to run a really fast time. This race will definitely give me confidence in the future.”

It’s only natural to predict great things in Cain’s future, considering her performances in recent months. A year ago, the high school record was Jordan Hasay’s 4:14.50. Cain’s record is nearly 10 seconds better, with another year left in high school. If she were a collegian, she would be No. 2 on the all-time list, behind 2011 world champ Jenny Simpson.

Cain is the No. 4 performer ever for a 16-year-old.

She has created the greatest stir for a female middle teen since Mary Decker Slaney at 14 beat the Russians in the 800 during the height of the Cold War in the 1970s.

Clearly Cain is no ordinary high school runner in terms of talent or situation. She does not compete for her high school, Bronxville (NY). For nearly a year, she has competed independently. Her coach is none other than Alberto Salazar, who writes her workouts, which are overseen by one of his assistants.

However, despite all that she has going for her, let’s rein in the enthusiasm. The track record for teen phenoms is not great. Just check the list of FootLocker cross country winners or the all-time lists for prep middle distance runners. Not

many of them were bound for running glory.

Slaney was an exception. She followed her teen success with U.S. records from 800 to 10,000, won the 1500/3000 double at the 1983 World Championships despite overracing that eventually led to too many injuries and surgeries.

Who knows what will happen with Cain? Will she compete in college or turn pro?

Let’s hope she avoids what coaches call the “black hole” for female middle distance and distance runners, which includes puberty, body changes, injuries and other conditions including eating disorders, anemia and mononucleosis.

Terry Crawford, a former women’s track/cross country coach at Texas and Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, who is now the Director of Coaching for USA Track & Field, has seen phenoms come and go. She lists three factors as crucial in determining success after high school.

Genetics. When female bodies mature and change, running efficiency and oxygen-carrying capacity are usually affected, causing a decline in endurance. “Bottom line is what their DNA is,” Crawford said. “That’s something a coach or environment is not going to change – it’s there. For a female that’s going to predict how they mature and how their body will change.”

Time will tell for Cain in this category.

Mechanics. Poor form can mean poor efficiency and injury. “I think this is where overall as a sport and as a coaching community, we’ve really leaped forward in terms of coaching—to recognize how running mechanics and the overall physical structure and strength add to performance in the distance events,” Crawford said. “In other words, it’s not just more mileage.”

Salazar has made improving Cain’s mechanics a priority and his athletes do all kinds of alternative training.

Support. A knowledgeable coach with a long-term view is ideal. So is having parents or an advisor who can act as a mentor during inevitable tough stretches. “Oftentimes a person starts to have a slump regardless of what time it is in their career,” Crawford says. “It’s very individual. If a runner can stay enthusiastic about the sport, continue to get the right support from both a coach and their support team— whether family or friends—then you see female athletes come out of that and take a leap in terms of their performance curve.”

With Salazar, who has had all kinds of coaching success and thus does not need to exploit Cain, and what appears to be a supportive family, Cain appears in good shape in this category.

Let’s hope she can develop without pressure and constant comparisons to others.

“She’s a very natural athlete,” Salazar told FloTrack after the Oxy meet. “She ran 4:11 last year so she’s run six seconds faster with me this year. That’s not a heck of a lot from a sophomore to a junior in high school. You should probably expect that much. She’s got a lot of talent. My job is to make sure that talent is fulfilled, that she doesn’t get injured. … I didn’t make Mary Cain – she was already made.”

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s ta rt i n g b l o c k s

Big Problems for Big City Races Big city marathons have never been easy to stage. But in recent months the job has gotten a lot tougher.

Last November’s superstorm Sandy caused the cancellation of the New York City Marathon. And in April the Boston Marathon was disrupted four hours into the event when two bombs near the finish line killed three people and injured nearly 200 others.

Suddenly these big city races have become harder to manage. The question is: What changes may come to such events?

Security certainly will increase.

But who will pay for it – the race, the city, the sponsors, higher entry fees?

And no matter what, the reality is you can’t have perfect security over an event that spans 26.2 miles and attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators along the route.

George Hirsch, the former Runner’s World publisher and now the New York Road Runner’s board chair, knows changes will result but isn’t sure what they will be.

“The Hurricane Sandy marathon cancellation and now Boston will have an indelible, long-time effect on major marathons,” he wrote in an email to the RW website. “Marathon organizers will now be looking at cancellation insurance, overall race security and

many other issues in a new light, and city governments, runners, television and other stakeholders will be asking many new questions that may help define the mega races of the future.”

After the Boston attack, President Barack Obama, who met with Boston Athletic Association staffers and volunteers, announced that the 118th Boston Marathon next year would be important – bigger and better than ever.

“Easier said than done,” said Dave McGillivray, the race director. “I know what he means. He really means the 118th Boston Marathon will be special. Now we have to figure out a way to make that happen.”

Cameron, 18, who attends Ridge Point High School, will run collegiately at Houston, where his father competed and is now head coach. Like his father, who also was a long jumper until he tore an anterior cruciate knee ligament while jumping, he also plans to be a long jumper.

Cameron said his college choice wasn’t a foregone conclusion. He also visited Florida, LSU, Kentucky, and Arizona State.

“They had a chance. I seriously considered other schools,” Cameron said. “I didn’t want people to feel like my dad made me come to Houston or anything like that. I just decided to make my own decision and felt like Houston was the best place for me.

“My dad is a former world record holder. You can’t find that in too many collegiate coaches. He’s probably the best coach out there. He coaches me every once in a while now, cause I do

most of my work with my high school coach [Aaron Macik]. When I get to Houston, hopefully, I can get the improvements to hopefully be one of the top sprinters in the United States.”

Cameron, who has run a windaided 10.07, has PRs of 10.36 in the 100, 21.17 in the 200 and 24-111⁄2 in the long jump, compared to his dad’s prep bests of 10.43, 21.81 and 24-21⁄2.

Cameron comes from a track family. Besides his father, who also set a world record of 9.85 in 1994 and was an Olympic gold medalist in 1992 in the 4x100 relay, his mother, Michelle Finn-Burrell, was also an Olympic gold medalist in 1992 in the 4x100. An aunt, Dawn Burrell, competed in the long jump in the 2000 Olympics.

“It’s a family thing,” Cameron said. “I want to keep everything going with the family and leave my own mark on the sport like my dad left his.

He’s my inspiration.”

she landed, she and coach Sheldon Blockburger headed right to the meet, where the high jump started at 1:15 in the cold, wind, and rain.

Barrett was satisfied with her third place at 6-31⁄4 behind Croatia’s Blanka Vlasic (6-41⁄4) and Sweden’s Emma Green Tregaro (6-31⁄4).

“I’m very proud of myself,” Barrett said. “I’m ready to transition into the pro life. I feel like I’ve matured a lot, and I’m able to handle competition mentally. I realize I can persevere through weather. The weather didn’t get to me at all. My shoes were still wet from the night before.

You have to decide that the weather is going to be a nonfactor because the

weather is always going to change. It’s moments like this that test your athleticism and your mental capacity as an athlete.”

Barrett now turns her attention to the NCAA meet, the U.S. nationals, and hopefully, the world championships in August in Moscow.

“I’m ready for it all,” she said. “I definitely have some things to work on technically. The mentality I’ve gained from competing in college and on the pro circuit has allowed me to gain composure that’s helped me staying up with a Blanka Vlasic.”

Asked about her goal for the season, she said, “World Champion. Put a Diamond League title under that.”

The Son Also Rises Cameron Burrell wasn’t sure of the year, but he knew his father, Leroy Burrell, had set a world record in the 100 meters at Randall’s Island in New York City in the 1990s. And he wanted to make sure he won at the same site in 2013, which he did in May at the adidas Grand Prix.

On a rainy day with temperatures in the 50s and 20-plus mph winds, Burrell won the high school 100 in 10.40 into a headwind. His father set the first of his two world records at Randall’s Island in 1991 at 9.90.

“It’s absolutely special to get the victory here just like my dad did,” said Cameron, who defended his 100 title in the Texas Class 4A meet this season and is the No. 4 sprinter nationally based on a 10.36 this season. “This victory means the world to me. My goal was to win this meet. I can scratch that off the list. I’ll go home see if I can go on to bigger and better things.”

Rising to the Occasion After Brigetta Barrett won the silver medal in the long jump at the London Olympics last year, she elected to return to Arizona for her senior season and postpone turning professional.

Still, she can’t wait to start a pro career, which she hopes to begin after a third NCAA title.

She got a taste of the pro life in late May. On a Friday, she competed in the NCAA regionals in Austin, TX. Because of weather delays, she didn’t complete her qualifying until shortly before midnight. Then it was back to the motel for some recovery work.

She got about three hours of sleep before catching a 6:15 a.m. flight to New York for the adidas meet. Once

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Galen Rupp’s Other Coach, Dave Frank, Achieves Success, Finds Contentment

By David Hunter

T

he pathway of life’s journey can prove complicated and unpredictable. It might begin by heading toward a planned destination, then veer off in another direction. It can be smooth, without impediments. And then, without warning, it’s rocky and difficult to traverse. Often the traveler can’t fully appreciate the path he has taken until he stops, looks back, sees where he has been and reflects on where he is now.

When Dave Frank surveys the course he has followed, he likes the pathway he has chosen and where it has taken him. The native Oregonian has come full circle, and as the fully immersed head coach of track and cross country at Portland’s Central Catholic High School, he has a compelling story that accompanies his travels.

Growing up in Gladstone, OR, just south of Portland, Frank was a successful high school runner where, under the tutelage of Wes Cook, he was a fivetime state champion in cross country and track. His future looked bright.

