Re: t-and-f: thin sprinters
In a message dated 9/25/02 11:53:16 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: It's really amazing to see how few 6-footers make it into the World Rankings in the 100. Too hard to get out of the blocks as quickly as shorter men? Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: searching for a book title
In a message dated 9/9/02 5:11:21 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Does anybody know anything about Atkinson? I have to think either he doesn't know much about running, or assumes his readers don't, to pitch the idea of a sub-2 in 1968. I groaned when I read that part. Didn't he change his name to Jon Entine? Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: super-conference weekend?
In a message dated 9/9/02 7:55:07 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: But I think it's almost criminal to kill a kid so that they can't compete at their country's national champs. If it were, they couldn't build enough jails. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Viren article and journalism and double standards
In a message dated 9/4/02 9:07:59 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Attacking journalists when they make mistakes, however, clearly is not appropriate or effective most of the time. - Ed Parrot But it's OK for journalists to do the same? malmo Sure. It's in the job description. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Why on the street?
In Boston I would barely DRIVE in the streets, much less run there. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: 17-year-old (?) runs sub-3:33
In a message dated 8/19/02 8:38:15 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hillary Chenonge ran 13:06.47 for 9th place in the 5k in Zurich. With a name like that, no wonder he ran so fast (a la Johnny Cash's Boy Named Sue). Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Webb poll
In a message dated 8/16/02 10:02:57 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: And having run 3:53 as an 18-year-old it's hard to believe he'd still be in the sport as a 3:55 man in 2008; maybe a 3:50 miler would have been a better option. I thought you were always known by your all-time PR. Hence, even if Webb IS running 3:55s in 6 years, wouldn't he still be known as that 3:53 guy? Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Dave Johnson a Body Guard?
In a message dated 8/3/02 8:23:54 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I could swear that his body guard was Decathlete Dave Johnson. Does anyone know if this is true? I would bet it's NOT Penn Relays Director Dave Johnson. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: The world's next great miler
In a message dated 7/15/02 9:28:49 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: For those keeping score, Chirchir -- who has also run 3:33 this year -- is about nine months younger than Alan Webb. Any word on when he will leave university and return to his preparatory school coach? Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: NYC's plans for Olympic track field
Pretty cool, and maybe even feasible (the total package). But a triathlon within Central Park, w/ the swimming leg in the Reservoir? I guess it beats dodging the refrigerators in the Harlem River. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Webb going pro
Although Webb's on a slightly higher level: Can you say Liz Mueller? Foot Locker champ went to several colleges, kept leaving because she didn't like the coaches, wound up someplace where the coach allowed her to pick her own races and set her own training schedule. She is now a boxer, fighting professionally, and has several elaborate tatoos. Maybe we'll see Webb in Athens, not as a miler, but as a bantamweight. Jim Gerweck Running Times
t-and-f: Nova Ovals (was: Former Pitt track coach issues blister)
In a message dated 6/15/02 9:28:22 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: he may have been hampered by the fact that the school's track was torn down two years ago and as nearly as I can tell, there are no plans to build a new one. That never seemed to bother Jumbo Elliott at Villanova. In fact, one could make the case that the 'Cats fall from supremacy in the late 70s/early 80s coincided w/ the construction of outdoor and indoor facilities. Of course, different times, different faces. Jim Gerweck Running Times == Elliott always had an outdoor track. The indoor facility, which is seldom used because it's too difficult to quickly convert from a basketball configuration, was built after Elliott passed away in 1981. Dave Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] Technically, I guess that's correct, although as I recall (and my memory fades with each passing year) their outdoor oval was a cinder job that most high schools would scoff at. And actually, the Wildcats did have an indoor track - the only thing was it was outside. A banked, wooden 10 or 11 laps to the mile deal. I think most of their speedwork was done on it, and it's postulated that's why Coghlan and O'Sullivan became so proficient at racing on the boards (in fact their outdoor accomplishments pale in comparison w/ their undercover exploits - Coghlan is one of the few, if not the only, distance runners whose indoor PR is superior to his al fresco stuff. Correct me if I'm wrong). Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Former Pitt track coach issues blistering statement af ter firing
In a message dated 6/14/02 2:08:45 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: he may have been hampered by the fact that the school's track was torn down two years ago and as nearly as I can tell, there are no plans to build a new one. That never seemed to bother Jumbo Elliott at Villanova. In fact, one could make the case that the 'Cats fall from supremacy in the late 70s/early 80s coincided w/ the construction of outdoor and indoor facilities. Of course, different times, different faces. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Montana State Meet results
In a message dated 5/30/02 9:13:05 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: The National rules are in effect IF THERE ARE NO STATE RULES THAT SUPERCEDE THE NATIONAL RULES. That is interesting. Back in the 80s when the sport switched from Imperial to metric, CT was among the intelligent ones that ran 1500/3000. After a few years they switched to the current assinine 1600/3200 to be in compliance w/ Federation events; the explanation given was that failure to do so would result in loss of Federation membership or sanctioning or some such. If this is NOT the case I am launching a full scale effort to switch to REAL distances immediately. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Montana State Meet results
In a message dated 5/30/02 4:29:16 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: As for national rules (someone else's message here), there are still several states that run non-standard events (eg VT running 3k/1500m) and even additional events (Maine racewalk). And RI has the hammer. Jeez, VT RI run 1500/3000? I didn't realize that 1/3 of New England still has Yankee common sense. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: hs uniforms
I generally work as clerk or starter at indoor meets in CT, and I can't begin to tell you how many minutes I wasted and how much time was added to meets by making kids remove necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other assorted piercings (and half the time the boys had more than the girls). At yesterday's state class meet, I noticed a proliferation of sweatbands around heads, arms, and even legs. How long until the Federation expands the ban to these? Don't they realize that, just like drugs, the athletes will stay one step ahead of the officials? The ultimate conclusion is to have everyone compete dressed the way the ancient Greeks did, au natural (which might make some, like HJer Amy Acuff, happy, to say nothing of the fans). Jim Gerweck Running Times
t-and-f: Why the falsies?
