Couple of notes on the Arizona meet -
They charged each athlete, on line so no exchange of paper money, $10.00. No charge for coaches, parents, spectators. No charge for parking the car. I asked the person taking my temperature on my forehead as I entered the gates with a mask on, and a police SUV parked off to the right, why they did not charge $50 or $70 per athlete as most would have paid just to race? Or at least to watch or park? He responded that the State of Arizona clearly stated they could host the meet, but not make it a profit making venture. Clearly, lots of volunteers at the meet, and they did a great job of staying ahead of schedule on Friday night. 30 mins behind on Saturday night.
My perspective - it was 107/109 during the day, and the sun set around 7:37p so most of both night the running events were under the lights. Each night, you could feel a chill in the air when the temp's finally receded due to darkness. But, it would go from 107 to 93.... it's still 93 degrees. Almost like here in Chicago when the temps go from 75 to 60... it does feel colder. But it was still 93, and physically it felt cooler, but it was not. I think multiple athletes may not have run as fast as they would have liked due to the dust. You could see it in the air, and clearly were inhaling it. That makes the 800m men's race so impressive - little to no wind, but still lower 90's and dust. I would bet their lungs are still telling them about the race today.
Girl's 3200m almost as impressive, with splits of 5:10-4:52 and plenty left in the tank. Girl's true mile a bit of a challenge to watch, as they went through the 880y in around 2:27/2:28 from my view on the infield. With so many listed under 4:50, not many train to run negative splits.
Compliments and thanks has to go out to the high school, David the attorney who either set up the meet or oversaw entries, and others making this.... the first outdoor event with spectators for all sports since March 15th/USA? Everyone did social distance sitting in the stands, but with the heat, why would you sit close to your better half anyway?
Met and he came by for dinner at the house we had rented, Justin Kiprotich who is training in Flagstaff (up to 75 miles a week now after an Achilles injury) and over the top salt of the earth 3:38 1500m type of guy. Jeralyn Poe, coming off her excellent all-American 32nd place performance at the NCAA cross country championships was also in attendance. They announced Moe Green was in the stadium, as well as others.
Great to get out and watch athletes compete.
js