After being courted by several prominent Division I track powers, Frank selected Stanford and enrolled in the fall of 1980. He found himself a member of the usual group of particularly talented and dedicated distance runners—the kind Stanford seems to attract every year. As is frequently the case with successful high school athletes seeking to establish themselves in college, the transition from multiple-time high school state champ to contributing collegiate athlete was not an easy one for Frank. “I came in, as most guys do, with pretty high expectations,” he says.

Recalling his innocence as a college freshman, he smiles, “I’m thinking I’m a guy that is going to make the Olympic team. I’m going to go to the NCAAs my freshman year. And then reality sets in, and you realize: ‘This is hard.’ And there’s a whole bunch of guys on your team who are every bit as good as you.

And some are way better than you.”

As his college career unfolded, Frank found himself to be a solid, but

rarely spectacular, collegiate distance runner. “I was close to being a varsity guy my freshman year in cross country.

I trained with the top runners, but I was not a top-seven guy.”

In track, Frank gravitated toward the 3000 meter steeplechase. “I ran the steeple a lot,” he notes. His frosh best of 9:15 was promising, but hardly remarkable. Again harkening back to his freshman naïveté, Frank laughs. “At the time, I was shocked I wasn’t an 8:45 guy my freshman year.” As a sophomore, Frank lowered his steeple PR to 8:58.

But by the fall of his junior year, that impressive breakthrough performance still hadn’t arrived. “I was a varsity guy, but just barely,” says Frank. “I made the team, but I wasn’t helping out very much.”

But then Stanford initiated a coaching change that turned out to be a spark for Frank. As his junior year began, Stanford’s head track and field coach, Brooks Johnson, took on a more direct role in coaching the men. “If you know Brooks, he is not always warm and fuzzy,” says Frank. “But when he took over coaching the men, he won me over pretty quickly.”

Armed with Frank’s newly conferred trust, Johnson, as good coaches do, found a subtle, yet effective way to get through to his athlete. “When we went to camp in northern California just prior to my senior year, after we finished one of our workouts, Brooks and I were walking back to the van, and Brooks asked me, ‘Who do you think will make the ’84 Olympic team in the steeple this coming summer?’ I said, ‘Henry Marsh is going to make it; Brian Diemer should make it.’ Then as I paused, Brooks pressed me: ‘Who else?’

I said, ‘You know how it goes, Brooks.

Usually the third guy in a distance event is someone that nobody ever heard of the year before.’ Brooks replied, ‘Yeah, that happens all the time.’

And then he paused, turned and looked at me and said, ‘You know, nobody’s ever heard of you.’”

The comment struck a responsive

chord with the young athlete. “He said that, and I thought, ‘Man, he thinks I’m a pretty good runner,’” Frank explains.

“I thought to myself, ‘No matter what I thought of him before or what our relationship was before, he’s telling me right now that I could be pretty good.’”

Newly inspired, Frank redoubled his efforts. And his marks, in fact, improved. “I got better. I had some crappy days and some great days. But I just couldn’t quite put it together,” laments Frank. The steeplechaser spent his senior year chasing steeple qualifying marks. 8:42 was the NCAA qualifying time; 8:40.8 for the Olympic Trials.

Disconsolate after an 8:53 fifthplace finish at the PAC-10 championship meet, Frank pressed Johnson to send him to the Oregon State Last Chance Meet. Finally, Johnson relented. It proved to be the right decision. In Corvallis, the Stanford steepler ran a patient race, took the lead on the final lap, and pressed on for the win. Frank’s break-through time of 8:38 set a new Stanford school record, and gave Frank the qualifying mark he needed. The victory proved to be Frank’s collegiate highlight. An understandable emotional letdown ensued, and in his Olympic Trials race—just two days after his college graduation—Franks turned in a subpar performance.

“I ran poorly, unintelligently, was not very tough, and was tired,” he admits. “I thought, ‘Hey, I made the Trials. I’m only 22 years old. I can make it again in four years. What’s going to stop me? I’ll be a lot better in four years.’” And with a bit of regretful reflection, he adds, “I didn’t consider that I might not ever be as fast as I was right then.”

Franks’ postcollegiate running career was a patchwork of varied performances, some hopeful, others downright disappointing. He worked feverishly, and without great success, to shoehorn in top-flight training while attempting to tackle graduate studies and develop a viable career path.

“When I was at Stanford, there weren’t Continued on page 12

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ATF_Spring 2013_ATF Summer 2011 6/10/13 10:48 AM Page 12

guys that were planning to go into running as their career, not even for a couple of years. They would go to grad school, get a job.” Franks’ competitive efforts were bipolar in nature. He ran another OT steeplechase qualifier in 1988, but once again laid an egg at the Trials. Four years later, an encouraging 2:18 qualifying time put him in the ’92 Olympic Marathon Trials, where he dropped out at halfway.

But the path had already begun to take a turn. By then, Frank had already landed a Bay Area teaching job at St. Francis High School. The math department position also included cross country and track coaching responsibilities.

By the end of his 10-year stint in Mountain View, Frank had not only developed an effective classroom style, he had also led his harrier squad to a state title.

His journey became smoother and clearer in 2000 when he was able to seize an opportunity that would ultimately change his life’s course like no other. Moving back to Portland with his wife, Karen, and his young son, Jackson, Frank began earnest conversations with the AD of Portland’s Central Catholic High School about a combination math and coaching position. On the eve of receiving the offer, Frank had to deal with an unexpected development. An 11th-hour opportunity had resulted in the school’s hiring a new cross country coach: Alberto Salazar.

Caught off guard, Frank unleashed a passionate response. “I told the AD, ‘Well, I may not be coaching cross country, but I am going to every practice and whenever we have a meet, you’ll have to get me a sub,’” explains Frank. “I told him ‘I love cross country.

I’m coaching cross country. I’ll do it for free. I’m going to be out there no matter who’s out there.’”

It all worked out. After a beginning laced with apprehension, Salazar and his new assistant coach quickly developed an effective coaching collaboration. “There was no question that Alberto was in charge, the head guy. But we worked together. One of the great things about Alberto is that we would discuss coaching and different approaches. Alberto was really good about that.” With their cooperative partnership now formed, they embarked together on the task of rejuvenating the Rams’ lackluster program.

That task was destined to become a lot easier right away when cross coun-

try team members brought to Franks’ attention a skinny little soccer player named Galen Rupp who toiled in Franks’ ninth-grade math class. “We heard from kids that he was really fast.

But we hear that stuff all the time,” notes Frank. “But it turned out I knew his mother, and we were able to get him to come to a practice.” Smiles Frank, “He was by far the best guy on the team from the first minute he ran for us.”

Frank recalls Rupp’s first high school cross country race—a freshman 3000. “We told him he couldn’t take the lead until after the mile. After 800, he asked if he could take the lead. We told him no. We let him go after a mile, and he won by 45 seconds.”

From there on, as the coaching duo carefully developed their young, emerging star, Rupp continued to post a steady string of top-flight performances. The coaches knew they had a young, eager runner with enormous talent. But how good could he really be? Frank recalls a moment of true awakening.

“By the time of Galen’s sophomore year in track, Alberto had clearly seen that Galen was much better than I ever could have imagined. In the summer after Galen’s sophomore year, we took Galen down to Stanford for the junior nationals to run the 5000. He finished third in 14:34.05.

After the race, we were walking out, and Alberto says, ‘I think he’s going break the national record.’ ‘What national record?’ I asked. ‘The 5K,’ he responded. I replied, ‘Alberto, you know it’s about 13:44.’ With a certain shortness, Alberto crisply responded, ‘I know what it is.’” Salazar’s foresight proved to be correct. Before entering college, Rupp would run the 5000 in 13:37.91, setting a new national junior record and bettering Gerry Lindgren’s ancient 1964 mark of 13:44.

Frank credits Salazar for encouraging him to elevate expectations, to think big. “With Galen, I could tell he was going to be good—a multitime state champ, a Division I runner, maybe an All-American. That was my view of the world. And Alberto’s view was, ‘No, no.

He has the chance to be an Olympic medalist someday.’

“And that helped me a great deal as a coach. When Alberto left, I started looking at things a lot differently. Now I’m not just being satisfied with having kids make all-state. I think having a bigger picture view has helped me a lot.”

After Rupp graduated and attend-

ed the University of Oregon, Salazar stayed at Central Catholic for one more fall season before leaving to launch the Oregon Project and to intensify his coaching focus with his maturing protégé. As expected, Salazar’s departure from Central Catholic led to the installation of Dave Frank as the new head coach. But what would become of the impressive and successful program at Central Catholic?

Not to worry. During the seven cross country seasons since Salazar moved on, under Frank’s skillful guidance Central Catholic has won the state title four times—and finished runnerup the other three years. While he has clearly developed his own coaching style, Frank is quick to acknowledge the guidance and skills he learned along the way from mentors like Cook, Johnson, and Salazar. “I have been able to take from all the people I’ve worked with.”

Head coach Frank has cultivated a culture of winning that’s embraced by his athletes. “I think [the power of the Central Catholic running heritage] happens now,” observes Frank. “When kids visit the school I tell them if they don’t like anything but the running, don’t come here.” With obvious pride, he adds, “But I tell kids interested in Central Catholic to come visit the school and see if you like it. See if you like the teachers and everything we have going on.”

After a few years of twists and turns, the path Frank walks today is much to his liking. “I love it here. I feel like I have been really lucky with a lot of different things—a lot of the places I’ve ended up and how I got there,” explains the coach with a nod to his good fortune. “I don’t mean that I haven’t worked hard. But to have shown up the same time that Alberto showed up, which also was the same time that Galen showed up—I don’t know how else to describe it.”

It would be only natural to ask Dave Frank what lies ahead. But a spoken answer seems almost unnecessary.