I'd tend to agree with Walt - the only time you see non-integral false starts is on live broadcasrs, i.e. adidas meet last week. Which brings up the question (at least for that meet): they showed several (my recollection is at least 3) FS in the 100, and as a result didn't have time to show any of the women's 5,000, which from the results looked like one of the best races, or at least best finishes, of the meet. Given that other events (i.e. field) were shown on tape, why take the chance on burning precious minutes on the 100, when it could be shown just as effectively, and far more efficiently, with a minor delay? Jim Gerweck Running TImes
Re: t-and-f: Re: [TheRoadsScholar] Re: 10 k management
True enough. GPS and measuring down the middle of the road are unacceptable for measurement. Anyone interested in the USATF procedure and standards for course certification can access the online manual on the Road Running Technical Council web site www.rrtc.net Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Fw: recipe, cakey lumps of tastless gunk
I hear Jon Drummond is going to claim he was bringing in that stash to add to the mix, making a batch of Nieman Marcus/Alice B. Toklas cookies. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Fw: recipe, cakey lumps of tastless gunk
In a message dated 5/2/02 7:37:46 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: If it's NOT in jeapardy, what were those officials doing, just standing around? Why, witnessing, what else? Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Am I getting to old to coach? New rules in HS
In a message dated 3/6/02 2:46:53 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: When the discussion turned to what to do with navel rings under uniforms According to the NHSF Case Book, they are legal, since they are not normally visible (the case was about a hypothetical LJer whose singlet rose while in the air). I clerked one of the CT state indoor meets last month and had to tell at least 25 per cent of the kids to remove ear rings, necklaces, etc. Many said it was the first time they had heard of the rule. Ironically, watches are legal since they are considered track equipment, although it would seem to me that an athlete could gain an unfair advantage from a watch, but not from a necklace. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: USATF Release: Teter breaks AR; Jacobs wins again at Indoor Nationals
In a message dated 3/2/02 6:40:40 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: On Friday, BG broke the national record for the girls 4x800m relay. I wonder if the National HS Federation will recognize this mark, since it was set in an open meet (albeit in a HS-only section). Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Easterns
The day before the meet, the ADs of CT high school received a directive from the CIAC not to allow their athletes to attend the Eastern meet, as it had not been sanctioned by the National Federation. Did this prevent any other states from attending? Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: EPO ad during the Olympics
In a message dated 2/22/02 10:51:33 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Anyone notice the add for EPO during tonight Olympic coverage? It was for a product called Epocrit for anemic patients under chemo therapy. It was not during cross-country coverage but during the 4 man bobsleigh. Well that's logical enough. If they showed it during XC skiing, their target audience would be out on the course, not at the tube. (PS - Any truth to the rumor the Russian woman skier who flunked her EPO test will be doing a product endorsement in the next round of Epocrit commercials?)
t-and-f: Checkered past?
Today's stories on the women's bobsled team(s) made reference to Gea Johnson as a former track athlete with a checkered past. Can anyone elucidate on that? Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: What track can learn from Winter Games
In a message dated 2/14/02 12:19:26 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I've also always been partial to the javelin relay - perhaps we could judge the aim of the first thrower? Sorry, Ed, the jav relay is a dying event ;-) Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: What track can learn from Winter Games
Watching the short track speed skating 5K relay last night, I concluded that TF has nothing to compare to that event. Speed, tactics, lots of exchanges, and, as evidenced last night, the chance of crashes and ensuing mayhem/carnage. Maybe TF needs a 5x20x100m relay event. Teams of 5 keep circling the track - lots of chances for botched handoffs, tripping, catching big rig, etc. I can see the wheels turning in Dave Johnson's head already. The Penn Relays - Oldest, Biggest, and now, Longest! Come to think of it, we used to do something similar for workouts - I think it's called a Perlauf relay. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: the value of numbers (was: Human Hydroplane
In a message dated 2/6/02 8:25:10 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: The mile at the USATF meet (and thus the mile at virtually all U.S. meets) would be a good start. And while we're at it, at all HS meets in the country too (instead of the bastard 1600). Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Mad. Sq. Garden Sprints Downhill?
In a message dated 2/4/02 7:37:44 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: They play ice hockey there. Based on the Rangers' record, I think they play uphill 2 out of the 3 periods each game. Jim Gerweck Running Times
t-and-f: Looking a gift horse (was USATF Advertising idea...)
