I'm running my first track event in more than 25 years this Saturday: the Men's 5000 at the Mississippi Open @ Ole Miss. I'm registered; they know I'm a 50 year old hoping to set a pissant masters PR of around 19:15.
I'm no track racer; I don't even own spikes. I just want the flat fast accurate course. And of course the primal thrill of being chased by faster animals less than half my age.
I could use some guidance on basic track etiquette, so I don't get in the way. NCAA rules are in effect.
Here are a couple of questions, but all relevant advice is welcome:
1) Are my racing flats legal? Or do I need to purchase spikes?
2) My plan is to fall off the pace--doh!--and run in the inner lane until I spy the leaders within 50-60 yards behind me, then move to the second lane and pretty much run the rest of the race in that lane. Is this reasonable and/or within the rules?
If you're a middling master who has tried something similarly insane, by all means share your story.