After years of seeking—and ultimately finding—the path that suits him, the head coach exudes a quiet aura that says he knows he has captured and is holding on to a genuine sense of contentment. “I like what I’m doing,” he says smiling. “I like math. I love coaching.

And I really enjoy teaching. I am really happy being in Portland. And I have a very supportive community and school.

It’s pretty cool.”

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Jenn Suhr: The Sky’s the Limit New Indoor Vault WR Holder at the Top of Her Game

By David Hunter In conversations over the past two years, Rick Suhr, coach and husband of Jenn Suhr, would catch up and talk a bit of pole vault. Rick would note that when Jenn got healthy and could put together the training, she was going to go real high. In Albuquerque on March 1, that happened. Suhr’s 4.90m was as clean a jump as anyone had ever seen. Her 5.02m, which I watched on YouTube, was superb! The world indoor record is back in the U.S. for the first time since 2003. Here, Dave Hunter tells about his talk with the new world record holder about her present and the future. –Larry Eder

What a difference a year can make.

Some 12 months ago, pole vaulter Jenn Suhr was making a pilgrimage to Indianapolis in search of a solution for the nagging Achilles tendon issue she was experiencing with her left foot—her take-off foot. “Of course, the Achilles issue had to be with my take-off foot,” Suhr laughs as she reflects on her luck. But the skillful practitioners at Indy’s St. Vincent facility helped Suhr solve the problem. “They provided great treatment and instructed me on how to care for it,” she notes. “My Achilles is manageable as long as I am on top of it. I definitely know how to manage it now.”

These days, Jenn Suhr’s world is beautiful. In the intervening year, Suhr not only got her left Achilles tendon to calm down, she also overcame a subsequently developed quadriceps issue to win the vault at the U.S. Olympic Trials. And in the Olympics she was able to defeat her vaulting nemesis, Russia’s Yelena Isinbayeva, capture Olympic Gold, and ensure herself the event’s annual #1 world ranking. But the London competition was not without its own anxious moments.

“In London, the qualifying round was the first time I took the brace off. Every meet leading up to London I jumped with a wrap around my quad,” explains Suhr. “When I got to the final, I thought, ‘OK, it’s all or nothing. It’s either going to hold up or it’s not.’ So I took it off and jumped in the finals without it.”

Was it a time of anxiety? “It was,” says Suhr. “It was more of a security thing. It kept my quad tight—it couldn’t move.

It was restricting my motion. So for the finals, I took it off.”

And just recently in Albuquerque, Suhr achieved a longstanding goal by breaking Isinbayeva’s world indoor vault record with a magnificent first-attempt clearance of 5.02 meters (16' 5½"). At the pre-meet press conference in Duke City, Suhr had responded coyly when asked about her goal for the national championship competition. “I have a goal,” Suhr announced, “But if I don’t hit it, then it’s a fail.” But fail she didn’t. Her record-breaking jump, which unfolded beautifully like the blooming of a rose, completed a determined quest for the new world record holder. “We came in here for one thing,” said Suhr in the immediate afterglow of the record jump. “And I think if I had not gotten it, I would have been very disappointed.”

Now an experienced pole vaulter at age 31, Suhr is certain she can jump higher. With the benefit of hindsight, she is able to be reflective as she looks back on the wisdom she has gained during her pole vault journey. She’s quick to cite the real-time jump skills she’s been able to develop that have allowed her to transform a jump that appears to be a disaster into a bar clearance—to make lemonade out of a lemon.

“When you’re in different parts of a jump, the more experience you get, the better you’re able to kind of manipulate bad jumps. Early in my career, I couldn’t. It was either all or nothing. Now, with more experience, I can manipulate the pole and the positioning of my body during my jump to make bars that I normally couldn’t.”

Photo: Andrew McClanahan, www.photorun.NET

ATF_Spring 2013_ATF Summer 2011 6/10/13 10:48 AM Page 15

Suhr now can even detect an emerging good vault in the early stages of her jump. “Sometimes you know right after take-off. Sometimes you’ll just know from the momentum generated at take-off,” explains Suhr. “In Boston last year, I felt it while I was upside down. I could feel the pole accelerating me, and I thought, ‘This is new. I haven’t felt this before. This could be good.’”

The pole vault and high jump pose a special competitive challenge.

They’re unlike the long and triple jumps and the throws, where the athlete can pop a winning performance on any attempt. The vault requires its performers to navigate carefully through the ascending heights, making bars and conserving the energy that will be needed for that winning clearance at the end of the competition. Suhr knows fully that judiciously meting out energy throughout the event is a critical component of any successful competition. Suhr’s Albuquerque performance—where the vaulter passed on many earlier heights and strung together energy-conserving first attempt successes through her world record clearance—demonstrates her strategic mastery. “The way we look at it, we have three attempts at each height,” offers Suhr methodically. “And each attempt—with Rick’s feedback and my adjustments—is going to get better. If you look at it any other way, it starts to become defeating.”

Competing in an event that already requires the mental and physical capability to make tweaks and adjustments, Jenn Suhr’s pole vaulting world requires yet another facet of adaptability. Rick Suhr—once an accomplished vaulter in his own right—is Jenn’s husband and her coach.

“At times, it is so easy. It just works. Everything flows together,” she explains. “At other times, you really have to work on separating the two.”

Reflecting on the mercurial and often volatile relationship shared between coach/husband Bobby Kersee and athlete/wife Jackie Joyner Kersee, Jenn appreciates how she and Rick have made their dual relationship work. Suhr notes that occasional disagreements emerge, but cites another cause for those rare moments of friction. “I think it is more the frustrations,” she explains. “The pole vault is such a frustrating event. So then you are looking to take it out on everyone. And it just so happens that your husband and your coach are the same person,” she laughs. “So he gets a lot of the brunt of my frustrations with it. I do try to separate them the best that I can, and he does the same. But it can be difficult at times.”

With a new world record capping an almost error-free indoor season, Suhr looks ahead to the challenges of the more robust outdoor season. She feels no special pressure competing as the reigning Olympic champion and the world’s top performer. Quite the contrary. “When I was at Drake last year, it was the first time I had competed ranked as #1 in the world. And [the announcers] announced that,” Suhr explains. “So I told Rick, ‘We are going to do as many meets as we can because I want to hear that,’” she laughs. “Then I got hurt. And I wasn’t in many meets after that. Now that I am the Olympic champion, they never will be able to take that away. It is not a yearly thing. It will be forever.”

Starting with the Drake Relays, Suhr began what she hopes to be an outdoor march to the World Championship meet in August. The championship site in Moscow arguably gives home field advantage to Isinbayeva. Or does it? While a predominantly Russian crowd will undoubtedly pack Olympic Stadium to roar at their vault heroine’s every clearance, the heightened expectations and building pressure leading up to the August showdown might unnerve even as great an athlete as Isinbayeva.

A lot can happen between now and the anticipated August showdown. But if Suhr should prevail in Moscow in what should be an epic pole vault battle with her Russian rival, Suhr’s first world championship crown—just like her Olympic victory—would be an achievement no one could ever take away from her.

Photo: Victah Sailer, www.photorun.NET

ATF_Spring 2013_ATF Summer 2011 6/10/13 10:48 AM Page 16

NIKE salutes

Bernard Lagat Galen Rupp 3,000m Indoor, 7:30.16 American Record Stockholm, Sweden February 21, 2013

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2 Mile Indoor, 8:09.50 American Record New York, New York February 16, 2013

ATF_Spring 2013_ATF Summer 2011 6/10/13 10:49 AM Page 17

NIKE salutes

Lopez Lomong 5,000m Indoor, 13:07.00 American Record New York, New York March 1, 2013

Evan Jager Steeplechase, 8:06.81 American Record Monaco July 21, 2012

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ATF_Spring 2013_ATF Summer 2011 6/10/13 10:49 AM Page 18

u s at f

USATF Prepares for New Heights in Dynamic Olympiad

by Mark Winitz

D

uring his two-plus years as CEO of USA Track & Field, Doug Logan set a goal of 30 Olympic medals for the U.S. at the London Games. The U.S. hadn’t achieved this medal count on the track in a nonboycotted Olympics since the 31 medals in 1956, and in 2008, for example, had won 23 gold, silver, and bronzes in Beijing – about average.

After Logan was fired in 2010, Max Siegel, who became USATF’s new CEO in April 2012 after a 16month search, didn’t back down, saying “We’re sticking by the 30 medals.”

USATF President Stephanie Hightower echoed Siegel’s vow as scores of USATF’s administrators and volunteer leaders—despite a lingering sentiment of skepticism in some ranks—rallied around the task.

“The opportunity to take the lead in USA Track & Field’s efforts to win 30 medals in London and to maximize our athletes’ potential across all event groups was something I could not pass up,” said 1984 Olympic gold medalist (100m hurdles) Benita Fitzgerald Mosley who serves as USATF’s Chief of Sport Performance.

The result: Team USA brought home 29 medals from London—more than any other nation and just one medal shy of the goal Logan set four years earlier.

What are USATF’s goals in the new Olympiad? For this five-part series, American Track & Field sought out several of USATF’s key committee chairs—all of whom serve as volunteers within the organization—for their views. After all, volunteers are the lifeblood of the federation, carrying out numerous daily nuts-and-bolts tasks with little or no recognition. Of

course we’ll also touch base with several of USATF’s top hired brass and learn their priorities and objectives for the organization over the next four years.

$3.1 million on high-performance/ development and other elite programs—only slightly down from $3.4 million spent on these programs in the 2012 Olympic year.)

Sue Humphrey

How does the High Performance Division establish and prioritize its high-performance programs?

