Hello123 wrote:
As someone who coached some highly successful high school athletes 35 years ago, I think the internet itself has made a huge difference. Everyone back then was training and competing in an information vacuum. I had no idea what kinds of times people were running in other parts of my state, let alone in the country. I had to wait until I got my Track & and Field News in the mail to find out what was going on nationally, and it was at least 4-6 weeks out of date by the time I got it. All we thought about was the local competition and qualifying for the State Meet. I once drove 3 hours round-trip on a Sunday morning to get a newspaper from the city where our main rival lived, just to get the results of their Regional Meet. Nowadays, the amount of information at our fingertips is astounding. Knowledge = Power!
I agree the Internet has made a significant difference in running, but this started 20 or so years ago. What has changed with the Internet in the last 3-4 years that led to such a dramatic change in performances, particularly at the HS and college levels? Strava isn't new. Tempo isn't new. Arcadia isn't new.
Shoes. I stepped away from coaching prior to super shoes, but have very close friends still in the profession. My friends in the NCAA can't believe how much shoes changed the sport. Immediately. Literally, from day one when super shoes and super spikes arrived on campus they witnessed a dramatic change.
It is what it is, but let's not deny the obvious.