I've heard that Omega/Swatch timing offered to PAY $25,000 to USATF to time the indoor nationals at the Armory in March. Apparently someone at USATF felt that figure wasn't high enough, turned them down, and now someone else is doing the timing, and - get this - USATF is PAYING for it. If true, that's great economic sense. Someone offers you a free steak dinner but you turn it down because it's not filet mignon, and you wind up paying to eat at MacDonalds. Brilliant! Jim Gerweck Running Times
t-and-f: Pre-league records
OK, here's a question for the stat/record mavens: Should a mark set by someone from a league member school prior to the formal organization of the league be considered the league record? My gut feeling is no, therefore giving rise to the possibility that a school record could be better than the league mark (which is not a problem). This is more to determine what the existing league record was (and by extension whether it was broken in a meet last weekend) Thanks, Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Pre-league records
In a message dated 1/9/02 6:29:06 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: But at any given point in time, it is possible to define what schools are in the league, so if you are going to have league-wide records, my opinion is that they can only be valid when done by an athlete at a school that is in the league at the time of the performance. right. For example, there's at least one school whose record in the javelin is some 20 ft. better than the league record, b/c they were in another league at the time. What makes the original post's situation a bit different is that there was no formalized league at the time of the record setting performance, although the athlete's school became a charter member when it was formed several years later. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Sports code of conduct
In a message dated 1/9/02 2:40:31 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Does this have meaning when it comes to race strategy?- i.e. always go for a PR, or at least the absolute best time that you could possibly run on that day, versus going out slow in a VIM (Very-Important-Meet) because you know you have a better finishing kick than your primary competitor? I remember being told by a great Villanova runner (I can't recall now if it was Eamonn Coghlan or Mark Belger) that the key was to always run to win; eventually you will come up against someone very fast, and to win you will have to run fast as well. Pretty simple, really. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Acuff in running for World's Sexiest Athlete
In a message dated 1/4/02 9:17:10 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Only trackster listed is Amy Acuff. Marion Jones Grigoreyeva are also listed.
Re: t-and-f: chip timing at European Cross-Country Chamionships
In a message dated 12/31/01 12:35:04 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Can this chip timing record team standing at every 5 km split and report those standing to a press room and TV in real time? Tom, I'm pretty sure this technology exists right now. Those of us stuck in the press room watching the TV feeds haven't experienced it, but folks at home in front of their computers could track individual runners' progress vie these very same mats. All it would take is inputting the data into a race scoring computer that would have the team registration info and spit out the intermediate scores as required. Jim Gerweck Running Times also hungry for new technology, but usually starving in the lunch line at the BAA press room.
Re: t-and-f: chip timing at European Cross-Country Chamionships
In a message dated 12/31/01 4:39:33 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: A runner could have his torso cross first but have the transponder on his back leg and lose several places. I think S.O.P. in transponder timed Xc races is to have the competitors where a chip on EACH shoe, to lessen (though admittedly not eliminate) such occurences. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: RE: XC circuits
In a message dated 12/19/01 3:22:32 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: First encourage a double-loop course, but to eliminate the even split issue, have a start and finish spur so that the loop is an odd distance. You coudl even have multiple loops that came by the start/finish at several points in the race (the old Saucon Valley course at Lehigh was like that, as I recall), or use a Figure 8 layout w/ the S/F at the juncture of the two loops, which would each be run twice (you could even reverse direction the second time if you wanted to give the runners more variety). Jim Gerweck Running Times
t-and-f: Bruce Dern (was Famous people in TF)
In a message dated 12/16/01 8:35:24 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Bruce Dern went to college at Penn and may have competed on the track team but it was before my time. He did in fact compete and was a good half miler, but quit the team his jr. year in a dispute w/ the coach (Ken Doherty? - I think the time frame is pre-Tupp, but it's before my time as well) over having to trim his sideburns. Incidentally, I recall reading in an interview that his film contracts stipulated that he had to have at least one scene in which he was running (and I think that's true). IMHO, his movie based on the Dipsea (I think it's titled Running Free) is one of the Top 10 running flicks ever, partly b/c Dern looks so believable as a runner. If you watch it and don't want to go out for a hard 10 mile trail run, you need to check your pulse. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: My miserable Bruce Dern Moment
In a message dated 12/17/01 3:16:28 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: It was Rockland California in 1970 while my roomate Bob Deines was winning the National 50 miler that I, after dropping out at 30 miles leaned against a car with Bruce Dern who had also dropped out, and grumbled. I think that race was also mentioned in the article. Dern says his wife pulled up alongside in a car and told him to drop out. He replied that although he was slowing badly, he was still making progress, to which she replied that he had been running in place for the past 10 minutes. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: ChampionChip Timing systems (was European Cross Coun try Champs)
In a message dated 12/17/01 3:58:45 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hell, the last split you get is 1.1 to 1.2 miles from the finish! Not if the organizers are smart, and give metric splits for metric distance races. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: jagger at the olympics other famous people
In a message dated 12/14/01 12:44:16 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Jagger was at the 84 opening ceremonies in LA. He often logs mileage in preparations for his gyrations during a tour - he's been observed on the roads of SW CT when he stays at Keith Richards' house in Weston (which borders Devil's Den, one of the great trail running sites in the state). Don't know if Mick's ever run off road. Jim Gerweck Running Times
t-and-f: OT Marathon - 2 Time Qualifier's 2 Cents
Rather than get into the discussion, I will verify that yes the Trials were in Buffalo in 84, there was no prize money, and yes it was warm and humid (which is probably why I beat the altitude trained guys). Prize money would have been nice, but representing my country was more important. In 88 there was prize money and I prepared and raced just as hard-no more and no less. Cheers, Pete Pfitzinger, MSc, MBA
Re: t-and-f: Re: Hosting 2004 Olympic Marathon Trials
In a message dated 12/4/01 7:27:22 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: The bad news is that the IAAF may stiffen the A and B qualifying standards in keeping with their current direction of reducing the size of Olympic fields. If there's one event that can handle increased fields, w/o causing additional rounds, heats etc, it's the marathon. In fact, recent editions of the OG WC races have had pretty slim starting fields, and with the trend towards DNFing (If I can't place, I think I'll bag it and make some $$$ in a fall marathon) the finish rate is even lower. Why not drop synchro-swimming or rhythmic gymnastics if the IOC is worried about burgeoning athlete's villages? Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Footlocker South - why so fast?