We have a 4–6-year High Performance Plan. We’re already looking down the road to 2020. So, we don’t look at performance annually, even though we need to turn in an annual high-performance plan [to the USOC]. And, we look beyond the current quadrennium because we realize that some of our athletes who are college freshmen and sophomores now are going to be our high performers in 2020. And athletes are now staying in the sport longer, so we can have viable medalists in their late 20s and early 30s. Ten or 20 years ago that wasn’t the case.

Our first interview was with Sue Humphrey, chair of USATF’s Women’s Track & Field Committee and a key member of USATF’s High Performance Division. Sue was also head women’s coach of the 2004 U.S. Olympic track and field team.

USATF’s High Performance Division is composed of the federation’s Men’s Track & Field, Women’s Track & Field, and Race Walking sport committees plus the organization’s Joint Development Group (which shares development responsibilities with USATF’s Long Distance Running Division). Together with management in USATF’s national office, the volunteers who serve in this division have responsibility for developing USATF’s High Performance Plan.

Sue, where does the funding come from for USATF’s high-performance programs, which are charged with developing our Olympic podium prospects of the future?

It comes via grants from the U.S. Olympic Committee. This funding typically dips the year after an Olympic Games and peaks as the Games approach. We did get decent funding for 2013, and some areas actually went up, which was, I’m sure, based on our success in London.

(Editor’s Note: USATF’s $19.4 million operating budget for 2013 shows a $2.9 million sponsorship grant from the USOC, identical to its grant in 2012. In 2013, USATF plans to spend

Let’s discuss the strategies and programs described in USATF’s most current High Performance Plan leading up to the London Games so our readers can understand the kinds of efforts involved. Please briefly talk about each of the five strategies in the plan …

High Performance Strategy #1: Work with and support the best coaches and their facilities to build specialized high performance centers nationwide.

We fund 4–5 high-performance centers each year. Annual funding for each center varies from $15,000 to $30,000, depending on the needs and the quality of each center. Our [annual] budget for these centers is only $100,000, yet all the centers produced medalists in London or

ATF_Spring 2013_ATF Summer 2011 6/10/13 10:49 AM Page 19

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Olympic finalists who had the potential to medal.

The centers we fund are selected by an application process, and we’ve done this for the past three years. We fund training enclaves throughout the country that are already in place. To receive funding, each center must have at least five elite-level athletes—rated among, I think, the top 40 in the world in their events—and one podium-level coach. We plan on continuing the training center program in the current quadrennium.

High Performance Strategy #2: Establish consistent access to cutting-edge sport science, medicine, and technology that is fully integrated and utilized.

For the past three years, instead of bringing groups of athletes to sport science summits, which we did previously, we’ve had a traveling group of sports scientists and psychologists go to them. These sports science programs take place year-around—at meets, summits, via conference calls, and sometimes right at the athlete’s training site. The scientists travel to areas of the country such as southern Florida, Texas A&M and Los Angeles that are rich with Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 athletes.

Tiered athletes?

Yes, USATF now has a four-tier system which, depending upon performance levels, qualifies athletes for specific USATF and USOC benefits such as funding opportunities, etc. For example, athletes who have medaled in the most recent World Track & Field Championships or Olympic Games, or have achieved a top-10 world ranking in their event in 2012, or top-5 in 2011, are classified as Tier 1 and qualify for all USATF and USOC benefits.

Thanks for explaining that. Tell me more about the sports science programs.

This group of traveling sports scientists films athletes, conducts functional body assessments, and makes recommendations for technical corrections. This program has been very successful. It’s a proactive program, rather than a wait-

until-you’re-hurt reactive strategy. We film at training camps, at [Olympic] Games and championships, and the films are available for viewing by the athletes and their coaches via a password-protected computer application.

How are coaches involved in these analyses?

We used to have the coaches involved in these analyses with sports scientists all the time. Then money got cut back, and just the athletes met with the scientists. Now everybody seems to be realizing that having the athletes there with the coach is needed so the coach is better prepared to implement the sports scientists’ recommendations.

The coach can put these recommendations into ‘‘coach speak” for the athlete. It’s important to keep the scientist, coach, and athlete on the same page, and involved together.

Sometimes, when you tell an athlete something it doesn’t always get back to the coach in the same way.

Do you have priorities, or refinements, in store for this sport science program during the current Olympiad?

The main priority is to keep our athletes healthy. It allows athletes to make technical corrections before they get hurt. It does us no good to have an athlete—even a world record holder— make the team and then be hurt at the Games. In addition, the technical refinements you make in your event increase the likelihood that you’ll be successful. The same holds true for proper mental focus and techniques.

Absolutely. High Performance Strategy #3: Focus on systematically identifying, recruiting, retaining and developing the highestpotential athletes in our sport.

This is an area that we really have to keep working on because the U.S. Olympic Committee is only interested in the top-level athlete. If you’re not already a top-level athlete, they [USOC] really don’t have programs for you. So it’s necessary for the national governing body of our sport to provide these developmental programs. Unfortunately, we don’t have a lot of development money through

the USATF budget. We’ve been trying to create more funding and ways to bring in our immediate post-collegiate athletes into some of these athlete support programs that we’ve already set up. That way, they can rub shoulders with our Tier 1 athletes and get the benefits of these programs by osmosis, so to speak.

In particular, we are trying to identify promising athletes in the events that we’ve traditionally been weak in— women’s triple jump, javelin, etc. We’re working with the coaches and event experts in these events to create some new developmental strategies.

Also, retaining our high performers is an issue. It usually boils down to finances. The love of the sport and the will to compete are usually there, but sometimes the finances aren’t. For example, how do we keep some of our promising jumpers in track when they’re offered six-figure contracts in volleyball and basketball?

That’s an excellent question. What is USATF doing to address this?

This is where the USATF Foundation has been helpful with grants. The number of athletes making a lot of money in track and field is deceptive.

People think that just because you win a gold medal that you’re rich. You might get a one-time, big payday, but that doesn’t get you through four years.

Road racing is a little different because you have a more steady stream of potential prize earnings throughout the year. In track and field—particularly in the field events—we don’t have that. So, maybe, one percent of these athletes have decent shoe or club contracts and/or prize money situations.

The rest are on their own. These are the athletes that we’re trying to help with grants through the USATF Foundation. We also have developmental programs that assist athletes with funding to get to domestic meets where they can get head-to-head competition, see where they stand, and get qualifying standards.

Continued next page

ATF_Spring 2013_ATF Summer 2011 6/10/13 10:49 AM Page 20

Tell me about High Performance Strategy #4: Establish and maintain clear, high standards of behavior for coaches, athletes, agents, service providers, administrators and affiliates.

Yes, we have our Coaches Registry [started in 2010] which requires all coaches to adhere to a code of conduct, and coaches and volunteers of youth clubs to complete a criminal background check. If coaches want the benefits of passes for national championships and things like this, they must join this registry.

The need for this registry came out of the USOC because coaches in some of the other sports, i.e., swimming and gymnastics, were taking advantage of some of their younger athletes. The USOC pushed to us and told us we needed to quickly come up with a plan. In fact, USATF already had coaches registry and background check programs in the works.

The benefits of being a registered coach include admittance into USATF high-performance coaches’ symposiums for a reduced fee, admittance to various coaches’ clinics, and getting coaches’ passes for national meets. And, it gives you a stamp of approval that you’re a good, upstanding citizen.

Our registered coaches, registered agents, and athletes who make U.S. teams all have codes of ethics and behavior standards. Our intent is to have all these groups acting professionally.

High Performance Strategy #5 appears to be the bottom line: Keep people/events on the podium and get finalists onto the podium.

The amount of pressure put on athletes and coaches—by the U.S. Olympic Committee and/or the general public—to perform every four years is tremendous. I was pleasantly surprised and very pleased that some of our athletes who were competing in London at their first Games really rose to the occasion and were able to defuse this pressure. Over the years we’ve been trying to help them psychologically and physically prepare for these major meets. The programs we’re trying to develop go hand-in-

hand with creating and developing a new base of athletes who have the potential to become our future elite.

Coaches, of course, are essential in this effort. We want the coaches involved in the federation. It’s unfortunate that a lot of college coaches have felt the need to pull away from USATF. They’re an important pipeline for us. We trying to talk and pipeline with them to get them back in the fold. Plus, our high school coaches are our pipeline for the college and USATF’s junior programs, and the college coaches are our pipeline for our post-collegiate and Olympic programs. So, without the high school and college programs, we wouldn’t have the successes we’ve enjoyed. We want coaches as an essential part of USATF. It’s not an us-versus-them mentality by any stretch.

What are the High Performance Division’s vision and focus regarding our key domestic meets and championships over the next several years? And, what do you think about the Drake Relays exciting new half-million-dollar sponsorship arrangement with Hy-Vee supermarkets this year?

Our domestic meet opportunities have definitely decreased. We’ve been trying to figure out how to get new sponsors involved with these meets, just as Drake has done. Drake has an excellent organizing committee, the meet is in the center of the country [Des Moines, IA] so it’s a good situation from a travel standpoint. We’re looking forward to going back to Des Moines for this year’s USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, and we’re working with them to increase attendance.

Creating new outdoor domestic opportunities is crucial. If we can offer decent prize money at these meets, our athletes would much rather compete domestically than travel overseas. Also, there are limitations to events overseas since getting lanes for our athletes in big meets has gradually become more difficult. So, USATF is working to dovetail with U.S. meets to assist our athletes, especially our immediate post-collegians who don’t get their way paid to compete in Europe.

Right now, there are few competitive opportunities for immediate post collegians in May or early June before nationals. We’re trying to work creatively, such as creating mini meets, which are more spectator friendly. For example, we’ve had throw meets in Tucson where we’ve created a “big international meet”–type of schedule where preliminary rounds are on one day and then finals within the next several days.

