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Summer 2011 $5.95
Permit 50 Ft Atkinson, WI
PA I D PRST STD U.S. Postage
Victah, Photorun
Volume 18, Number 2
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contents
10 Training High-School Runners for 5 KM Cross Country 12 Value of Cross Country 14 Minimalism: Summer 2011 18 A simple exercise to improve downhill running effectiveness 20 LA Marathon 22 Trail Shoes: Summer 2011
8 Starting Blocks
30 Exit
24 Dick Booth – Jumps Coach Moves to University of Alabama 28 Junior Editor, Race Results Weekly
Cover photo: Lukas Verzibas, Morgan Uceny, Adam Nelson
Group Publisher: Larry Eder, larry.eder@gmail.com Group Editor: Christine Johnson, ctrneditorial@gmail.com Advertising: Larry Eder, ssmadvert@gmail.com Writers/Contributors: Darren De Reuck, John Godina, Chris Lotsbom, Dick Patrick, Roy Stevenson, Cregg Weinmann Circulation Changes: shootingstarmediabiz@gmail.com Photographers: Lisa Coniglio/PhotoRun, Victah Sailer/PhotoRun Layout/Design: Kristen Cerer Editor: James Dunaway, jodunaway@sbcglobal.net, 512-292-9022
Special Thanks To: Tim Garant, Alex Larsen, Tom Mack, Mary Atwell, Deb Keckeisen, Sydney Wesemann In loving memory of Violet Robertson, 1913–2003 www.american-trackandfield.com ph: 608-239-3785; fax: 920-563-7298 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, Christine Johnson, President, Larry Eder, Vice President. Copyright 2011 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.
Pre-Press/Printer: W. D. Hoard & Sons Company, Fort Atkinson, WI
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’s Rep: Peter Koch-Weser, pkwadvmag@yahoo.com, ph: 310-836-2642; fax: 310-836-7093
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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2011 Stockholm Diamond League
Publisher’s Note W
hat a great summer of track & field! As I write this, I am in Stockholm, having just enjoyed a tremendous night of track and field at the DN Galan Stockholm Diamond League meeting. Being in one of the most hallowed stadiums in all of our sport was part of the excitement of my track vacation. The performances of Christian Cantwell, Andreas Thorkildsen, Valerie Adams, Carmelita Jeter, and Shalane Flanagan are always awe inspiring. Seeing how another nation supports track and field has been a revelation. Most of you know that I have been going to meets in the UK for much of the last decade. This summer, adding Paris, Lille, Birmingham, Stockholm, London, Eugene, and New York, has shown me what the sport can do at its best. I also see the U.S., with 50 state high-school track meets and over 400,000 paid attendance, as another example of how disconnected we are here. Most states have their high school state meets with 8,000–40,000 fans coming to high school meets, and paying. Why could we not, at several of them, provide a one-hour, short, elite program at end of meet, providing TV with strong crowd, high school sports with some dollars for their development and build the brand of track and field? These are the challenges we face in track and field in the United States. And, I believe, that you, my 37,553 head track and field coach friends at the high school and college level, have approaches that could make sense on building our sport. Send me your suggestions at larry.eder@gmail.com, and I will publish them, either on runblogrun or in ATF! It’s your sport. If you do not get involved, you have nothing to complain about.
Larry Eder, Publisher
Photo: Jiro Mochizuki, www.photorun.NET
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s ta rt i n g b l o c k s
Starting Blocks
2009 Millrose Games Madison Square Garden, NYC
F
or any track fan with an iota of realism, the move of the Millrose Games from Madison Square Garden uptown to the 168th Street Armory could not have been a sur-
prise. Millrose, for nearly a century the most famous indoor meet in the world, had been struggling: disappointing crowds, disappointing buzz. The meet could no longer regularly pack the Garden to the rafters as it did from the 1920s to the 1990s. And the Garden’s 160-yard track—once the standard for indoor tracks—could not compete with the dozens of faster 200-meter tracks that became the new standard. The meet, like Madison Square Garden itself, was simply part of the declining indoor scene in the United States, which had a virtual monopoly on indoor track since the first ever indoor meet was held in New York in the 1880s. A century later, in 1987, the IAAF awarded its first indoor world championships to Indianapolis, as a nod to the supremacy of the U.S. in developing indoor track. But in reality the U.S. circuit already was in a downtrend, with shrinking sponsorships and losses of meets, even as indoor track flourished in Europe. Though the decline of Millrose was inevitable given the trends of the domestic indoor circuit, that doesn’t make the news any less devastating. Eamonn Coghlan, the Irish miler adopted by New York fans for the thrills he provided at Millrose, compared it to the Rose Bowl going Division III.
The Millrose situation is a body blow to the sport’s aficionados. It just won’t be the same even though the nicely banked 200-meter synthetic track at the Armory is a superior surface to the cramped 160-yard board track in the Garden, home to Millrose since 1914. The 5,000-seat Armory is just not a spectator facility on par with the 18,000-capacity Garden. The new version won’t be the social event that Millrose was in its heyday, attracting many general sports fans who often attended no other meet in a year. But those days are gone, just like the smoky haze from cigarettes and cigars that formed a cloud above the Garden track during the era before nonsmoking ordinances. No athletes and not many fans would like to return to the days of smoke-filled arenas. Norb Sander and his Armory staff have worked a wonder in restoring it as a hub for high school and college indoor track. Who knows? Maybe they can work some sort of revival for Millrose and make it relevant again. One thing’s sure: Thanks to the faster Armory track, plenty of Millrose meet records will be broken next February. Those who mourn the change of Millrose’s status recall the glory days of the meet with the Garden packed to capacity and the crowd in a frenzy during lead changes of the Wanamaker Mile or another exciting event with Olympic champions and world record holders. But those days are a memory, not a current reality. Let’s hope Sander and new meet director Ray Flynn can create a new, exciting reality for the meet. Photo: Victah, www.photorun.NET
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s ta rt i n g b l o c k s
Pistorius and Semenya Could Pose Problems for the Sport You wonder if the IAAF isn’t secretly rooting for South Africans Oscar Pistorius and Caster Semenya to be nonfactors at the upcoming World Championships. No news from those two would be good news for the IAAF, which has not distinguished itself in its handling of the cases of the two runners. Pistorius, known as the “Blade Runner,” is a 400-meter runner who has no lower legs and runs with prosthetics. On July 19 he ran 45.07 to qualify for Daegu. Last year in a case adjudicated by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Pistorius was approved to run internationally. Now it appears the decision was a rush to judgment without benefit of adequate scientific input. “The current evidence already suggests that he has a significant advantage,” South African sports science expert Ross Tucker told IOLSport, a South African publication. “He keeps falling back on the CAS ruling, and telling people that the science has cleared him. That is completely untrue. What has happened is the lawyers were able to clear
him because the [CAS] process was flawed in that it did not allow all the science to be presented.” According to Ross and other scientists, Pistorius’ prosthetic legs enable him to move his legs 16% faster than history’s fastest sprinters and to stay longer on the ground, enabling him to apply more force per stride. “His advantage is large, and it’s not a question of an advantage over other able-bodied runners, but over what able-bodied legs would produce,” Tucker said. “In other words, what, theoretically is the advantage of carbon-fiber compared to human limbs? Do they perform better? The answer is yes, and that’s why we must make a fuss.” Tucker realizes his opinion is not human-interest-story friendly. Pistorius has become a symbol of overcoming adversity, an international hero. “He is all those things, make no mistake,” Tucker said. “He’s inspirational and he should get enormous credit for that. The problem is thus a performance one, and I exist in the world of science where the evidence matters, not the emotion and opinion.”