In a message dated 11/27/01 2:12:41 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: From one year to the next who can remember exactly how to mark the course? Tom's right. That's why XC course records should be taken w/ a grain of salt. Even at place like Van Cortlandt Park, where the trails themselves are pretty much impervious to alteration, who knows exactly where the start is? I recall running some NYRRC open races there where Kurt Steiner would walk everyone out to an unmarked, imaginary starting line in the middle of the soccer fields and announce, the race starts here. A coach I know goes to the CT state meet each year w/ a calibrated bike and measures the course; over the years it has varied as much as 200m! So much for those CRs! This is also a reason USATF will no longer certify XC courses, except for the day of the race, while the markings are in place. Jim Gerweck Running Times
t-and-f: NCAA XC TV?
Anyone know of any coverage, w/ satellite coordinates if possible? Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Chip timing in the Times.
In a message dated 11/1/01 5:22:48 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: If we changed the definition of the finish to count only the foot with the chip on it, you might get some very strange (and possibly dangerous) behavior by runners seeking an edge at the finish of a close race. Not just that, there is a practical aspect. It is realtively easy for the human eye to determine which chest crosses the line first (although often it is not). Imagine how much harder to judge feet, which are twice as numerous as torsos, and moving much faster, half the time in a direction OPPOSITE to that in which the runners are moving. Even when reading photo finish film it is hard to see more than a blur. As for the two chip question, I believe that is done so that there is a guarenteed reading when the runner crosses the timing mat. If you notice in major road races, there is a second mat 3 meters beyond the finish line; this backup mat is there to time runners whose chipped foot may have been in midair when they cross the first mat, and thus not recorded. In fact, at the Cherry Blossom 10 miler this spring, the SECOND place runner's chip hit the mat before the winner's! Fortunately, finish line judges assigned the correct order. Jim Gerweck Running Times
t-and-f: Hash House runners cause Anthrax panic in CT
see story at http://www.newstimes.com/cgi-bin/dbs.cgi?db=newsview_records=1id=16459 pretty ridiculous over-reaction, IMHO Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: 9/11 causes route change
The Detroit Free Press Marathon has been similarly impacted, and will not run through the tunnel to Canada this year. A new course, completely in the Motor City, has been designed. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Barry's pedigree
In a message dated 10/9/01 11:52:46 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: In the old days farming skimmed away many of the better athletes. I recall hearing an interview w/ Bob Feller in which he said he developed his basic core strength hefting hay bales all day as a youth. He said today's athletes lack this overall conditioning begun at an early age, and thus have to compensate w/ weights, stretching, etc. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: chump change for Takahashi
In a message dated 10/1/01 11:54:25 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: She has seven at the last count, yielding, according to one insider, an average of $500,000 each. And don't forget the comic strip fees, and possible film rights (I can see it now - Wind Runner vs. Pokemon) Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: XC Results - Codfish Bowl (Div II/III) - Franklin Pk - Boston
What the HECK is Northern Colorado doing at the Codfish Bowl in MA? Do they even know what codfish are out in Greeley? Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Khannouchi makes plea for tolerance and understanding
In a message dated 9/21/01 10:41:52 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: acknowledged by SI as America's most accomplished Muslim athlete, I think Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Muhammad Ali might take issue w/ that statement, unless it means active athletes. Jim Gerweck Running Times
t-and-f: Radcliffe sets Women's Road 5K WR
Paula Radcliffe ran 14:57 for an all-women's 5K in London today (2 Sept). Tegla Loroupe was second in 15:25, Derata Tula third in 15:35. 20,000+ women ran. The course was certified by Hugh Jones, who observed from the lead truck and sent me this report. He noted that for the last half mile the women ran longer than the measured distance. Coupled with Paula's impressive 10k run in the New York Mini Marathon in May, it bodes well for her debut in the marathon. Maybe she just needs a few hills to be able to beat the Africans. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Dragila's post-Edmonton schedule
In a message dated 8/30/01 3:27:11 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Given that Zurich and Brussels had only men's vaults, there probably wasn't much reason to come back to Europe after Edmonton. Plus, those two Euro burbs might seem positively dull and drab after the hustle and bustle of (d)Edmonton ;-) Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Haile Gebrselassie makes 1/2 marathon debug
In a message dated 8/29/01 5:56:48 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: If it was in Addis Adaba (altitude 7900ft) it becomes a truly AWESOME time. Wait - didn't we just conclude that altitude's effect on distance times is only pyschological? ;-) (Geb must have a hell of a psyche). Jim Gerweck Running Times
t-and-f: Trackopalypse Now Redux (was Jabe's exact quote)
Just saw the restored version of Apocaplypse Now, first time on a big screen in probably 2 decades - wow (though the restored portions really didn't do much for me, or the film, IMO). There is no way Dennis Hopper is Gabe Jennings in an earlier incarnation. He makes too much sense. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: DNFs: a growing trend?