Every event area, based on the time of the year, has different needs, For example, early in the season, many of our top sprinters don’t want to compete in their individual events, but are more than happy to run relays.

So, we’ve dovetailed into some of our major relay meets, in some instances letting the athletes put together relay competitions where competitors receive travel expense support, but that’s it.

What are some of the other priorities for the High Performance Division and the Women’s Track and Field Committee over the next four years?

We have to remember that every gold medalist started somewhere at the bottom. I’m concerned that we don’t have the development funds we need to support our immediate post collegians who haven’t reached the performance level to be eligible for funding from the USOC. We’ve been working to help these immediate post collegians achieve the competitive standards the USOC requires for funding. We can’t forget the group that’s just coming out of college at the expense of focusing on just the medalists. Folks need to remember that the Olympics are every four years, but we need to keep working at supporting our athletes throughout the four years.

MARK WINITZ is a longtime writer for American Track & Field. He sits on USATF’s national Men’s Long Distance Running Executive Committee and Law & Legislation Committee. He also sits on Pacific Association/USATF’s Board of Athletics and is a Certified USATF Master Level Official/Referee.

ATF_Spring 2013_ATF Summer 2011 6/10/13 10:49 AM Page 21

Sometimes Less Can Be More:

Aries Merritt Is an Effervescent Hurdle Perfectionist

By David Hunter

At the Celebration of the Centenary of the IAAF, one of my favorite memories is the press conference with some of the world’s greatest hurdlers. Aries Merritt, the London gold medalist and current AR; Colin Jackson, Olympic silver, 1988, former WR holder (1991), and six-time WC medalist; Lamine Diack, president of the IAAF; the iconic Renaldo Nehemiah, HS record holder, former WR holder, now athlete manager; and Harrison Dillard, 1948 gold, 100m and 1952 gold in 110m hurdles—all were in Barcelona. The conversation was relaxed, brisk and fascinating. Dillard, all of 91 years old, had the best comment about Merritt: “Aries will break the world record once again.” Colin Jackson and Renaldo Nehemiah agreed. –Larry Eder

W

hen you aspire to be one of the world’s best in the 110 meter hurdles—a race that requires errorless execution to win races decided by inches—it is important to have a perfectionist’s work ethic and a steely poise. And when you spend a little time with Aries Merritt, you get the sense that he is a dedicated student of the hurdling craft and that he doesn’t rattle easily.

So when Merritt detected a troubling cramping in his trail leg—just four days before the Feb. 2 New Balance Indoor Grand Prix—he kept his cool.

“When I was going through my warm-up, I just felt something that wasn’t right. My hamstring was starting to cramp up on me. And I thought, ‘OK, this isn’t good.’”

Merritt laughs. “It’s not good to put stress on a cramp— especially at a high-level professional meet,” he explains. “I don’t to want to risk anything happening to my leg at such an early stage of the year. So I decided to pull out of the meet.

This is a really big year. There’s a world championship coming

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images/IAAF

up in Moscow. I am trying to get ready for that. I don’t need anything that would cause me to end my season early.”

Caution and composure are not traits normally affiliated with twitchy hurdlers who often embrace their event with a jumpy obsession. But last year’s #1-ranked high hurdler appears to bring a refreshing calmness to his life as the planet’s best. “Running indoors, I just didn’t want to push it,” he offers matter-of-factly. “So I just had to take [that] weekend off. It is really smart for me not to try to push something. I didn’t want to make something that’s nothing into something that’s something.”

Aries Merritt—now 27—lives in College Station, TX, trains at the top-flight facilities on the Texas A&M campus, and is coached by Andreas Behm. Merritt first drew widespread attention in 2004 when he captured 110 hurdles gold at the World Junior Championships. And he solidified his stature as one of the event’s rising stars in 2006 when an NCAA hurdles title capped his undefeated collegiate season.

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For the next several years, postcollegiate competition proved tougher. While Merritt swiftly established himself among the world’s top dozen hurdlers and often was a big-meet finalist, he rarely made the podium. It proved to be a gnawing frustration that drove the young hurdler onward. Not content simply to be among the world’s best, Merritt never stopped looking for that technique refinement, that special edge that could shave a hundredth of a second here or there—often the difference between capturing or missing a win, a team berth, or an Olympic or World Championship medal.

At the beginning of 2012, Merritt discovered a technique change that might benefit him: re-engineering his step count to the first barrier, a change that could be the key, that small difference he was looking for.

“As the 2012 season began, I changed my step technique from the blocks to the first hurdle from eight steps to seven steps. That was just the beginning of something great.

Changing those steps definitely was a big change,” he offers.

“You literally have to take your weaker leg and force it to the front of the pedal so that you can actually make it to the first hurdle in the proper amount of steps and still be on the same hurdling leg—which is my left lead leg,” explains Merritt.

Success was not immediate as adjustments were required.

“It was pretty shaky early in the season. My first indoor race was awful,” Merritt admits. But then improvement began to emerge. “Through training, I got more comfortable with it.

“At the New Balance meet last year, I came in second. I actually hit a start, and I was really surprised. And I thought, ‘Oh, my God, I actually did it right.’ I was just in shock.” The young hurdler quickly saw the potential. “I had been blowing hurdles here and there. And I thought, ‘Wow, if I can clean this up, I can be really dangerous,’” Merritt admits with a quick smile.

Merritt didn’t fully refine his new start technique until late February of 2012. “I just went to indoor nationals to instill the rhythm of the seven-step approach. I was still trying to learn how to do it properly. And I wanted to get in as much racing as I could because I knew the only way I was going to learn to do it properly was in a race setting. It took all of those races leading into the indoor nationals to get it right.”

And get it right, he did. With the seven-step run-up to the first hurdle becoming second nature, Merritt breezed through the indoor rounds and captured the national 60 hurdle final— upsetting prerace favorite Dexter Faulk who came

into the 2012 championship with the world’s fastest indoor hurdle time. Merritt’s abbreviated, seven-step approach proved to be the difference. And suddenly Merritt knew: Sometimes less can be more.

With the perfected first hurdle run-up buoying his confidence, Merritt proceeded to string together impressive performances, nearly running the table. He won the world indoor title, then turned his sights on the outdoor season and the big prize at stake in London.

He was almost unbeatable. “I did have two outdoor losses. Lui Xiang beat me early in the outdoor season in Shanghai.

And then he came to the States and beat me again at the Prefontaine meet,” he explains. But then with a quick smile and a laugh, Merritt adds, “And then I didn’t lose anymore.”

After the Pre, no one could touch Aries Merritt—as he racked up a convincing win (12.93) at the Olympic Trials, turned in a flawless performance through the rounds and in the final (12.92) in London and ran away with the Diamond League hurdle crown.

But the newly crowned Olympic champion saved the best for last. In his final race of the year—on a perfectly still night in Brussels—Merritt was able put it all together. The meet offered Merritt what he longed for—the field, the crowd, the temperature, and the wind conditions—that would allow him to take aim at the world record. Drawing from the knowledge gained from his endless—“over 600”— video viewings of Lui’s ’04 Olympic finals gem, Merritt got out of the blocks cleanly, broke away from a world-class field, and raced without error over the barriers. His focused run-in after the 10th hurdle—capped by a well-timed lean—stopped the clock at 12.80 seconds and took down Dayron Robles’ world record time of 12.87.

Some perspective here is important: Prior to Merritt’s stunning Belgium performance, it took more than 31 years for the 110 hurdles WR to be chipped down by 0.06 seconds. But for Merritt to lower the record by the wider margin of 0.07 seconds, it took only, well, 12.80 seconds.

Was Merritt’s stunning Brussels performance the perfect race? “There is always room for improvement. No race is particularly perfect,” the world record holder offers. “My coach and I have watched the race to observe what I could have done better. I was pretty conservative at the start of the race. I didn’t want to false start.” And with smile, he adds, “Because I have been wrongly charged with two false starts outdoors.”

As he looks back on his incredible year, Aries Merritt is philosophical. “All my life I’ve heard from hurdle greats like Gail Devers, Allen Johnson, and Renaldo Nehemiah, ‘You’re going to be the next one. Just be patient. It will come,’” he says. “And then every year I would get hurt, get injured. It was just an ongoing struggle to stay healthy. I was chucking down my time. But I was just getting stuck every year at this one point.” And with a big smile, he adds: “And then—finally— I had that big breakthrough.”

Indeed, he did.

After Merritt’s storybook year in 2012, it may be unrealistic to think the world’s leading high hurdler can top last year.

But given his perfectionist outlook and his grace under fire, don’t be surprised if the reigning Olympic champion and world record holder finds a way to give us an encore.

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images/IAAF

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http://www.asicsamerica.com/sports/track-field-cross-country

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Shoe ReviewS: Motion Stabilizing—27 • Performance—28 • Neutral—30 he minimalist craze that began several years ago has worked its way through the entire running footwear industry. In the absence of industry standards, brands have developed competing definitions of minimal, as runners and retailers watch with fascination. This minimalist groundswell has resulted in entirely new brands, brands new to running, and the revitalization of several companies that, by all appearances, were defunct. No major running brand remains untouched by this new category.

T

Over the last several years, the Running Network has looked at Minimal shoes as a distinct category, and we reviewed them separately. However, the shoes we looked at and tested for this cross-category review made it clear that the minimalist philosophy now influences all running shoe design.

Half the shoes in this review are Performance shoes, more than in any previous review. Lighter materials and the focus on geometry have redefined what constitutes a Performance shoe. Light weight used to be the primary distinction of Performance shoes. Now it’s actually the shape of the midsole that’s more important, as real performance comes from efficient biomechanics. The shoes with the best shape encourage better running form. Heel-to-toe drop—the difference between the height of the heel relative to that of the toe—has also become an important design consideration because of the efficiency of running in a lower profile shoe. One more characteristic of Performance shoes is the stack height: the amount of foam between the foot and the ground. It significantly determines comfort in Performance (and Minimal) shoes.