It would be nice if Semenya’s situation could be settled by science as well. She is of mixed gender, a situation that came to light prior to the 2009 World Championships where she won the 800. Both IAAF and South African officials have acknowledged mistakes in not treating her case with more sensitivity and confidentiality. But what about the science? There have been reports that Semenya has male sex organs and much more performance-enhancing testosterone in her system than normal females. Opponents and their coaches claim this gives her an unfair advantage. The IAAF has suspended Semenya and reinstated her. What the organization hasn’t done is give the public and her opponents a complete report on the situation. There are too many doubts and not enough certainty in the situation. There are no easy answers to hard questions. But as Pistorius and Semenya continue to run well, the questions will get harder. And the answers could affect track and field in far-reaching ways.
Hall Making the Calls Ryan Hall passed the first big test after his decision to leave Terrence Mahon as his mentor and to coach himself. Hall finished 4th at April’s Boston Marathon in a personal best 2:04:58, the fastest time ever by an American. Kenya’s Geoffrey Mutai won the race in 2:03:02—57 seconds under the world record. Neither mark will stand as a record because the course has a net drop above the allowable limit. The field also benefited from a strong tailwind for most of the race on the point-to-point course. Hall made the right calls in prepping for Boston. Now he’s making a decision that could be second-guessed in planning to run the Chicago Marathon in October prior to the Olympic Trials marathon in January in Houston, a gap of 96 days. “I’ve definitely thought through that scenario quite a lot,” Hall said in a conference call. “I actually look at it as the perfect amount of time between Chicago and the Trials. I don’t start my [marathon] training until 10 weeks before. It’s actually perfect for me to have 14 weeks between.” The fast Chicago course appeals to Hall as does the fact that the race will have pacesetters unlike Boston, where Hall has done much of the leading in his recent races there. The Chicago pacers could help Hall break Khalid Khannounchi’s U.S. record of 2:05:38. “The great thing about having paced races is you don’t have to think the first 20 miles,” Hall said. “You don’t have to be mentally engaged until the last 15 kilometers.” Enjoy Chicago, then. For the Trials and the Olympics, Hall will have to be engaged the entire race.
Photo: Victah, www.photorun.NET
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TRAINING HIIGH-SCHOOL RUNNERS FOR 5 KM CROSS COUNTRY by Darren De Reuck
O Although the 5,000-meter distance is relatively short, prepping for the race still requires a good base of endurance running and strength.
ne of the great things about racing high-school cross country is the fact that races typically don't exceed 5 km. This virtually assures that most young runners are not overtraining and thus are not constantly getting hurt. Of course there are quite a few gung-ho kids out there ripping up the miles and following a high-intensity schedule, but they are in the minority. Although the 5,000-meter distance is relatively short, prepping for the race still requires a good base of endurance running and strength. Still, this kind of training should be much less taxing than a half or full marathon schedule. 5 km races are intense; but they don't stress the body as much as the longer distances – which means that speed workouts can be short and sweet, long runs don't need to be all-day events, and high school beginners to the sport can get into distance running without being discouraged by the amount of work involved. If you gave your runners a "Summer Training Schedule" to follow and they did follow it, your team should have a solid base of aerobic training, coupled with some strength training, to start the season. This will help them tremendously when you mix in some speed work, which involves plenty of short, fast intervals. While beginners should not do more than one speed session a week, more experienced runners can add a second weekly speed session. The cross-country season itself gives you as a coach plenty of wiggle room. The season can either be short or long, depending on whether individual athletes and/or the team qualifies for State, and then, for the best runners, perhaps regional Footlocker and Footlocker finals. If one has a solid base starting the season and
the goal race is running well at State, you’ll probably want to dial back training somewhat in the first part of the season so that peaking does not become an issue. Prioritize the races to be run, and train through the small meets early in the season. Having small peaks for the important races is good, but you obviously do not want your runners to peak too soon. There is a fine line between overtraining and perfecting a peak.
Interval training Before starting your young runners on interval training, it’s a good idea to explain to them what interval training is, and why it will help them become better runners. You might explain it this way: “Interval training consists of activity at a high intensity for a period of time, followed by low intensity recovery for a period of time. These "sets" are repeated. “Sprint Intervals - the high-intensity portion are called ‘Sprint Intervals,’ and are measured either by time or distance. They can be as short as 15 seconds or as long as 20 minutes. An example of a Sprint Interval workout would be running at full pace along a stretch of field for 30 seconds and then recovering by jogging, say, 60 to 90 seconds before repeating the 30-second sprint. “Rest Intervals or Active Rest - the periods of recovery are called Rest Intervals or Active Rest. During this period athletes do not stop the activity, but generally exercise at a low intensity which allows the body to recover from the sprint interval. The length of these periods are determined primarily by your fitness levels and the type of the sprint interval.
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“The overtrained runner gets hurt, but the smart runner keeps running, and winning.” “The intervals – the recovery periods -- are important; the basis of the interval training is to insure that your speed work is done at an optimal intensity, and without sufficient rest your interval training will resort back to an aerobic type of activity. “Intensity - the intensity of the sprint intervals is how hard you push yourself. We measure this on perceived effort on a scale of 1 to 10; with 1 being effortless and 10 representing the maximum effort possible. This is a completely personal scale depending on your own fitness levels and the type of interval training. Seasoned athletes may be working on improving their speed and a "10" may represent an all out effort
ranging from 30 seconds to 5 minutes. Granted that they could not maintain a 30 second sprint for 5 minutes, but the maximum effort still represents a 10. The same is said for beginners, who at first may even have to do their intervals while power walking; a one-minute walk at a brisk pace may leave some people completely out of breath, but this would be their 10. A ‘10’ is merely the maximum amount of effort a person can safely expend for that particular interval” To sum up, one of the most important lessons you can teach your kids is this: “The overtrained runner gets hurt, but the smart runner keeps running, and winning.”