In a message dated 8/25/01 9:18:51 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Let me suggest that if the reason for running is to make money, DNF often makes sense, but if the reason is to prove how tough you are, DNF is failure. I remember some great runner back in the 70s saying I NEVER drop out of a race, no matter how bad I'm hurting. Once you do it, it becomes easier each time. Interesting in light of Suzy FH's latest travails. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Van Damme 200 (results)
In a message dated 8/24/01 4:06:19 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Isn't he J.J. Johnson who ran in the heats on the 4 x 100 in Edmonton? I think you're confusing him with Jack Johnson, the heavyweight champ played by James Earl Jones. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: mystery high jump?
In a message dated 8/23/01 12:37:18 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: best we can find anywhere is only 2.21 (he made 2.20 in Edmonton), and his best from last year was 2.30. Maybe the official misread the metric tape and was off by 0.1m ;-) Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: RE: something else to chew on
IMHO, the last good looking uniforms the USA had were the '72 OG. Of late, it seems Nike's uniform style philosophy seems to be do less with more. Very busy, not too functional or aesthetic. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: party time!
In a message dated 8/21/01 2:20:58 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: the selection of Tennessee as the nation's No. 1 party school? (when are the nationals in Knoxville again?) Don't know, but I though UT would never claim that ranking after Doug Brown left for Florida. Jim Gerweck Running Times
t-and-f: Now what's she saving for?
In Edmonton, Suzy F-H said she was saving herself for Zurich. Tonight, she (as well as Regina Jacobs) were no-shows. What's she saving herself for now? Jim Gerweck Running Times
t-and-f: Could THIS be Jabe talking too?
Hey, man, you don't talk to the Colonel. You listen to him. The man's enlarged my mind. He's a poet warrior in the classic sense. I mean sometimes he'll, uh, well, you'll say hello to him, right? And he'll just walk right by you, and he won't even notice you. And suddenly he'll grab you, and he'll throw you in a corner, and he'll say do you know that if is the middle word in life? If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you, if you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, I mean I'm no, I can't, I'm a little man, I'm a little man, he's, he's a great man. I should have been a pair of ragged claws scuttling across floors of silent seas . I mean, what are they gonna' say, man, when he's gone, huh? 'Cause he dies, when it dies, man. When it dies, he dies. What are they gonna' say about him, what, are they gonna' say 'He was a kind man', 'He was a wise man', 'He had plans', 'He had wisdom'? Bullshit, man!!!
t-and-f: Trackopalypse Now (was Jabe's exact quote... Are you sure???)
I dunno, was it just me, or did anyone else think Jabe's interview seemed eerily like Dennis Hopper's character in Apocalypse Now? (The director's cut has been released to the theaters if you want to check it out). Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Post Edmonton thoughts
In a message dated 8/14/01 5:06:54 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: The doubling of the Worlds and the concomitant rise of Goodwill as a big-bucks meet meant that every year's nationals was a must-go destination for the nation's top athletes, instead of just half the years. So the USATF tail wagged the IAAF dog, saying, If you don't increase the frequency of big meets for our athletes to qualify for, our nationals are going to die off? And Primo Co owed Ollan a favor, and saw a way to make some bucks on the side at the same time, so doubled the fun? Maybe. Jeez, do the rest of the nations of the world have the same problem getting their top athletes to compete? Seems TF is in a pretty sorry state in that case - I don't see much diminution in competitiveness among Euro and Latin soccer (football) players in non- World Cup years. Jim Gerweck Running Times
t-and-f: ANOTHER 11th!
In a message dated 8/12/01 12:53:03 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Seems like Goucher DID finish 11th after all. The curse strikes back! Oleg. And McMullen in the 1500. I think I am going out and buy some PowerBall tickets with lots of elevens in the numbers (and the jackpot is $110 million - eleven $10 millions!) Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Post Edmonton thoughts
In a message dated 8/13/01 5:05:58 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Was a hard meet to get up for for some reason .. Didn't seem to have the usual electricity associated with the Worlds I think the WCs have lost luster ever since the IAAF went for the money and doubled the frequency of the meet. The post-Olympic year WC seems to be particularly hard hit, whereas at least the pre-Olympic meet has the anticipation of the impending Games to heighten the excitement. Sorry, but I think switching from quad- to biennial WCs was one of Primo's worse decisions (although I'm sure everyone's the richer for it, so I doubt we'll see a return to the old schedule) Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: 200 photofinish
In a message dated 8/10/01 10:36:23 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: He also admitted that he was wrong about that You have to realize that it's the ATHLETES who are wrong, NEVER the on-air talent. They can't help it if people finish in the wrong places Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Greene unhappy at new start ruling
In a message dated 8/1/01 10:47:37 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: The IAAF and its technical committee yesterday decided that in races up to 400 metres one false start will be allowed, but that any athlete subsequently false starting will be disqualified immediately. While I suppose this is an improvement on the current rule, it still means HS/college will have one set of rules, and opne runners another, a less than desirable situation, IMO. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: USATF Release: Team USA roster for World Championships announced
In a message dated 7/25/01 9:16:29 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Why is Chris Clark shown on the marathon team when she has already announce that she'll bypass Edmonton for New York. From talking to Dave Morris at Bix, didn't sound like he's even running a fall marathon - just pacemaking at Chicago NYC. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: USATF Release: Team USA roster for World Championships announced
In a message dated 7/25/01 11:16:15 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: So, does anyone know if she's running? Not running, her withdrawal was announced the same time as that of either Clifton or Kim Pawelek (boy, they're not exactly knocking each other over to run in the WC marathon when there's $$$ to be made for doing the same thing a few months later, are they?). I believe Clark was replaced by Michelle Simonaitis. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Jenny Adams
Saw her post race interview after the Paris meet - what a breath of fresh air! Seems like she's still new enough to the upper reaches of the sport to be excited about what she's doing, and that comes through vividly. Not the jaded, it's just my job atitude exhibited by many of the sport's stars. If she turns out to be the real deal, USATF should take her and run w/ her in terms of marketing/promo. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Boilermaker Results anyone??
