Cat Bird Seat
By David Yon
As July rolls around I could join everyone else and complain vigorously about the heat – this truly has been the hottest opening to summer I have ever been through. Instead, I will issue my annual gripe about having to make the newsletter stretch for two months. As you can see by the title on the front of this edition, you are reading both July and August’s editions. It is however a well-earned opportunity to rest for Rex, the newsletter editor. The good thing about doing without is that it can really make you appreciate something you have. We really do not say thanks enough for the tremendous job Rex does. I have never heard him say how many hours he puts into each edition, but it has to be close to a full time job. It is a top quality product and continues to be one of the best benefits for club members.
Will Walker, with input from others, has put togther a thorough guideline for race directors. This booklet will be a big help for first time and repeat race directors. If you want a copy get in touch with Will or any of the board members. Paul Hiers is in the process of putting up permanent signs for markers for the miles on the Springtime Course. There are a couple of unique events coming up featuring the Track in GWTC. The mile race is on the track on August 8 and will feature Breakfast on The Track by master Chef Felton Wright. We have featured a mile race on the roads before, but this is the first time I can recall there has been one on the track for grand prix points. Some of you will remember the Bart Mears Memorial Mile, but I don’t recall it ever being a grand prix event. The best way I know to warm up for this event, is to participate in the Thursday night track meets. Despite the fact that construction has forced this years meets to Godby high, I understand there have been record numbers of participants. On August 23 we will have the second edition of the Maclayathon. I had more fun at this event than any other that I participated in last year. Hurdling, putting, sprinting, tossing, running and jumping are sure to leave you sore and laughing. It is a great opportunity to experience a great cross section of track and field all in one afternoon. Look for fliers with more details.
There is a new look and update to our Web page. Martha Haynes has volunteered to help out with this project. We have a new address – http://home.katzlaw.com/gwtc/. If you have ideas or suggestions for the page please send them to me or to the page. This page has the potential to be a tremendous source of information. I am sure you read last months notes about the difficulty getting media coverage for running and track events. The web has become a tremendous medium for exchanging information. There are literally hundreds if not thousands of great sites for running related information. When traditional sources fail us these days, there are excellent alternatives. I certainly think if we can get the right people focused on it, we can turn this page into a great resource for local events including not just our own races, but also high school track and field and cross country.
June, July and August are the season for IAAF track and field and the time for records to fall. The 5,000 and 10,000 meter records both had been lowered by Haile Gebrselassie to 12:39.36 and 26:22.75, respectively, at the time this was written . I am sure by the time you read this at least one of these records will have been lowered again. Haile’s focus for the rest of the year will be the 3000 record which is 7:20.67. I am just amazed by these performances. It was the 4th time he has set a world best in the 5,000 meter and the 14th world record of his career. He generally runs the final lap of these efforts under 60 seconds and I could not keep up with him even for just his final 200 meters. The 5K and 10K events are probably the most competitive events in the world right now, maybe in any sport. The entire world competes at these events and there are both quality and quantity!
Have a great summer. I hope you find some shade and water along your trails.