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Value ofby Darren Cross Country De Reuck
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The all new Kilkenny XC4 is a lightweight cross country racing spike and flat with an excellent fit and ride that gets you to the finish line faster.
amaraderie, team bonding and spirit, building solid strength and having fun are just a few things that immediately come to mind when I think of cross country. Then you have the actual running of cross country over undulating muddy terrain, through the woods and out in the country. It seems for the most part that courses today are flat and fast and drifting away from the good old “lose your spike in a mud pit” courses. However, every so often high school cross country courses are rugged and challenging and not on your typical grass fields They require a tremendous amount of strength, and your fast track runners are suddenly at a disadvantage. Now that’s cross country, and with it comes a tremendous amount of physical and mental benefits. Cross country is a unique sport and one that will probably become a lifealtering activity should you choose to join your school team. Many sports offer physical activity, but few offer the chance to adopt a lifetime hobby that builds strength, confidence and long-term healthy habits. There are no bench-warmers in cross country. Everyone gets to lace up and compete, irrespective of level. Practice hard and keep training, and you are likely to make the team whether it is Varsity or JV. Cross country running is hard work and determination. While it is fun to compete against friends and runners from other schools, you will always be able to run against your most fierce competitor—yourself. Tracking your progress and watching your improvement will give you an inner confidence and tremendous feeling of accomplishment. Cross country running is an inexpensive sport: A pair of training and cross country flats are all that are required, coupled with the great outdoors—no special equipment or gear. With the hard training, over time you will start to feel the body’s natural endorphin release and that “runner’s high”—the feeling of conquering a workout or race and that mental and physical accomplishment. Because cross country running is intense and works so many muscle groups, one needs to enter the season with a solid preseason base to avoid injury. Working out in the summer and building that foundation will go a long way in getting you ready for a good cross country season. Even if you are the best runner on your team, use the benefits of your fellow teammates to make you better. From the camaraderie that comes with a team to the hard workouts your coach has you do, the people you run with will motivate you to perform your best by their words and their actions. Forming bonds with your teammates will raise everyone’s performance to a new level. Teams with a positive atmosphere foster friendly competition and make runners better. In closing, yes, cross country running is team oriented and helps you build strength for the upcoming indoor and outdoor track seasons, but all of this is pointless if you are not having fun. Competition gets the adrenaline pumping and winning for the team is awesome, but do not get obsessed with this and waste precious energy worrying instead of relaxing and enjoying yourself. At the end of the day, your loved ones will love you just as much and your teammates will console you, so go out there and enjoy yourself and have fun doing it. Andrew McClanahan, www.photorun.NET
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review
Minimalist Shoes: Summer 2011 by Cregg Weinmann The benefit of running in minimal shoes is the improved strength provided by intermittent stress. However, the smaller the difference between the heel height and the forefoot height (referred to as the heel-to-forefoot drop), the more stress is placed on the kinetic chain—the muscles and tendons from the feet to the hips and related structures beyond. This requires a gradual adaptation that varies from one person to another. Using a minimalist shoe will affect your running in a positive way when used in moderation. Here we have taken a look at eight models that provide an overview of multiple solutions from across the running shoe industry. Keep in mind that these are more training aids than training shoes in the traditional sense, so use the web resources provided by the various brands (as well as searching out other online resources) and adapt them to your own running.
adidas ClimaCool Ride
Altra Instinct (m) / Altra Intuition (w)
On the shelf, the ClimaCool Ride creates buzz as it comes in about a couple dozen color combinations and features a compelling look, but it’s much more than just a pretty shoe. Its light weight and low profile merge well with the foot to maximize the foot’s natural motion. The upper is airmesh with minimal welded overlays, providing just enough structure to wrap your foot while allowing it to move much as it wants to. The midsole is a laterally zigzagged ribbon of molded EVA that provides good cushioning while allowing the foot a good level of freedom. And using rubber only on the zig-zagging areas of the outersole saves about 10–15% on the weight of the rubber. The low profile and flexibility require a bit of getting used to, but the shoe will hold up to a good level of wear. “Snug like a slipper, plus it’s nice and light. Comfortable and feels good while I run. Works well for faster-paced running.”
Altra is a new brand that approaches minimalism by reducing materials and shaping the mid/outersoles and upper to the foot. The midsole is a thin layer for just enough cushioning when combined with the Strobel board and innersole, and it’s equal height in both the heel and the forefoot, i.e., no pitch or heel-to-forefoot drop. The shape of the heel mimics the shape of an actual heel not just inside the shoes but outside as well, where it has rounded edges that prevent the levered touchdown response that you get with a more traditional squared-off heel. The airmesh upper is snug in the heel with a noticeably wider forefoot for toe splay. The different lasting of the men’s and women’s versions ensures a better fit for a wider variety of feet. As with all zero-drop shoes, an adaptation period is recommended and Altra has outlined its recommendations with more specificity than most on its website, http://altrarunning.com/transition
$90 Sizes: men 4–13,14,15; women 5–12 Weight: (men’s 11) 9.5 oz.; (women’s 8) 8.6 oz. Heel/Forefoot Drop: 5 mm
“I love the shape; they fit my foot great! Nice responsive ride—perfect amount of cushion for a ‘level shoe’ without a big heel.” $100 Sizes: men 6–13,14,15; women 6–11 Weight: (men’s 11) 10.1 oz.; (women’s 8) 9.1 oz. Heel/Forefoot Drop: 0 mm
ASICS Blur 33
Merrell Trail Glove (m) / Merrell Pace Glove (w)
The 33 Series, named for the 33 joints in the foot, is ASICS’ foray into minimalism, though it has already had a number of minimalist shoes in its competition collection. The Blur is the first in a series that offers more flexibility and road feel than its traditional training shoes. The upper is a minimesh over a wide open mesh liner. Suede overlays provide a secure fit. The interior features PHP with its memory foam comfort. The midsole features near-traditional heel-to-toe offsets, but vertical siping and flex grooves provide pronounced flexibility. The multiple layers of cushioning—the Solyte midsole, EVA Strobel board, and Ortholite innersole— provide a plush feel to the shoe. The outersole of segmented rubber allows a good measure of flexion and traction.