In a message dated 7/8/01 11:42:37 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Their website doesnt have them listed yet. What would you expect? Everyone's still at the brewery, pounding down free suds. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: On several things
In a message dated 7/6/01 10:56:31 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: the 800m medley, with legs of 100, 100, 200, and 400, or the English equivalents. That was the third relay on the CT HS order of events, for girls only, up until the mid-80s. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Michael Johnson's last race
In a message dated 7/3/01 9:48:18 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: There is no officiell record reqognized for this relay in Sweden. Like they don't have French fries in France or Russian dressing in Russia. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Competing at NATS- was a huge loss to the sport
In a message dated 6/27/01 3:45:13 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Could you imagine the best players not showing up for the NBA or MLB All-Star Games Or could you imagine Cal Ripken announcing his retirement mid-season, and then not playing another game (actually I think another player, not quite of Ripken stature, did just that - a Cubbie, perhaps?) Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: 2002 USATF
In a message dated 6/25/01 12:31:37 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: it hasn't been awarded yet, but the buzz is that it (and '03) will go to STanford. Yeah, cut down on travel costs for a third of the entrants. (As long as Gabe doesn't bring his Bongo Boys) Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: KRUMMENACKER IN 1500 @ WC??
Hey Fanelli, never mind all the what-ifs - where's the important stuff - HOOTIE III results? What happened, someone spill a few Terminators on them while they were being compiled? Some kind of race director you are! Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: mile improvement since high school
How about Karl Paranya (Haverford sub 4, HS 4:20-ish) Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Arrogant officials and decisions...
In a message dated 6/8/01 11:56:23 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: 2. Appropriate training for officials, not just meeting to look at old films or discuss how things used to be. Is track the only sport where an official can be certified w/o ever having seen, much less worked, a meet? To pass the USATF test (at least in CT) you merely have to pass the written test, which is open book and untimed. Every other sport has a rating session where officials work at a pre-season scrimmage; newbies are guided by veterans, who themselves work on applying new rules. And once the season begins, the assigner generally puts novices under the wing of an experienced official, who can give pointers along the way. As far as I know, track does nothing along those lines. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: times on NC state records
In a message dated 6/9/01 5:37:35 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: The timing was done by a pretty reliable auto-timer, who has no idea how it happened It's possible that the auto-timer didn't start on the gun's sound, and the operator started the timing device by hand, which, due to the increased reaction time (not only to the gun, but also to the fact that the FAT device hadn't started) would produce some incredibly fast times. The rules allow for a recall by the timer, but perhaps he didn't have a pistol, or else figured the time would be nothing special. Jim Gerweck Running Times
t-and-f: CT Open (was NJ All-Group meet)
In a message dated 6/7/01 11:27:36 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: There was nothing bad about what Danny Johnson of Rahway did in the 100M, only that this race and this race was one of only four in the meet to have a illegally-high wind behind it--2.2---and thus his 10.30 clocking will not stand as a state record. He later broke Dennis Mitchell's state mark in the 200M at 20.93 with legal (.05) wind behind him. Same thing in the CT Open meet Tuesday. Glenn McFadden of Hillhouse/New Haven ran 10.36 in the 100, but the wind was 2.9+ (all the other races preceding it had legal winds). He did get the 200 mark, running 20.86, to break the mark of 21.54 set by Olympian Jerome Young in 1994. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: HS PV endangered
How many of these rules are really enforced, though? Most if not all the meets I have been at this season, there was no pad around the collar of the vault box, no padding around the standard bases, sometimes no top pad, etc. And as for the weight certification, that is a joke too. Most of the dual meets the coach/meet director is so busy trying to find people to work the major officiating positions they can't be bothered w/ minutae like that - often the vaulters are left to run the event by themselves. Speaking of the vaulter weight certification rule, at one of the CT class meets a team showed up w/ certificates from the school nurse for all its vaulters, one of whom was told he couldn't jump because he was one pound over his pole rating. Meanwhile, ANY vaulter who DIDN'T bring a certificate was allowed to compete on their own say-so that they were within the limits. Like arresting a guy because his driver's license expired a day ago, but letting everyone who's not even carrying one keep on driving. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Marion Jones to divorce CJ
In a message dated 6/5/01 3:55:59 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: First Tom and Nicole and now Marion and CJ? what next, the National Inquirer will reveal it's got Gay Tapes of CJ? Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: NCAA indicator boards
Can you imagine going to any baseball game, from your local Little League to Yankee Stadium, and having the scoreboard displays balls, strikes, outs, hits errors, but not runs? That's kind of the situation that exists in track. I for one was stunningly impressed by the FinishLynx scoreboards at Penn Relays this year. The closest thing to instaneous results I've seen. The winners were posted before the last runners had crossed the line. Jim Gerweck Running Times
t-and-f: Webb's choices/non-choices
In a message dated 5/30/01 11:17:59 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: He didn't pick his high school coach. reminds me of the answer someone gave when asked what was the most important thing someone should do to become a great runner: Choose your parents carefully Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Webb broke TWO high school records
In a message dated 5/27/01 9:50:19 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: If Webb was only running 1500, he would have began his kick earlier. So it makes more sense to SUBTRACT the standard 16.4 or so from his 3:53.43, leaving him with something like a 3:37 flat as an equivalent 1500. That doesn't count a record, of course, but is more indicative of what he's capable of than an en-route 1500 clocking. Which makes me think: It would be interesting to take splits on everyone at 109m, so we could see what their LAST 1500 time was. Of course, they'd have a moving start, so the comparison would be somewhat unfair. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: I'm out......