This trend toward the minimal has affected even the heavier Motion Stabilizing and Neutral shoe categories. Most of these shoes have trimmed down, focusing on achieving their original functions with less bulk. Christopher McDougal’s 2009 book, Born to Run, was a catalyst of this Minimalist trend, but its vigorous growth continues because runners are enjoying less. Oh, they aren’t enjoying running less—they’re enjoying the feel of less on their feet. It’s a new take on the old adage, Less Is More.

—Cregg Weinmann, Running Network Footwear Reviewer

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ATF_Spring 2013_ATF Summer 2011 6/10/13 10:49 AM Page 26

welcome to the Running Network’s 2013 Spring Shoe Review

RuNNiNg NetwoRk LLC PaRtNeRS

Cregg Weinmann has been the Running Network’s footwear reviewer since 1998. His reviews have evolved from biannual reviews—Spring and Fall—to additional two-page reviews on specific categories such as Minimalist, Road Racers, Track & Field, Trail, Best Shoes Under $85, and Kids’ Shoes.

I’m amazed how well the projects come together. The team we have—Kristen Cerer and Alex Larsen in design, Marg Sumner as proofreader, Cregg as footwear reviewer—helmed by project coordinator/editor Christine Johnson, has found a way to share an immense amount of information in an easy-to-read format.

In the end, content is king. The Running Network’s Shoe Reviews and features provide access to our carefully researched information on running footwear to more than 4 million readers via print, the Web, digital and mobile formats, and social media (FB and Twitter).

Where is running footwear going? Here, Weinmann and researchers like Simon Bartold and Jack Daniels are in agreement: Lightweight will not be going away. Minimalism is a great tool—really, training equipment—to improve your running experience and performance. At the end of the day, the Running Network’s Shoe Reviews and features, along with our partners’ magazines, websites, and social media, are here for just one reason: to enhance your running experience and relationship with your local running community.

So take a run, cool down, and then enjoy reading our 2013 Spring Shoe Review, and continue your quest for the perfect running shoe for you!

Larry Eder President, Running Network LLC

AWARD WINNERS BEST SHOE MOTION STABILIZING

BEST SHOE

BEST SHOE

SPRING 2013

SPRING 2013

PERFORMANCE

NEUTRAL

SPRING 2013

aSiCS gel-kayano 19

Saucony Mirage 3

Mizuno wave Rider 16

BEST NEW SHOE

BEST RENOVATION

SPRING 2013

SPRING 2013

adidas energy Boost

New Balance 890 v3

American Track & Field www.american-trackandfield.com Athletes Only www.atf-athlete.com Athletics (Canada) www.athleticsontario.ca Austin Fit www.austinfitmagazine.com California Track & Running News www.caltrack.com Club Running www.rrca.org/publications/club-running Coaching Athletics Quarterly www.coachingathleticsq.com Colorado Runner www.coloradorunnermag.com Get Active! www.healthclubs.com Greater Long Island Running Club’s Footnotes www.glirc.org Latinos Corriendo www.latinoscorriendo.com Marathon Guide www.marathonguide.com Michigan Runner www.michiganrunner.net Missouri Runner & Triathlete www.morunandtri.com Running Journal & Racing South www.running.net RunMinnesota www.runmdra.org RUNOHIO www.runohio.com Track & Field News www.trackandfieldnews.com USATF’s Fast Forward www.usatf.org USATF–New England’s Exchange Zone www.usatfne.org The Winged Foot www.nyac.org The Winged M www.themac.com Youth Runner www.youthrunner.com

Reviewer: Cregg Weinmann Project Coordinator/Editor: Christine Johnson Designer: Kristen Cerer Proofreader: Marg Sumner, Red Ink Editorial Services Shoe Photography: Daniel Saldaña, Cregg Weinmann Advertising Sales: Running Network LLC, Larry Eder, President, 608.239.3785, larry@runningnetwork.com Publisher: Larry Eder, 608.239.3785 Website: www.runningnetwork.com For a Media Kit, please visit our website.

This 2013 Spring Shoe Review is produced independently by Running Network LLC for its partner publications. All shoes reviewed were tested by experienced, competitive runners who were matched to the biomechanical purpose of each shoe model.

Copyright © 2013 by Running Network LLC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be stored, copied, or reprinted without prior written permission of Running Network LLC. Running Network LLC and its partner publications suggest that, as with all fitness activities, you meet with a healthcare professional before beginning or changing your fitness regimen.

Running Network 2013 Spring Shoe Review—26

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motion stabilizing aSiCS gel-kayano 19—$150 BEST SHOE MOTION STABILIZING SPRING 2013

As ASICS’ flagship shoe for plush stability, the Gel-Kayano continues to set the bar high for this category. Now sleeker and lighter weight, Round 19 is worthy of the attention it will surely attract. The upper features an almost tailored fit, as ASICS continues to dial in its well-established technologies of separated Discrete eyelets and Bio-Fit stretch inserts. The shoe supports and moves with the foot better than ever. The upper trades the previous open mesh for a closed mesh and welded overlays, giving the shoe a more unified feel. The midsole features the same basic profile but is more rounded, as has been adopted by other shoes in ASICS’ line. The generous Gel pad has been reshaped and the Dynamic DuoMax—a stabilizing medial support—effectively curbs overpronation. The outersole is AHAR in the heel with DuraSponge rubber, ASICS’ proven rubber compound, in the forefoot. With its combination of fit, stability, and stylish performance, the Gel-Kayano 19 earned our award for Best Shoe in the Motion Stabilizing category.

“Fit just right; stable and secure. Plenty of cushion. What’s not to like? The Kayano is predictable and effective.”

Sizes: Men 6–14,15,16 (D), 8–14,15,16 (2E,4E); Women 5–12 (B,D) • Weight: 11.3 oz. (men’s size 11); 9.4 oz. (women’s size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: combination Strobel lasted, Solyte Strobel board (heel) • Recommended for: low- to medium–higharched feet with mild to moderate overpronation

Brooks adrenaline gtS 13— $110 Brooks’ go-to shoe has risen to the level of industry icon. The Adrenaline is evidence of Brooks’ commitment to consistency: Round 13 maintains what works.

The upper has undergone a shift to a smaller mesh, and the details—welded forefoot overlays and a series of adjustable eyelets that improve the midfoot fit of the shoe—have been fine tuned, resulting in a more refined fit. In the midsole, there have been some minor adjustments to the look of the sidewall molding, but the crashpad and medial support remain essentially unchanged. The outersole still has its proven configuration of HPR carbon rubber in the heel and Flextra, a blown rubber compound, in the forefoot. By offering a substantial array of features and holding the price steady, Brooks has made the Adrenaline an even better value. And that’s good news for loyal Adrenaline fans and an invitation to potential fans.

“They hugged my foot very nicely. The cushioning was more responsive than plush, but they were protective.

The stability is what the Adrenaline is all about.”

Sizes: Men: 7–13,14,15; Women: 5–12,13 • Weight: 11.5 oz. (men’s size 11); 9.5 oz. (women’s size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: combination Strobel lasted, S257 Strobel board (forefoot) • Recommended for: low- to medium–high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation

Mizuno wave inspire 9—$115

Brooks Ravenna 4—$110 Overshadowed by its flashier siblings, the plush Trance and the bestselling Adrenaline, the Ravenna is often seen as Brooks’ workhorse stability shoe.

However, runners who give it a try will discover that it delivers real performance. The upper features slight modifications: a round mesh similar to that in the 3; a small, reworked saddle in the midfoot to lock the foot down over the midsole; and an enhanced, hinge-like articulation in the eyestay that flexes as the foot bends.

The BioMogo midsole has Brooks’ DNA cushioning insert in both the heel and forefoot to attenuate the foot’s impact through the gait cycle. The outersole is the simple and proven HPR-and-Flextra-carbon/blown rubber combination for durability, yet it softens the ride. The Ravenna’s light weight is a plus, but stability is its strength.

“Great fit and light as a feather. I was impressed by the comfort. The Ravenna is very balanced and secure. I could not expect more.”

Sizes: Men: 7–13,14,15; Women: 5–12,13 • Weight: 11.1 oz. (men’s size 11); 9.2 oz. (women’s size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel slip lasted, S257 Strobel board • Recommended for: low- to medium–high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation

Saucony Progrid hurricane 15—$140 The Hurricane is Saucony’s most reliable motion stabilizing shoe and, with Round 14, was the first of its mainline models to feature the lowered geometry of an 8-millimeter heel-to-toe drop. Here, it keeps that geometry and its efficient heel-to-toe transition. Also retained in the upper are the Sauc-fit insert and flat laces to secure the foot, a similar breathable mesh, and reflective accents. The midsole is PowerGrid, a foam formulation that’s responsive and resilient, and offers a firm ride and good durability. The outersole is XT-900 carbon rubber in the heel, with iBR+, a formulation of injected rubber, in the forefoot for good durability with the cushioning of blown rubber. The result is a durable shoe that can handle the miles and the long, hard road.

“Perfect fit, and stable. Lots of bounce and great support. The Hurricane was an outstanding shoe for me.”

Sizes: Men: 7–13,14,15,16 (B,D,2E,4E); Women: 5–12 (2A,B,D,2E) • Weight: 10.4 oz. (men’s size 11); 8.3 oz. (women’s size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • Recommended for: low- to medium–high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation

Running Network 2013 Spring Shoe Review—27

Mizuno has earned its reputation for providing comfort and performance due to shoes like the Inspire. Round 9 provides all that with a bit of added oomph. The upper is a new, closed mesh that improves support and breathability, and it’s enhanced by no-sew overlays, so the fit remains familiar though a bit more supportive. The midsole is AP+ foam, and the asymmetrical Wave plate inhibits overpronation. This configuration always has been a good combination, but testers seemed even more aware of its performance in this round. The outersole of X-10 rubber provides traction and durability, and the hinge-like Smooth-Ride sole design provides a smooth transition through ground contact. The result is a stable, responsive shoe that delivers high-mileage performance.