Merrell’s approach with the Trail Glove (and the women-specific Pace Glove) is a dramatic departure from its usual trail shoe offerings. Working with Vibram, a longtime partner, Merrell has developed a new outersole that’s durable and provides good traction in a much thinner piece of rubber. It’s designed to protect the foot without adding needless weight in the process. The midsole is a very thin layer of molded EVA that mimics the contours of the foot and provides a bit of protection without changing the zero drop from heel to forefoot. Merrell has launched a website for questions about its shoes and natural running form: www.merrell.com/US/en/Barefoot
“These shoes feel snug and light. Surprisingly nice feel. They are also really flexible and move well with the foot.” $85 Sizes: men 6.5–13,14; women 5–12 Weight: (men’s 11) 11.0 oz.; (women’s 8) 8.7 oz. Heel/Forefoot Drop: 10 mm
“Soft, breathable mesh upper makes it light and friction free. They hugged my foot supportively and running was a light touch, with a decent measure of protection.” $110 Trail Glove (m)/$100 Pace Glove (w) Sizes: men 7–12,13,14,15; women 5–12 Weight: (men’s 11) 7.9 oz.; (women’s 8) 5.4 oz. Heel/Forefoot Drop: 0 mm
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review
BEST SHOE
New Balance Minimus Trail MT10/WT10
The Minimus Trail represents the most versatile of the three Minimus shoes New Balance has introduced. (The others are geared for roads and trainMinimalist ing.) The upper is a stretch mesh with a sueded lin1 ing in the heel; it nicely hugs the foot while allowing SU M M E R 201 the toes to spread. The midsole is a low-profile design with 4 millimeters of drop from heel to toe, offering some cushioning while encouraging a flatter, midfoot contact with the ground. The durable Vibram rubber outersole is great for traction and has a good feel for both the roads and trails. New Balance has information on transitioning to this shoe at www.newbalance.com/performance/running/goodform-running Its more moderate appoach and thorough transitioning plan earned the Minimus Trail MT10/WT10 our new award for Best Shoe in the Minimalist category. “Good toe room, but hugs my foot well. Nice and low to the ground without eliminating all of the cushioning.” $100 Sizes: men 7–13; women 5–11 Weight: (men’s 11) 8.4 oz.; (women’s 8) 6.9 oz. Heel/Forefoot Drop: 4 mm
Nike Free 3.0 v2 While the Nike Free 3.0 was the spark for the minimalist movement when it was introduced in 2007, it was a bit ahead of the curve and so not fully understood or appreciated at the time. The 3.0 v2 added some new touches while in a holding pattern in the marketplace. The midsole and outersole remain the same—an ultra-flexible matrix of deep grooves in Phylite (a blend of EVA and rubber), with a few pieces of carbon rubber at the heel and the toe. The upper features the changes, including switching to a closed mesh with welded overlays to eliminate seams, adding suede on the medial metatarsal, eyestay, and heel, and the inclusion of a very thin thermoplastic toe cap. The result is a close-fitting, lightweight shoe with a small heel-toforefoot drop, with the real benefits coming from the ultra-flexible sole. Nike’s original suggested use of the Free, now nearly lost in the mists of time, was as a training aid: gradually increasing use until it was a part of a regular routine of several days each week. That’s still their advice with the 3.0 v2. “Fast and nimble. Really allows my foot to get a workout because of the flexibility.” $85 Sizes: men 6.5–13,14; women 5–12 Weight: (men’s 11) 7.4 oz.; (women’s 8) 6.0 oz. Heel/Forefoot Drop: 4 mm
Saucony Hattori
Vibram Bikila LS
With the Hattori, Saucony’s approach is to maximize the minimal, and it’s the lightest shoe presented here. The upper features a thin layer of lycralike mesh, bolstered in the midfoot and heel by synthetic suede and secured by heel and midfoot straps with hook-and-loop closures. The forefoot is supported by ultra-thin, welded thermoplastic film, so the stretch is moderated. The midsole is a blend of EVA and rubber that Saucony calls EVA+. The outersole is largely exposed EVA+ which does a credible job, but it’s really the rubber pods at the heel, first metatarsal, and big toe that handle the wear. The contact of the sole is full-length, with no heel-to-forefoot drop, which is addressed in a video on the Hattori page (navigate there from www.saucony.com).
Vibram’s Five Finger (VFF), while not the original minimalist shoe, has certainly been a catalyst for the category. As a training aid, it strengthens the foot and improves proprioception. The LS is the counterpart to the original Bikila which featured a hook-and-loop strap to secure the shoe. The LS uses laces to better accommodate narrow feet or those with a high instep. The upper is the same synthetic stretch material so it still fits very closely, making sizing critical as it runs up to two U.S. sizes smaller. The midsole consists of thin layers of EVA strategically placed to offer a bit of cushioning, but just a bit. The outersole is composed of dozens of rubber pods contoured to the foot for traction and protection. The zero drop of the sole and the adjustment to the pocket-like compartments of this foot-glove may require a little longer transition to regular use than some other options. Vibram answers many questions at www.vibramfivefingers.com/faq/barefoot_running_faq.htm
“So light and flexible, it’s like not wearing anything.” $80 Sizes: men 7–13,14; women 5–12 Weight: (men’s 11) 4.7 oz.; (women’s 8) 4.1 oz. Heel/Forefoot Drop: 0 mm
“Great feel for the trail, road, or ground. Just enough protection to save your bare foot.” $100 Sizes: men 7–13 (Euro 40–47); women 6–10 (Euro 36–42) Weight: (men’s 11) 6.2 oz.; (women’s 8) 5.5 oz. Heel/Forefoot Drop: 0 mm
CREGG WEINMANN is footwear and running products reviewer for Running Network LLC. He can be reached via e-mail at shuz2run@lightspeed.net. Copyright © 2011 by Running Network LLC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be stored, copied, or reprinted without prior written permission of Running Network LLC. Reprinted here with permission.
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A simple exercise to improve downhill running effectiveness byJohn Godina
A
lmost half of a runner’s off-the-track mileage involves running downhill. Disregarding the small percentage of mileage that is truly flat, if a runner runs a loop and returns to the same location, he or she will have run as many downhill miles as uphill miles. And the key to effective downhill running is the work done by the quadriceps. As the top of the hill is achieved, the runner begins an effortless glide down the back slope with the assistance of gravity, and the quadriceps begin their role as stabilizers and decelerators. Foot-strike after foot-strike the quadriceps are asked to tame gravity. Without that sturdy, eccentric dampening of impact, the runner would be faced with an ever-accelerating downhill ride, a loss of control, and quite possibly, a nasty fall. Clearly, mastering downhill stability is imperative to the health, as well as the performance of the runner. One simple but elegant exercise—the Single Leg Box Drop— can build both strength and awareness as the runner re-educates the nervous system to dampen impact while stabilizing the knee and hip joints. Once this is achieved, the runner can safely carry more downhill speed and, thus, increase performance. Begin on a low box or step. In a controlled, smooth movement simply step forward from the box to a single-legged, bentknee landing. The key to the exercise is not the movement to the ground, but the movement after contact with the ground and the ability to maintain and hold the proper position. The landing position is critical. Most athletes want to reach for a straight-legged, rigid landing in which the brunt of the force is transferred to the skeletal system. In this exercise, we are looking for absorption of force by the leg muscles, therefore, a bent knee is a must. Aim for a 50–60° knee bend
while also absorbing impact with a toe-tomid foot strike. Landing on the heel would serve to transfer the energy directly to the skeletal system, jarring bones and cartilage over time. Upon foot strike, absorb the fall from the step with quadriceps and glutes. Because the down step is in the forward direction, the quadriceps will be pressed into action more dominantly than in flat-ground running. The quads not only absorb the downward vertical momentum but also the forward momentum of the body.