In a message dated 5/28/01 4:12:45 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: considering I can't walk with out a cane right now. Don't have my rule book in front of me right now - is that considered lifting or creeping? Seriously, bad luck Mike and hope you make a speedy recovery, in time for Nats. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: New rules to challenge athletes at adidas Oregon
In a message dated 5/24/01 6:53:47 PM, LTricard writes: WHEREAS sprinters/hurdlers are the only athletes in all of track and field prevented from competing before their event essentially begins Huh? Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: New rules to challenge athletes at adidas Oregon
thinking about the 4 jumps/throws vs 3 3. After more than 3 weeks of no rain, the skies finallylet loose here Monday, and since then CT has resembled Seattle in terms of weather, forcing 2 postponements of local HS track championships, finally painting organizers into a corner where the boys girls meet had to be combined on Thursday. One of the ideas considered to speed the meet up was to reduce the jumps/throws to 4 instead of 3 3. It was ultimately rejected since there wasn't any significant time savings: Here's the math; 18 competitors @4=72 attempts @3=54 + 7 finalists@3 more = 21 Grand total 75 Net savings: 3 attempts 24 competitors @4=96 attempts @3=72 + 7 finalists@3 more = 21 Grand total 93 Net savings: 3 attempts the only potential time saver is that you wouldn't have to determine the 7 finalists and then get them to come back for their last 3 attempts, plus warmups, but w/ good officials that should take 15 minutes max. Basically, you are depriving the best athletes of 2 extra attempts in order to give everyone else one extra - not a great trade off, IMO. The 2 miss PV/HJ seems even worse. But I AM totally in favor of the NFS rule for sprints. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Howard and Clark
In a message dated 5/17/01 4:57:57 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Is the sport of athletics so pure that only the perfect may compete? Why don't we do like they did in that Kurt Vonnegut book (Cat's Cradle?) and outfit everyone w/ handicapping devices to bring them DOWN to the lowest ability level? Like, MJ has to carry 50 lbs. of rocks on his back and race in old tennis shoes. Or we put a big piece of duct tape over Geb's mouth. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Donohue: 4:47.61 at Princeton
In a message dated 5/12/01 9:44:54 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: She evidently skipped today's Camden County meet in her quest for a state HS record in the event. NJ must be enlightened - in CT they wouldn't accept a mark if it wasn't run in a state HS meet. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Promotion of nationals on the backs of the stars...
In a message dated 5/10/01 10:03:33 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Why wouldn't MJ be running our National Championships if he is so interested in promoting our sport? Touche! Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Texas High School state meet...wow...39.95!
In a message dated 5/12/01 12:32:46 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Ychilindria Spears This definitely makes the All-Name team. I'd like to see Bob H, Scott D or Garry H wrap their vocal chords around that one. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: shirts or skins? - what's best for training in hot weather?
In a message dated 5/4/01 1:23:11 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: any fabric also blocks the wind and airflow that is generated by running. Having test-worn and reviewed the Stand Off singlet Nike developed for Sydney, I would say it may be one piece of clothing that is as cool as no shirt, if not cooler. It has thousands of tiny holes, like a football jersey, that are designed to channel the airflow to your skin, and the inside has raised bumps or nodes that hold the majority of the fabric off your skin (hence the name). It's made from recycled soda bottles (same as PolarFleece) so it doesn't absorb any water. Still, I wore it during a muggy August race (temp and humidity both in the upper 80s) and shucked it around 3 miles. So it's not perfect, but I think if the sun was out and there was any air movement at all it would be better than bare. Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Mt. Sac
In a message dated 4/27/01 3:30:17 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: PS Come to think of it I demand that they retroactively give watches to this year's event winners. Weldon you could have just about walked and got a watch at Penn this year - the OD 10K was small and slow. I remember back in the late 70s early 80s the OD fields at Penn were LOADED - Virgin, Treacy, etc were among the winners, in times regularly under 28 minutes. I was shocked by the poor results from this year. Does anyone have idea why this happened? Was the switch to Friday night a bad move? I would have thought Open athletes would like running on a night before a weekend, and earlier than midnight. Jim Gerweck Running Times
t-and-f: Ritz 2nd at Penn
From Pennathletics.com Penn Relays Results Event 164, Friday, 7:40 pm MOD 5,000m Run 1 13:47.64 Anthony Famiglietti adidas 2 13:51.69 Dathan Ritzenheim North Kent RC 3 13:53.23 Peter Sherry New York AC
Re: t-and-f: Ritzenhein going for 5000 record on Friday
In a message dated 4/24/01 1:09:36 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Good luck to Ritz and to listmember Dan Wilson Dan, don't give the kid any stripper URLs, at least not til after he runs, OK? Jim Gerweck Running Times
Re: t-and-f: Kurt Steiner?