“Good fit right from the box; very stable and secure feeling. Good cushioning and stability. The Inspire has been consistently well done.”

Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15,16 (D,2E); Women: 6–12 (2A,D) • Weight: 10.4 oz. (men’s size 11); 8.3 oz. (women’s size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted • Recommended for: low- to medium–high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation

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performance aSiCS gel-excel 33 2—$125 The Gel-Excel, ASICS’ flagship shoe of the 33 series, has undergone its first update, and Round 2 introduces a new approach to the geometry of the series, Fluid Axis, which debuts in two shoes this season. The upper has been dialed in to provide just enough structure to line up the foot over the midsole, particularly in the heel, while the no-sew overlays provide security. The midsole is composed of Solyte foam topped by SpEVA, and features Fluid Axis geometry, which allows flexibility in two planes under the heel. Here, it’s firmer than the version in the Gel-Lyte 33 2, so it offers a different and more supportive ride. The outersole is spare, though there’s more of it here than on the Gel-Lyte. It’s enough to contribute a touch of structure and a bit of cushion where the rubber is bonded to the midsole. The net effect is a lightweight, mid-mileage shoe for faster running or daily training for efficient runners who are speedy and lightweight themselves.

“They fit very nicely and are comfortable from beginning to the end of the run. They have lots of cushioning, though the heel is noticeably less bouncy than the forefoot.”

Updates the ASICS Gel-Excel 33 • Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 6–13 • Weight: 10.3 oz. (men’s size 11); 8.6 oz. (women’s size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, Solyte Strobel board • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

aSiCS gel-Lyte 33 2—$90 The roots of this shoe reach way back, and Gel-Lyte is a welcome addition to ASICS’ 33 series. Round 1 had significant strengths, but its upper had a few issues.

Round 2 addresses those and also debuts Fluid Axis, ASICS’ new midsole geometry designed to work efficiently with the foot’s motion. The upper has been completely redesigned, with a minimesh and synthetic overlays but no additional structure. The midsole is Solyte foam with flex grooves beneath the heel’s main joint (one of 33 joints in each foot) to allow its movement without excessive hindrance. Some weartesters found this movement uncomfortable, though it may just take getting used to. The outersole is a minimal carbon rubber/blown rubber setup only in the highestwear areas to allow the foot to take advantage of the Fluid Axis system. The result is a shoe for faster running that will make your feet stronger, though you may need some time to adapt to it, and it may not be a shoe you can wear every day.

“Felt like my feet were in moccasins. ... The shoe feels good to run in. I always felt like my feet were landing properly, but they were a little tiring to get used to. Not super durable, but they are useful for my faster runs.”

Updates the Gel-Lyte 33 • Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 6–13 • Weight: 9.2 oz. (men’s size 11); 7.7 oz. (women’s size 8) • Shape: semi-curved to curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted • Recommended for: medium- to higharched feet with neutral biomechanics

karhu Flow Light Fulcrum— $110

Brooks PureFlow 2—$100 Round 2 of the PureFlow sports a few key changes along with a bump in the price, which is a sign of the times. The upper has been completely reworked. The tongue is gone, in favor of a continuous lateral-side opening with a medial flap. Support over the instep is provided by the Navband and no-sew overlays on each side that create a midfoot saddle. Paint the whole thing in dayglow colors and reflective accents, and you have built-in, eye-catching safety features. The low-profile midsole continues with a 4mm drop that can handle some serious mileage. The outersole is carbon rubber, used sparingly on numerous pods (especially the pod under the fifth metatarsal), allowing the foot to support and balance itself in midstance. Succinctly put, the PureFlow 2 is low-slung, light, and responsive.

“Comfortable while running, neither too snug nor [too] loose. The toebox does not feel confining, plenty roomy.

A lot of days, this is my Go-To shoe for all types of training. I like the way the shoe feels while running.”

Updates the PureFlow • Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 5–12 • Weight: 9.8 oz. (men’s size 11); 7.9 oz. (women’s size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

Mizuno wave elixer 8—$120 The Elixer continues to be a flashy bauble in Mizuno’s line, but it’s a bauble with plenty of muscle. The upper is a closed mesh, but with attention-grabbing, sublimated graphics. Like other Mizuno shoes this year, the midfoot is supported by no-sew overlays and anchored by heel and toe overlays of traditional synthetics. The low-profile midsole has a single asymmetrical Wave plate setup, but the real surprise is the responsiveness and resilience of the AP+ foam. The outersole continues with X-10 rubber in the heel and a forefoot combination of blown rubber laterally and fabric-backed TPU medially, improving the durability of the shoe. The result is a snappy, lightweight shoe for faster and more stable running.

“Very good fit, secure and supportive. The ride is firm but well cushioned, and the stability is surprising for a shoe this light. Very versatile—you could even race in them.”

Updates the Wave Elixer 7 • Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 6–11 • Weight: 9.8 oz. (men’s size 11); 8.2 oz. (women’s size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation

Running Network 2013 Spring Shoe Review—28

The Flow Light Fulcrum represents the latest iteration of Karhu’s Fulcrum technology, and we think it’s the most effective one to date. The midsole combines the Fulcrum element—here, a second-density foam— with a softer density of EVA to deliver an effective ride that’s responsive and resilient. The geometry is a low heel-to-toe drop with a shallow stack height that lightens the shoe while still providing good comfort and cushion. Spare rubber on the outersole lends a little traction and durability without adding much weight.

The upper is airmesh with welded overlays that wrap the foot in a minimal design that isn’t skimpy. One particularly nice touch are twin lobes of memory foam in the ankle collar that enhances the fit and adds the touch of comfort needed to complete the shoe while keeping the weight down. The result is an excellent performance shoe for faster running or racing.

“Great fit, light, and just barely enough cushion, but they are light. Good ‘go fast’ shoe for faster training and racing.”

New • Sizes: Men 8–13,14; Women 5–12 • Weight: 8.9 oz. (men’s size 11); 7.5 oz. (women’s size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, perforated EVA Strobel board • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics, for faster running

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performance Newton gravity—$175 The Gravity is the original Newton shoe, now thoroughly dialed in and rolling along. Designed for neutral runners interested in performance, its technology encourages forefoot striking via its cushioning lugs, but it benefits all neutral runners by storing and releasing energy for toe-off. Though the upper utilizes traditional airmesh and synthetic suede overlays, they are of really high quality. (And at this price, they better be!) The midsole is also top-grade EVA, but a secret resides here: A membrane of Hytrel plastic absorbs energy at impact and then releases it at toe-off as the foot rolls forward, contributing an extra little “push.”

The outersole is a typical setup of carbon rubber in the heel and lower-density rubber up front to keep the weight down. Overall, the Gravity is all about efficient running, and they’ll go as fast as you can.

“Comfortable fit and quite light. The lugs feel funny, but get better as you run on them. Surprisingly, heel strikers can actually use these quite well. Good shoe, but $175 seems a bit expensive.”

Updates the Gravity • Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15; Women 5–12 • Weight: 10.3 oz. (men’s size 11); 8.8 oz. (women’s size 8) • Shape: semicurved to curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

Nike Flyknit Lunar1+—$160

Saucony Mirage 3—$110

The Flyknit Lunar1+ is a new shoe for Nike. Well, it is new, though maybe a bit of a hybrid. With all of the fanfare over the Flyknit Racer and Trainer, the Lunar1’s upper will probably look familiar. It’s knit and shaped in a single process without wasted material. With only a seam at the ankle collar and the Strobel board, there’s little to irritate; not surprisingly, it fit our testers well. The lacing doesn’t come up as high as usual nor does it permit you to select which eyelets to use, but it securely wraps the foot. The midsole is Lunarlon foam similar to other Lunar shoe configurations; it’s done well here. It’s responsive and nicely cushioned, but the ramp angle—though it’s a couple millimeters lower than typical Nike shoes—feels a bit steep when compared to many of the shoes in this review. On the upside, it’s also better cushioned than many of them.

Ultimately, it’s a matter of whether it suits you. The outersole is minimal but sufficient, keeping the weight down and the foot protected.

The Mirage has been a top performer for Saucony, straddling the categories of minimal drop shoes and supportive shoes with a generous stack height; it’s well cushioned and efficient. The upper returns to an open mesh with welded, no-sew overlays providing just enough support for the foot with hardly a weight gain.

The midsole is responsive and well cushioned enough to handle high-mileage training—the one constant in all three rounds. The TPU medial support in this iteration is the least obtrusive version yet and is effective at curbing overpronation (thanks, in part, to the low heel-to-toe drop). The outersole is still just enough pieces to cover the high-wear areas of the sole; it’s pared back a bit, even from previous rounds.

The combination of responsive cushioning, light weight, and great fit earned the Mirage 3 our Best Performance Shoe Award.

“I was impressed with the ride more than the fit (nice and cushy), and the performance more than the durability (really light and fast). They seem to be worth the price, but I might not buy a second pair.”