As the top of the hill is achieved, the runner begins an effortless glide down the back slope with the assistance of gravity, and the quadriceps begin their role as stabilizers and decelerators. At the bottom of the movement (50–60° knee bend), hold the position and check the position for a three count. Check that the knee is directly over the toe—not only front to back, but also side to side. Do not allow the usual inward drifting of the knee toward the centerline of the body when absorbing the impact. This is key to stability of the knee joint but also will create an efficient transfer of energy from the eccentric phase to the concentric phase of foot strike when running, thereby increasing performance. If you perform this exercise facing a mirror, you will be able to observe not only the finish position, but also the movement as the leg takes the weight of the descent. Do
not allow the knee to drift forward of the toe—this signifies mediocre use of the quadriceps upon impact. Finally, check for the engagement and recruitment of the core and pillar for stability. Explaining the process of developing pillar stability would take many pages. For simplicity, we check for three main indicators of instability in the torso: 1) If the hips are not level or the down-leg hip is “poking” out to the side, this indicates instability in the core and glutes. Focus on locking in the core (as described in Core Performance by Mark Verstegan) and activating the down-leg glute for stability; 2) If the shoulders are not level, this again indicates instability in the core. Lock it in and find shoulders-level balance on one leg; 3) If the chest is pitched downward (usually accompanied by a down-leg that is too straight), this indicates instability in the core as well as inactivity in either the down-leg glute or the spinal erectors of the lower back, possibly both. Work up gradually to doing the Single Leg Box Drop from a 4–8" box or step. Begin with four sets of eight reps on each leg. As your skill and strength improve, you can add weighted vests to increase the workload. As you get closer to race time, reduce the load to bodyweight only and perform only two sets of five to activate the nervous system and reinforce the neural patterns that will give you downhill stability on race day. John Godina is a three-time world champion and two-time Olympic medalist in the shot put and the best shot put–discus combination thrower in history. He founded and operates the John Godina World Throws Center at Athletes’ Performance in Phoenix. Reach him at www.worldthrowscenter.com, www.athletesperformance.com or (480) 449-9000.
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Review
Trail Shoes: Summer 2011 by Cregg Weinmann E
ach summer brings more shoes designed to enhance your off-road running experiences. This year, subcategories in this type of shoe have become more distinct. We’ve taken a look at shoes from the burgeoning Responsive, Performance, and Racing categories, with a Hybrid thrown in for good measure. Responsive Trail shoes are designed to adapt to the trail (by geometry or by materials); Performance Trail shoes are responsive as well as light (under 350 grams). Trail Racing shoes have very low profile designs and are very lightweight, often well under 300 grams. Hybrid Trail shoes have features that suit both roads and trails, especially cushioning and stability to manage overpronation and the imbalance caused by uneven terrain.
Montrail Fairhaven
ASICS Trail Sensor 5
The Fairhaven is the latest Montrail shoe that splits the difference between the trail and the road. The mesh upper offers a fairly plush interior, while memory foam in the ankle collar provides a snug heel fit. Soft sueded overlays enhance the secure saddle design. The midsole has a large lateral crashpad and generous full-length cushioning, while featuring Montrail’s new Fluid-Post technology, a traditional medial support of firm EVA that provides stability as the foot moves toward toe-off. The outersole is a familiar Gryptonite™ configuration (Y-shaped lugs that are variously-angled to provide traction on different terrains on a segmented sole to encourage flexibility. The result is a shoe that performs as well on the trail as it does getting you there.
The Trail Sensor has evolved into a responsive, adaptable trail cruiser. The upper has been dialed in to hug the foot and keep it over the midsole, while a gusseted tongue keeps out debris. The midsole and outersole combine to flex where needed to handle uneven terrain, just as the original did, but the decoupling and geometry between the heel and forefoot accomplish this task better than ever and give a lower profile to boot. The traction is outstanding, and the durability of the rubber stands up to trail and road almost equally well. Overall, the responsiveness almost neutralizes the weight (which is a bit on the high side for this category), though the tradeoff is a blend of tough/plushness that will stand up to a good number of miles.
$110 HYBRID TRAIL Sizes: men 7–13,14,15; women 5–11 Weight: 13.1 oz. (men’s 11); 11.3 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to moderate overpronation
$120 RESPONSIVE TRAIL Sizes: men 7–13,14,15; women 6–12 Weight: 14.0 oz. (men’s 11); 11.5 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, Solyte Strobel board For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to very mild overpronation
Brooks Cascadia 6
Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity HPi
The Cascadia has been Brooks’ purest trail model through five iterations. Round 6 incorporates the DNA midsole technology, giving an improved feel to the cushioning while maintaining the stability of the shoe. The outersole features a new multidirectional lug pattern to improve traction while climbing or braking. The upper has several added touches that enhance its performance: Two eyelets extend from a flexible elastic strip attached to the eyestay to allow the lacing to move with the foot and an added lace loop at the top of the tongue prevents it from slipping off-center (a cause of discomfort). The use of soft suede overlays includes a lattice-like saddle that lends support without constricting the foot. Added foam at the ankle collar provides a cushy feel and conforming fit to the shoe.
Hi-Tec has made a noticeable upswing in quality over the past few seasons, but its new V-Lite Infinity HPi is an “all-in” effort. The shoe begins with a well-designed dual-density midsole, not uncommon in trail runners, but different here because of the low-profile silhouette that provides good cushioning and stability. A Vibram outersole offers durability and traction, with rubber pared back in non-essential wear areas to save weight. The upper is engineered mesh with sublimated graphics, HF-welded overlays and, most importantly, Ion Masking to repel moisture. A gusseted tongue keeps out debris, and sueded linings offer a plush interior. Lacing grommets spaced beyond the width of the throat provide secure cinching for a broad range of feet. Its versatility, stability, and ride earned the V-Lite Infinity HPi our award for Best New Trail Shoe.
