think of it wrote:
Even if Marsh were running today (and was still young), I doubt that he would run 7:55. He had plenty of opportunities to run faster than 8:09. In fact, races were probably better for him in his day, because one of today's sub 8:00 races would probably cause him to go out too fast. Conditions weren't that different in his days, except that there weren't a bunch of fast African runners showing what is possible.
...or they might have dragged him along - you know, get in a line like today WR attempts and everyone tries to PR. or maybe a fast early pace was what marsh really needed. or maybe his training would've a bit different. guys back in the day raced when they went to europe, it wasn't just a massive time trial.
like joaquim andujar said: "you never know."
marsh was a damn good steepler, and a fantastic competitor. he found a training regimine that worked for him. and he's still the american record holder.