the course can be fast, but the footing is never good. Even if it is dry the footing is still like running through a prairie, it is just kind of uneven the whole way, so if you are expecting golf course like footing, you'll be disapointed
the course can be fast, but the footing is never good. Even if it is dry the footing is still like running through a prairie, it is just kind of uneven the whole way, so if you are expecting golf course like footing, you'll be disapointed
Seriously, this is the course?
http://www.usatf.org/events/2007/USATFClubXCChampionships/athleteInfo/courseMap_10km.jpg
A couple of loops around the softball fields? It reminds me of gym class. Surely we can do better than this for a Nationals course. Why would D3 hold championships on this course? Is there some saving grace of which I am unaware, or is this typical for Midwest XC?
Probably because it's flat and fast. Remember now, XC is now a track race on grass.
Alan
It is not quite "softball fields" like you are thinking. Yeah, you do curve around some softball fields. Its much nicer than that map makes it look. Its fairly flat, though the bottom right of that map is a bit lower, so there is some gradual hills up from there to the highest point, which is up in the top left. Really, its more like running through fields of high grass, even with some trees down by the 2 mile. Its a pretty nice course, even if the footing is a little rough.
Runningart2004 wrote:
Probably because it's flat and fast. Remember now, XC is now a track race on grass.
Alan
ITs only fast if its dry. if its even a little wet its a complete mudhole. especially in the bottom corner at around 3.5 miles. Definitely not a track with the roughness of the footing either.
Are you running, Alan?
Not really just softball fields as mentioned before. The loops are through what resembles a prairie. The start is approx. a half mile very gradual uphill, then it winds around down to the mile mark. A couple big loops of the terrain, which is slightly rolling, and you are done. A really good site for a meet, with a good location (many hotels, restaurants, etc.).
What are the awards to the winning teams and can anyone run the races?
Could be worse, could be a few laps around a horse racing track.
XC is getting boring. I blame HS kids these days who talk about 5K XC PRs...WTF????? its cross country, there is no freakin clock, there are no PRs, just places. Anyone who ever mentions a PR in relation to a cross country race should be shot on the spot.
early forecast for next Saturday in Mason, Ohio
Showers
High 50°F
Low 36°F
New Balance Boston....solid squad
Who is racing for second place? I have this locked up!
Jogged 28 flat for the 8k course yesterday. I'm not sure whether I will drop the pack early or use my kick with 800 left and take the podium.
Damn that is one flat, boring course and nothing to block the wind. You slackers better not plan on drafting off me.
Paddytheirishman wrote:
Could be worse, could be a few laps around a horse racing track.
XC is getting boring. I blame HS kids these days who talk about 5K XC PRs...WTF????? its cross country, there is no freakin clock, there are no PRs, just places. Anyone who ever mentions a PR in relation to a cross country race should be shot on the spot.
Amen to that. I can recall practically the time for every track race I ever ran but can't remember any college cross times excepet two times at Nationals. I coached college cross and every kid on the team loved one particularly meet soley because they all got their PR's.
check this clip out if you think this course is boring. with rain in the forecast next week, it might be the same. http://youtube.com/watch?v=Lp6OHBEtVUw
let me guess that one meet was lehigh, right.
boring xc? wrote:
check this clip out if you think this course is boring...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Lp6OHBEtVUw
After watching that clip I'm convinced, that the course is boring, but it does have some pretty deep puddles.
I agree. HS AD's are so cautious about course liabilty. They eliminate any/all obstacles including stream crossing and prefer pancake flat spectator friendly venues. Most XC courses are 5-10 seconds of each other, basically 10,000 meter track events.
VOM park is quite uneventful and the frozen ground will be melted by afternoon start time. Should be mushy.
They said that they'll place some hay bales on the course for the open runners. I guess they figured it would be too dangerous for us old guys.
BTW, it sounds like a good place to meet for beers is the Brazenhead pub, at 5650 Tylersville Rd (less than a mile from the course and close to many hotels). I've never been there, but they supposedly have some good microbrew on tap, including some from Great Lakes and Stone.
Are most folks staying at the host hotel? I'm driving up from KY.
We're coming in from NY. A couple of Arrogant Bastards after the race sounds about right.