$110 RESPONSIVE TRAIL Sizes: men 7–13,14,15; women 5–11,12 Weight: 13.2 oz. (men’s 11); 11.3 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, S-257 Strobel board For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to very mild overpronation
$135 PERFORMANCE TRAIL Sizes: men 7–12,13; women 5–10,11 Weight: 12.0 oz. (men’s 11); 10.0 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to moderate overpronation
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Review
New Balance 915
Inov8 X-Talon 190
The 900 series is the peak of the New Balance trail line and the 915 carries the banner for 2011. The upper features the same flared tongue seen on the 876 trail shoe, but here it’s combined with a gusset-like midfoot wrap of a micro-mesh over the saddle with wide open mesh beneath to secure the foot well. The midsole is a two-density foam with a soft heel that works with the rounded outersole and Stabilicore midfoot support to guide the foot onto the trail by conforming to the surface, then stabilizing the contact by engaging the firmer components. The forefoot has a Rockstop plate which, while somewhat stiff, allows good forefoot flexion yet protects the foot and sole from debris and rocks. The lugged outersole employs a tessellated pattern of triangular lugs of carbon rubber that result in excellent traction.
The X-Talon 190 pushes the envelope for full-featured trail racing shoes, giving up little in protection, while maximizing grip and providing a nimble feel for the trail. The battle against grams for trail racing lightness has a new champion in the X-Talon 190, especially since it has the same ultra aggressive, sticky rubber outersole as its sibling (and a former champ) the X-Talon 215. The upper uses a skeletal HF-welded saddle-like design with thermoplastic strands running from the midsole to each eyelet of the eyestay, securing the foot over the midsole. A high-friction, printed toecap reinforces the upper while adding minimal weight. Extra foam at the ankle collar improves the fit and comfort—especially for sockless use. The midsole is a low 10 millimeters in the heel with 7 millimeters in the forefoot, resulting in one hecka fast trail racer.
$120 PERFORMANCE TRAIL Sizes: men 7–13,14; women 5–11,12 Weight: 12.2 oz. (men’s 11); 10.1 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, perforated EVA Strobel board For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to moderate overpronation
$110 TRAIL RACING Sizes: men 5–13; women 6.5–11 Weight: 7.5 oz. (men’s 11); 5.3 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: curved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics, for racing and faster trail running
Pearl Izumi Peak II
Saucony ProGrid Peregrine
The second round of Pearl Izumi’s trail flyer takes a new look at performance. Round 1 took most of its cues from its road counterpart, the Streak, and while the two have a bit of shared genetics, the Peak II is its own entity. The low-profile midsole is the only aspect with a shared geometry (it takes the same approach to heel and forefoot heights as the Streak), but it has tooling specific to the trail environment. That outersole borrows a bit from last season’s more substantial trail offering (the IsoSeek IV) with lug shape and placement that are designed for traction up- and downhill, as well as climbing and braking.The no-sew upper uses HF-welded suede for support and to eliminate irritation often caused by stitching. The tongue features a stretchy arch band that encircles the foot, while the Strobel board and two-density Ortholite innersole contribute to the comfort and protection. Two tributes to Pearl’s Colorado home are included: The lace holder on the tongue is the state flag and the embossing on the toe bumper is the profile of the Rocky Mountains. The fit, traction, and light feel earned honors for this renovated speedster.
The Peregrine takes its name from the world’s fastest bird, the Peregrine Falcon. But if you’re going to fly, you’d better be equipped. Beginning with the same platform as Saucony’s racing shoes that have a 4-millimeter drop in height from heel to forefoot, it adds a midsole of ProGrid Lite. The outersole is an aggressively lugged, multidirectional layer of rubber with flexible spines for traction at the perimeter and solid lugs down the middle for protection. The upper features a no-sew matrix of thermoplastic that supports the foot with minimal overlays at heel and toe. A half-saddle–like support shores up the medial side and two rectangles of EVA run up the center of the gussetted tongue to protect the top of the foot. A gaiter anchor increases its versatility and function. The lightness, traction, and flexibility exhibit Saucony’s commitment to speed on the trail and validate the Peregrine’s performance.
$110 TRAIL RACING Sizes: men 7–13,14; women 5–11,12 Weight: 10.9 oz. (men’s 11); 8.9 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics, for racing and faster trail running
$90 TRAIL RACING Sizes: men 7–13,14; women 5–12 Weight: 10.8 oz. (men’s 11); 8.7 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semi-curved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics, for racing and faster trail running
CREGG WEINMANN is footwear and running products reviewer for Running Network LLC. He can be reached via e-mail at shuz2run@lightspeed.net. Copyright © 2011 by Running Network LLC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be stored, copied, or reprinted without prior written permission of Running Network LLC. Reprinted here with permission.
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coaches
Dick Booth – Jumps coach moves by Roy Stevenson
D
ick Booth’s track and field coaching career is long and storied, and it has produced one of the finest track records in NCAA, U.S., and world trackand-field history. Booth spent 27 seasons as the men’s field events coach at the University of Arkansas (1978–84, 1988–2009), where he recruited or coached every Arkansas school record holder in the men’s field events. Under his direction, Arkansas captured 14 NCAA indoor track titles in 24 tries with a string of eight consecutive outdoor championships between 1992 and 1999 and another winning streak with titles earned in 2003–06. While at Arkansas, he recruited or coached every Arkansas school record-holder in the men’s field events. Between his Arkansas stints, he served as head coach at Louisiana-Lafayette, and from 2009 up to last week, was men’s field event coach at the University of Florida. A week ago he accepted the position as jumps coach at the University of Alabama. Booth has mentored 49 NCAA champions, 150 AllAmericans and 11 Olympians. The jumpers he’s worked with include many of the finest collegiate track athletes in history: Mike Conley, Erick Walder, Robert Howard, Edrick Floreal, Brian Wellman, Jerome Romain, Ray Doakes, Matt Hemingway, Melvin Lister and Kenny Evans. Booth has also coached pole vaulter Mark Klee and shot put-discus standouts Marty Kobza and Scott Lofquist, and high jumpers Hollis Conway and Neil Guidry. Mike Conley captured a Gold medal in the triple jump at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, making him Booth’s most successful jumper, while Hollis Conway, the American indoor record holder in the high jump, won the Silver medal at the 1988 Olympics and a Bronze at the 1992 Olympics. More recently, his two triple jumpers, Will Claye and Christian Taylor, have been sweeping everyone before them. At the Southeastern Conference Outdoor Championships in Athens, Georgia, Claye won both the long jump and triple jump titles with a wind aided (+2.2) 17.24m/56-6.75 the TJ. Taylor finished second, with a wind-legal SEC record jump of 17.15m/56-3.25 (+1.4). Claye won the men’s long jump with a leap of 8.29m/27-2.50 (+1.9), while Taylor was fourth at 8.00m/26-3 (+0.5).