In a message dated 4/8/01 10:00:51 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: who can forget that thick Hungarian(?) accent as he'd say, "Give to me your attention, please". Or at numerous NYC Marathons: "If you can hear my voice, you can break 3 hours." I think Kurt achieved his greatest athletic success as a race walker, but I'm not certain of that. Kurt was (in)famous at the NYRRC XC races at Van Cortlandt for introducing any famous or near-famous runners who happened to be competing that day, including almost a full recap of their athletic accomplishments. Sometimes this went on for 10-15 minutes as the runners were standing around on the start line, shivering in the cold, waiting to race. The awards ceremonies were similar, allowing you to complete a thorough warmdown and still get back in time for your prize. But one of the great legendary figures of the NY running scene., and as Walt noted, sorely missed. Jim Gerweck Running Times
t-and-f: Fwd: Clayton's WBs
Here is perhaps more than anyone wants to know about world and American
records in the marathon. It was forwarded to me by Malcolm Heyworth, a noted
marathon historian. MNF refers to Measurement News Forum, the online maillist
of the USATF Road Running Technical Council, which I moderate.
Jim Gerweck
Running Times
JimRTimes
Apr 07, 2001
Dear Jim:
Here's what's appeared in MNF, if you want to pass it on.
Regards,
Malcolm
Date: 99-12-10 23:00:28 EST
MNF #0427 10Dec99
Historical Japanese Course Measurement
Ken Nakamura ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) recently asked me
to elaborate on a reference I gave in MNF. I didn't want to miss
an opportunity and the following exchange ensued.
MH:
Let me append a bit more of my men's WB Progression. If you
can help any with the validation of either Beppu (1963 '78) or
either Fukuoka ('67 '81) I'd be MOST grateful.
2:15:16.2 Abebe Bikila Rome OG 60 Sep 10
2:15:15.8 Toru Terasawa Beppu 63 Feb 17
2:14:28 "Buddy" Edelen aChiswick 63 Jun 15
2:13:55 Basil HeatleyaChiswick 64 Jun 13
2:12:11.2 Abebe Bikila Tokyo OG 64 Oct 21
2:12:00 Morio Shigematsu aChiswick 65 Jun 12
2:09:36.4 Derek Clayton Fukuoka 67 Dec 03
2:09:28.8 Ron Hill Edinburgh CG 70 Jul 23
2:09:12 Ian Thompson Christchurch CG 74 Jan 31
2:09:05.6 Shigeru SoBeppu 78 Feb 05
2:09:01 Gerard NijboerAmsterdam 80 Apr 26
2:08:18 Rob de Castella Fukuoka 81 Dec 06
2:08:05 Steve Jones Chicago 84 Oct 21
KN:
I know an elite athletes coordinator of Fukuoka marathon, so I will
attempt to get course info. I don't know about the 1967 course, but 1981 may
be possible. He was already an elite athletes coordinator then.
I will be going to Japan in a week, so let me try to find out what
ever I can from JAAF, etc.
MH:
I definitely appreciate your trying to help with those
courses, but if you can't get anywhere with any of them don't be
disappointed. I don't like it either but some info just isn't
available. Certainly I've gotten used to hearing it.
KN:
Subj: The course measurements in Japan.
Date: 99-12-06 18:15:27 EST
Malcolm,
I was unable to find any info about the course measurements in
Japan. I have talked to the man responsible for the measurement within the
JAAF at the time, race director of Fukuoka marathon, and even Shigeru Soh
himself (talked to him in Fukuoka), but came up empty handed.
I have found out few things, though:
1) The courses in Japan were measured every five years. Hence they
only have paper from the last measurement; all the old one were destroyed
(I don't know why they don't microfiche them, at least those that record
were set).
2) The course in seventies and early eighties (covers Beppu 1978
and Fukuoka 1981) were measured with a 50m steel tape.
3) Shigeru Soh himself was not very interested whether or not his
2:09:06 recognized as a world record or not. He said "It is such a long
time ago"
Sorry that I could not be of any help.
K. Ken Nakamura
After I calmed down from wondering what Ken was talking
about (unable to find any info ... came up empty handed... Sorry
that I could not be of any help) ...
MH:
Thanks very much. I assure you that you were VERY helpful.
Far from coming away "empty handed" you may well have found all
the info that's available.
There are others who would be every bit as intrigued by what
you've written and I think it should be distributed. ...
The problem with measuring a marathon with a 50-m tape is
that it takes 843.9 such lengths (before any SCPF) and it's then
easy to lose count. A miscount of only 1 tape length would give a
shortage or excess of more than the modern SCPF, not that that
was used then, but such miscounts are believed to be the major
source of error in such courses. I should actually get input on
this from readers, and it ties in quite neatly with the puzzles
I've submitted to MNF lately.
Was the Tokyo Olympic course measured this way?
I find Shigeru So's attitude wonderfully refreshing compared
with the prevailing Western values on the subject but, regardless
of his personal feelings, I feel I have to include his mark if I
honestly think it belongs, which at the moment I do, albeit with
a footnote mentioning what you just told me. Besides, 1978 is
very modern in what I do. I'm still trying to convince people
that the original marathoner was Thersippos, not Pheidippides,
and I'm probably losing ground there.
Malcolm Heyworth
PS: It sure as hell wasn't Pheidippides.
Date: 00-10-18 21:32:25 EDT
MNF#0694 18Oct2000A
Odomoters, and then rambling long post
Odometer calibration