New • Sizes: Men 5–13,14,15; Women 5–12 • Weight: 9.6 oz. (men’s size 11); 7.8 oz. (women’s size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

Puma Mobium elite—$110 The Mobium is a new shoe for Puma, and it takes its name from the Möbius Strip. (Remember that twisted strip of paper from your geometry class that looked like the infinity symbol?) Mobium describes the technology used here: an elastic cord shaped like a figure8 and positioned flat in the bottom of the shoe. As the foot flexes, the cord returns the sole to its original position before the next step, better supporting the foot by ensuring the foam is in the right spot at the footstrike. The closed mesh upper has well-positioned foam in the ankle collar, and offers a snug, though not constricting, fit. The midsole is durable injectionmolded EVA with rounded edges mimicking the rounded shape of the heel, with a 4mm heel-to-toe drop that’s firm but responsive. The segmented outersole covers little more than the contacting surfaces to save weight. This is a shoe for faster running that gives the foot a workout as much as it provides support in a macro sense.

“While running, the shoe works to accentuate the natural motion of my feet. The middle of the shoe snugs up very tightly around my foot. Responsive cushioning, and a nice light shoe.”

New • Sizes: Men 6.5–12,13,14; Women 5.5–11,12 • Weight: 10.0 oz. (men’s size 11); 8.3 oz. (women’s size 8) • Shape: curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics, for faster-paced running

Skechers goRun 2—$80 The update to the GoRun brings Skechers a bit closer to the mainstream, while retaining its unique story. The entire shoe has been revised, and we think the revision is successful. The upper retains its stretch mesh, keeping the slipper-like feel and low-slung, racer fit. No-sew, welded overlays support the saddle as before. The midsole geometry has been altered with slightly lowered lugs under the arch, reducing the awkward midfoot feel of the last round. The ride is resilient and cushions the foot well, but it’s very flexible and may require some adaptation prior to regular wear. The outersole is almost nonexistent: about a dozen carbon rubber dots spread over a road-grade EVA sole. As a racer or a shoe reserved for faster-paced running and speedwork, it’s very good.

Super-light and efficient runners might get away with daily wear, but all runners can benefit from a shoe like this for some of their faster runs.

“Snug, racerlike fit. I get a ‘hit the gas’ feeling when I put this on, so I use them for my fastest runs.”

Updates the GoRun • Sizes: Men 6.5–13,14; Women 5–10,11 • Weight: 7.5 oz. (men’s size 11); 6.5 oz. (women’s size 8) • Shape: semi-curved to curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics, for faster-paced running

Running Network 2013 Spring Shoe Review—29

“Usual great Saucony fit: snug in the heel and midfoot with a roomy toebox. Nicely cushioned, very comfortable. It’s like a sleek racing shoe upper on a training shoe bottom.”

Updates Mirage 2 • Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 5–12 • Weight: 9.8 oz. (men’s size 11); 8.4 oz. (women’s size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

BEST SHOE PERFORMANCE SPRING 2013

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neutral adidas energy Boost—$150 BEST NEW SHOE SPRING 2013

The Energy Boost has succeeded in firing up the imagination of runners, even though so far it’s those runners who happen to own running specialty stores. The reason? The Energy Boost is light and really fun to run in. The upper is a sleek, black, stretchy woven textile, with minimal, no-sew overlays that moves effectively with the foot. The innovative midsole employs a new foam formulation (created in collaboration with chemical company BASF) that seems to last forever and provides surprising bounce to the shoe (hence, the “Boost” in its name). Though the geometry is traditional, the shoe has a fast feel, even if it’s not exactly outright performance oriented. The outersole is minimal with the extra material carved away, though not at the expense of durability. The combination of innovation, ride, and “cool” factor earned the Energy Boost our award for Best New Shoe.

“The fit was a little tight in the toes, but secure overall. The cushioning is almost trampoline-like, but not out of control. The shaping of the midsole makes it track pretty well.”

New • Sizes: Men 7–15; Women 5–12 • Weight: 10.2 oz. (men’s size 11); 8.8 oz. (women’s size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

adidas Supernova glide 5— $115 The Supernova Glide has been a comfortable cruiser dating back to the earliest Supernova neutral offerings.

Though not as light as many other neutral shoes, it provides a plush feel to its ride, something that’s missing in some lighter shoes. The upper is a smallweave mesh that’s a touch more supportive while still breathable. Effective overlays secure the midfoot while opening up in the forefoot for a more comfortable and accommodating fit. The toe bumper offers good protection and adds durability. The midsole continues with adiPrene handling extra cushioning, though with different formulations in the heel and forefoot. The ForMotion cassette stabilizes the foot while also serving as an effective crashpad. The outersole continues with Continental® rubber for durability and traction.

Runners should expect continued performance from this proven high-mileage shoe.

“Snug heel and arch, roomy toes. Responsive and stable cushioning. Durable high-mileage shoes—what I’ve expected from the Supernova Glide.”

Updates the Supernova Glide 4 • Sizes: Men 6.5–15,16,17,18,19,20; Women 4.5–14 • Weight: 12.2 oz. (men’s size 11); 9.6 oz. (women’s size 8) • Shape: semicurved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to very mild overpronation

New Balance 890 v3—$110 BEST SHOE NEUTRAL SPRING 2013

Mizuno wave Rider 16—$115 It’s hard to remember when Mizuno’s lineup didn’t include the Wave Rider. That longevity is due to Mizuno’s laser-like focus on providing both a great fit and a great ride. In this round, the upper looks new with a closed mesh that seems stiffer, enabling the traditional midfoot overlays to be replaced with fewer (and lighter) welded ones. Overlays at the heel and toe continue to provide the same structure as before. The shape of the midsole has been subtly altered, though our weartesters confirm that it provides the same performance as did the 15. The outersole is X-10 rubber with the SmoothRide hinged element in the forefoot, encouraging a snappy toe-off. Fans won’t be disappointed, and new users will likely join the ranks.

The triple threat of responsive ride, great fit, and highmileage durability earned the Wave Rider 16 our award for Best Shoe in the Neutral category.

“Fit well; comfortable; no loose or tight spots. Nice cushioning, not overly squishy, with a responsive feel.

They are comfortable, durable, light, and cute. Highly recommend!”

Updates the Wave Rider 15 • Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15,16 (D,2E); Women 6–12 (2A,B,D) • Weight: 11.7 oz. (men’s size 11); 9.1 oz. (women’s size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

Saucony Progrid triumph 9—$120 This time out, the Triumph joins Saucony’s 8mm parade, featuring the same performance geometry as many of its mainline shoes and rounding out the Saucony performance lineup. The upper is wide-open air mesh with midfoot overlays sandwiched between the mesh layers, and pared back to minimize weight. The overlays at the heel and toe feature a traditional construction and are positioned to anchor the upper to the midsole. The midsole is a paradox—a generous stack height (read: well cushioned) with a low profile feel, thanks to its 8mm heel-to-toe drop. The outersole is the proven carbon rubber heel/blown rubber forefoot. Overall, the plush, midweight Triumph 9 is a high-mileage trainer with a smooth feel for the road.

“Very comfortable fit. Wrapped my foot nicely and flexed well. Surprising low-profile feel, but pretty plush cushioning. They took what I dished out, and handled my higher mileage runs great.”

Updates the ProGrid Triumph 8 • Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15 (D,2E); Women 5–12 • Weight: 11.8 oz. (men’s size 11); 9.2 oz. (women’s size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

Running Network 2013 Spring Shoe Review—30

By focusing on aesthetics, performance, and durability, the 890 has contributed a lot to New Balance’s running shoe success. This is due in large part to NB’s use of the surprisingly light and well-cushioned midsole foam, RevLite, which started and continues the franchise. Not messing with success, Round 3 arrives with no dramatic changes, which will be good news to its many fans. In the upper, changes are not simply cosmetic. The repositioning of the no-sew overlays wrap the foot more securely, especially in combination with the ankle collar foam. The midsole continues with single-density RevLite and well-sculpted geometry, particularly in the crashpad. The outersole retains thin, but tough carbon rubber in the heel and a blown rubber forefoot. The net effect is a light, durable, highmileage trainer with a comfortable fit, as expected. The continued fusion of lightness, comfort, and supportive fit earned the 890 v3 our award for Best Renovation.

“Felt great out of the box and continue to impress.

[They] feel light and fast. It is a key shoe in my rotation because it fits well, feels great, and is reliably versatile.”

Updates the 890 v2 • Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15 (D,2E); Women 5–11,12 (2A,B,D) • Weight: 10.4 oz. (men’s size 11); 8.1 oz. (women’s size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, PU Strobel board • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

BEST RENOVATION SPRING 2013

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Is The NCAA Incapable of Admitting a Mistake?

I

n June, 2002, the NCAA announced a new outdoor track-and-field championships format, to begin in 2003. There was little, if any, previous public discussion; apparently a small group of committee members and administrators just decided to “improve” things.

Let’s be clear: it wasn’t broken. There was nothing wrong with the old format, which essentially brought the top 25 athletes on each event’s performance list to the championships. If more participants were wanted, all they had to do was go farther down on the performance lists.

But no, they decided to hold four regional “qualifying” meets in which the first five finishers in each, plus selected “wild cards,” went to the championships. That didn’t really work too well, so in 2010 a change was made to two “East and West Preliminaries,” with the top 12 finishers in each automatically qualifying for the Championships—yes, finishing 12th is a good as “winning” in this joke of a meet—this year to be held in Eugene.

Some back-of-the-envelope calculations show that the total costs of the competing schools in each of this year’s preliminaries was at least $1.5 million. That’s opposed to ZERO dollars to select the top 24 by consulting the performance lists.

And as one who has covered 53 NCAA outdoor meets, I can tell you that the odds of anyone who isn’t in the top 24 scoring even one point is more than 1,000–1.

Besides wasting all the millions the universities have spent on this pointless exercise, additional damage is done to the sport’s annual calendar, since it effectively shortens the spring season for collegians by two weeks.

When grown-ups make a mistake, they admit it.

How about it, NCAA? — James Dunaway

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