At the NCAA Indoor Championships, Claye scored 18 points, winning the men’s triple jump (17.32m/56-10) and placing second in the men’s long jump (8.04m/264.5). At this year’s NCAA Championships Claye and Taylor had an epic battle in the triple jump as Taylor won the NCAA Championship, with Claye second. Taylor’s winning jump was a wind-aided leap of 17.80m/58-4.75, the best-ever collegiate TJ, surpassing the 1985 wind-aided measure by Arkansas’ Mike Conley (17.72m/58-1.75). Claye recorded a wind-aided best of 17.62m/57-9.75, the third-best all-conditions jump in collegiate history. Taylor and Claye’s wind-legal marks of 17.40m/57-1 and 17.35m/56-11.25, respectively, moved them into the top-five in collegiate history. Dick Booth has received plenty of recognition for his fine work. He’s been awarded Men’s National Indoors and Outdoors Assistant Coach of the Year by the USTFCCCA. But what stands out above all with Dick Booth is his modesty and loyalty to his athletes. He considers himself a motivator, way more than a corrector. Dick Booth’s philosophy of “giving his athletes an opportunity to feel proud of themselves for handling a challenging workout and recognizing their improvements to the group” is clearly working. I had the privilege of interviewing Dick Booth at the AUSATF Champs in Eugene, and his comments make interesting and inspirational reading for coaches and athletes, alike.
Which of your jumpers have you been most proud of? Dick Booth: It would be easy to name my most successful athletes based upon national or international competitions, but I have just as much respect for those nearly anonymous athletes who had great work ethic and made great improvement. All of those athletes made significant contributions to our training group and none of us would have been as successful without them. A consistent positive work attitude will carry these guys through the challenges of life, and that might be the most important accomplishment of any athletic program. How can you not be proud of an athlete who willingly accepts the challenges put before him, and is recognized for his achievements at the end of the day?
Photo: Victah, www.photorun.NET
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coaches
es to University of Alabama
What do you attribute your remarkable jump coaching success to? I have been very blessed throughout my career to have had so many physically gifted athletes with high-quality character and a strong willingness to embrace those training challenges put before them. I believe you never sneak up on success. It requires an unusual depth of commitment toward one’s goals. As a coach I feel the need to sufficiently challenge them to fully explore their potential. We must trust that we are working harder, smarter and more consistently than our challengers. We will frequently surprise ourselves with our practice achievements in areas of speed, strength, endurance, tenacity and will. You'll miss those surprises if you aren't pushing hard enough.
What do you look for in your raw jumping talent? At the university level we have the advantage of watching young talent being groomed by the “good coaches at the junior high and high school levels.” They do our preliminary work of recognizing talent, and rarely do they miss a young prospect with both the raw physical gifts and the drive to develop it to the level that attracts us.
What philosophy do you impart to your athletes? God was very good to you regarding physical gifts, good health and an opportunity to explore your potential. Our job is to be good stewards and do our best to magnify our
Photo: Victah, www.photorun.NET
potential into production, and humbly recognize where it came from.
What basic advice would you give to high school and other university coaches who are looking to extend their athletes to their full potential? “They won't care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Be a motivator way more than a corrector. Recognize the good things as frequently as possible, and criticize when necessary. Frequently give them an opportunity to feel proud of themselves for handling a challenging workout. Recognize their improvements to the group. Each success reinforces the group, and allows respect for each other’s achievements. To me coaching is more of a calling than a job. We have such a wonderful opportunity to affect young lives, and to have this special relationship is unique and challenging. We owe them our best.
How do you keep your jumpers motivated through the pre-season and competitive season? My personal excitement about the challenges that lie ahead and the prospects for success that we possess. Successful athletes rarely need much external motivation. That is one of the traits that makes them special.
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CONGRATUL ATIONS!
Bernard Lagat, New 5000m record, July 22, 2011, Herculis Monaco, 12:53.60
Jillian Camerana-Williams with shot put AR equalling of 20.18m on July 8, 2011, AREVA Paris
Photo: Victah, www.photorun.NET
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R a c e r e s u lt s
New Balance Outdoors by Chris Lotsbom Junior Editor/Race Result Weekly (meet results): www.nationalscholastic.org or Facebook: NewBalancenationals
A
isling Cuffe of Cornwall-onHudson, New York solidified her mark in high school track
and field history here at the New Balance Outdoor Nationals in Greensboro, North Carolina, running a national high school record of 9:54.22 in the 2-mile. Cuffe’s was just one of three national records to fall over the three-day competition, which brought together many of the best high-school athletes from across the
United States. Cuffe, a senior who has won national titles in cross country and indoor track, wanted to end her career at Cornwall Central High School in style by breaking Molly Huddle’s nine-year-old mark, which stood at 10:01.08. Huddle is the current American record holder over 5000m. Cuffe would take the race out hard from the gun, immediately setting the tone that she wanted the record. But at 800m, the field had strung out to single file and had a surprise leader: Kayla Beattie. Passing the mile in 4:58.8, Cuffe was a few steps back, inching closer and closer to the leader. Coming down the home stretch, fans began a slow clap similar to one heard frequently at Hayward Field in Eugene. Would there be magic at Aggie Stadium tonight? Cuffe answered with an emphatic “yes,” surging and breaking away from Beattie. “I knew I had to go then, even though I was sacrificing my leg speed,” explained Cuffe post-race. Crossing the tape minutes later in 9:54.22, Cuffe had earned a national record, something she narrowly missed doing indoors. “It’s my last individual high school race, and I guess I am happy it ended that way,” said the Stanford University–bound senior. “It hasn’t really sunken in yet.” Cuffe’s final team race came two days later in the distance medley relay, where she closed with a 4:41.24 final leg, leading her team to a fifth place finish. Another national record fell moments after Cuffe had crossed the line. Long Beach Poly TC of California finished just under the national record of 7:30.67 in the 4x800m relay, running 7:28.75.
“I just knew if it came down to the last 600m, 400m or 200m that I could kick, and that I knew I really wanted this for my team,” said a hoarse Chapus, struggling to keep her lost voice audible. Christopher Hall, Myles Andrews, Aaron Harris, and Christian Penn, all seniors, combined to run the fastest time ever in U.S. high school history. Andrews used his momentum around the final turn to take over the lead, passing No Speed Limit TC in the process. Both teams wound up under Albemarle, Virginia’s previous mark. Still out of breath, the team posed in front of the finish clock with their time proudly displayed. “We just came out with one mindset—to get the record,” said the anchor Andrews, who split an incredible 1:47.71. In the final day of competition, Harvard-Westlake of California finished off an amazing double with a victory in the distance medley relay despite feeling the effects of being ill. Amy Weissenbach, K.C. Cord, Lauren Hansson and Cami Chapus lowered the previous national mark by nearly ten seconds with a time of 11:22.23. The bookends of the relay were key to their record-setting mark: Weissnebach’s 3:24.85 opening 1200m leg and Chapus’ 4:45.23 final one helped fend off charging Fayetteville-Manlius (Stotan TC), who also dipped under the previous national mark. “I just knew if it came down to the last 600m, 400m or 200m that I could kick, and that I knew I really wanted this for my team,” said a hoarse Chapus, struggling to keep her lost voice audible. All four of the team members were battling illness throughout the weekend.
Photo: Victah, www.photorun.NET
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r a c e r e s u lt s
Aside from the national records, many spectacular races played out over the three days of competition. On the first day, the boys’ and girls’ 5000m races took center stage, as Edward Cheserek broke the meet record, running 14:25.74, and Wesley Frazier set a new sophomore class record of 16:24.83. Cheserek, a sophomore from New Jersey, controlled the race after opening with a 63-second quarter mile. Gunning for a sub 14-minute performance, the Kenyan-born athlete came up short as his pace faded in the second half. “I was tired; it was hard. With nobody pushing the pace, it was tough for me,” he said. But his time was good enough to best the previous meet record by a little over five seconds. The girls’ 5000m was won by sophomore Wesley Frazier, who had one of the best meets a sophomore could ever wish for. Not only did she set a class record in the 5000m, she came back the following day to finish third in the 2-mile, then returned in the mile to win after kicking hard in the final meters. “I have no idea [how I won],” explained a shocked Frazier. “I was absolutely surprised, I was feeling really good.” Only a sophomore, the question is raised: Can she complete the triple a la Lukas Verzbicas at New Balance Indoors by the time she graduates? “I don’t know. It will definitely motivate me for the next year, though, to get the triple.” In the middle day of competition, the 4x800m team from Bronxville TC (New York) came to the line following a day of dramatic ups and downs. Three members of the team had their plane delayed for three hours that afternoon, causing all to stress that they would miss their relay heat. Arriving at the track only an hour and a half before the gun, with tears still drying in their eyes, the team began to settle down, focusing on the task at hand.
Photo: Victah, www.photorun.NET
The quartet composed of Mary Cain, Meredith Rizzo, Courtney Campbell and Emilie Hoffer ran cool, calm and collected, passing the baton smoothly. Once Cain, only 15 years old, got the stick she flew, clocking a split of 2:03.74. The final time of 8:49.85 was more than six seconds faster than the previous meet mark. Meet records were also set in the field events. Shelby Ashe of Georgia won the hammer throw with a mark of 61.67m (202-4 ft), despite a slow throwing circle. Ashe, who will attend Harvard University, isn’t going straight to Cambridge. She will take next year off from school to focus on the Olympic Trials and making the team for London. “I am a baby in the sport, I haven’t been throwing that long,” said Ashe, “and we thought that going to college and having to adjust to everything that goes on freshman year on top of training, we wouldn’t get that much done. So staying here with the same coach and same environment would just help me throw harder and grow in the sport.” Louisiana senior Morgann LeLeux defended her title with a meet record in the pole vault. The University of Georgia–bound champion jumped 4.17m (13-8 ft) to win for the second year in a row. LeLeux credited her gymnastics background, as well as her male training partners, for helping her achieve success in the vault. “My dad built an indoor and outdoor pit, and ever since sixth grade, I have been competing with the boys. That’s how I keep my motivation.” Also in the field, Alex Collatz of California won the girls’ discus for the third year in a row, and Kendell Williams set a new meet record in the heptathlon with a total score of 5169. Other highlights of the meet included Sean McLean dominating both the 100m and 200m, Austin Mudd running a personal best of 1:48.09 to win the 800m and an upset win for Jacob Blankenship in the pole
vault. Ammar Moussa of California won the boys’ 2-mile, earning his first individual national title. One of the most heart-wrenching moments of the meet came in the 200m. Octavious Freeman, the Queen of the Sprints for the past two years, had not lost a race since her sophomore year. The senior easily won the 100m championship on Friday, and was all set to do the same for the 200m Saturday. But in the qualifying rounds, Freeman was running on the very inside of her lane around the turn and down the homestretch. After win-
ning the heat, all seemed fine until the University of Central Florida–bound Freeman was disqualified for presumably stepping out of her lane. With Freeman out, Kyra Jefferson of Detroit won the title in 24.18.
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Update: The Everlasting Search
U
SATF’s Board of Directors fired Doug (Who?) Logan in September 2010. Since then, a search has been under way to find a replacement, led by the capable and well-respected Steve Miller. Now, after 11 months, the search has been deferred until after the 2012 Olympics. Thus, at best USATF will be without a Chief Executive Officer for two years. Meanwhile, in charge will be acting CEO Mike McNees, who reportedly did business with Logan in Florida when McNees was city manager of Sarasota. We don’t know why USATF, assisted by an executive search firm, Bialla & Associates, which quotes its minimum fee as $200,000, couldn’t turn up anyone who both could do the job and would take the job. I believe part of the problem is that the job of USATF’s CEO has not been properly defined. I think you’ll agree with me if you read the 1,700-word “Job Description”which USATF published in a news release December 14, 2010. To view the release go to www.USATF.org and search for CEO Search Update. Personally, I found it poorly written, repetitive, unprofessional and far too long, If you can’t describe a job in less than 500 words, tear it up and start over. The best comment I heard was, “I know someone who’d be perfect for the job. The only problem is, he died 2,000 years ago.” The current surmise is that Vin Lananna – who has had a long and distinguished career as a coach and administrator at Dartmouth, Stanford, Oberlin and now Oregon – was interviewed for the job and offered the job, but said something like, “I can’t take the job right now, but if you can wait a year, we might be able to make it happen.” Meanwhile, unlike Logan, McNees at least is familiar with track and field. He lettered at Indiana University in 1975-77 as a long sprinter and 400-meter hurdler. It appears he was hired by Logan as chief operating officer as someone he knew and trusted to run the staff while Logan spent much of his time traveling and seeing the Big Picture. ———————————————————
Looking backwards, the search for Craig Masback’s successor took seven months and produced in Doug Who? a total unknown who had little familiarity with track and field, a short and spotty career in sports management, and a lot of bad ideas, including ways to fix several things which weren’t broken, most visibly the Olympic Trials. Despite repeated requests for information about the details of Logan’s hiring, no-one at USATF has stepped forward to accept responsibility for what turned out to be a fiasco. How about it, USATF? I’m going to keep asking until you start talking. — James Dunaway
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