March 2012 Archives

The care and development of the world's second fastest 100 meter runner (and fifth fastest at 200 meters), 9.69 and 19.58, Tyson Gay,  is in the hands on one Lance Brauman. Lance is a fine coach, who has had much success with sprinters, and jumpers. RBR has had the privilege to observe workouts last year, and to see Tyson develop over the past half decade.


Tyson Gay is a tough competitor. And all of the eyes of the US will be upon him at the US Olympic Trials, coming up June 22-July 1, in Eugene, Oregon. It is the job of Lance Brauman to get Tyson prepared, keep him healthy and help him reach his peak for London 2012.

After five weeks of training, Tyson is gently getting on the track. Makes sense. Lots of muscle memory there, but, at the age of 30, Tyson Gay has to focus his talents on key races, and that is what he seems to be doing. We wish him luck this year.

A very nicely done article and update on Tyson Gay and Lance, can be found today in the Orlando Sentinel, with this link: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-03-30/sports/os-tyson-gay-olympic-preparation-20120330_1_beijing-olympics-usain-bolt-medal.

The Vibram Five Fingers shoe, over the past two years, has shaken up the running footwear industry. Champions of Minimalist shoes see that shoes such as Five Fingers have changed the industry. A more gentle read might be that is partially true, as lightweight shoes are here to stay, and that extremes on both ends have their supporters. In the end, there is really nearly a perfect shoe for every runner's footstrike now.

The key is, finding the right shoe for you. That is why, at Running Network, we do six to eight different reviews a year, (and we track 45 brands), as our readers are interested in new product and there are shoes worth your consideration.

Running shoes are equipment. Runners need to find what works for them, and with extreme product, build into it, to lessen the chance of injuries. Even a shoe perfectly suited for you takes time for the body to adjust. Be careful! 

Vibram has been sued, due to the alleged health benefits or lack of benefits that have been touted, in a class action suit, with 100 people named as claimants. I have to admit that I find this type of lawsuit, over alleged health benefits, a bit silly, but, here is what the had to say about it....
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2122996/Bizarre-FiveFingers-running-shoes-loved-A-list-sued-claims-increase-injury-risk.html

adidas has launched the adidas ClimaCool Seduction. The ClimaCool has been quite a popular running shoe, which appeals to both the performance and fashionista crowd.

"Living the Dream" is a Mark Springerism. Mark Springer was one the most low-key human beings to ever work at USA Track & Field. Mark was a jack of all trades at USA Track & Field, but he was known for his limitless energy working on Youth and Junior programs. He also held the longest tenure as an employee at USATF, from 1986 to 2004.


I knew of Mark Springer by 1987, and I worked with Mark from about 1990 and up until his untimely auto accident on September 10, 2004 (he passed away on December 13, 2004). I never got to meet his wife, Sandy, who he spoke of often. Mark Springer was able to get USATF to sponsor our largest poster program and worked hard to help us get support for our high school publication, Athletes Only. 

Mark had the dryest wit I ever experienced. Our phone conversations were always about something sports related, but then, the stories would start, and Mark's " Living the Dream" was my favorite. The stories were hysterical, and his " have to get back to my nap" comments were legendary. It was only now, that I found out he told former USATF Prez Bill Roe about need to return to the REM part of his day. " Springer Global Headquarters" was another comment I heard.

Mark's wit was one of his most amazing talents. Mark had many. He was the living wikipedia of USA Track & Field. The guys' brain worked like flypaper and he just had to pull it forward to help someone out of a jam, a missing bit USATF minutae or a procedure.  

I use the term, "Living the Dream" constantly. Mark would have been honored about the Youth Travel Grant. He would have also been a bit embarrassed. He did not like the limelight.

 So, when you apply for it, know the person it was named after was a man among men, who cared for all around him. He is missed terribly by those who knew him and love him.

The USATF Athlete of the Week is one of the smartest things to come out of USATF communications. It gives the general track fan someone to notice in our sport and also gives them the reason why the athlete is being recognized.


Wallace Spearmon and Doc Patton are two of our most reliable world class sprinters. Last weekend, Doc Patton dropped a 10.06 100 meters. His training partner, Wallace Spearmon, opened up with a 19.95 for 200 meters, which is quite early for someone to be running sub 20 seconds for the furlong.

Both Mr. Patton's and Mr. Spearmon's demonstrations of superior fitness at this stage of the 2012 campaign drew some cynical comments from the know it alls on the web. The truth is, both Patton and Spearmon have the experience to know that they must be in supreme shape to make the team at the US Olympic Trials for Track & Field, coming up June 21-July 1. This, friends, is the best week and a half of track & field outside of the Olympics. That is fact. And some days, the competition may be the best in the world, Olympics included (except, they give those medals out in London).

Wallace Spearmon is the Athlete of the Week for USA Track & Field. He was given that award because of his prowess around the 200 meters. Coming off the turn, Wallace Spearmon just begins to move, and his last 50 meters is blazing, as many are falling apart, and Wallace comes to life.

The Golden Stripes Track & Field Series is in its second year, and the word is getting out. The first qualifying event, at the adidas Meet of Champions, on March 25, 2012 at Azuza Pacific College, was a huge success. Next qualifier is the Kansas Relays.

How fast will they run?

This is an awesome program by adidas to recognize the fastest high school boys and girls at 100 meters and the mile! Qualifying events are Azuza Meet of Champions (March 25), Kansas Relays (April 21) and Golden South Classic on May 26. The top qualifiers will run on June 9 at the adidas Grand Prix NYC!

Read on for details!

To compete, get the info at www.adidasgoldenspikes.com

Missouri Runner has been published since 2001. It is now published purely digital format, and it will be published four times in 2012. If you like it, please sign up at Missouri Runner& Triathlete for a free subscription.

Some great coverage of the 2012 USA Cross Country Champs, 2012 Olympic Trials for the Marathon, Coffee with Coach, 2012 Spring RN Shoe Review, and much more! We hope that you like it!

"USATF Renews CEO Search" was the title of the release. I had to smile when I saw the term,  "politically-charged" used in the description of what the CEO would endure. Think of the most politically savvy individuals in history: Machiavelli, Lorenzo Borgia, Otto von Bismark, Kofi Annan, all might find the politics in USATF a bit of a challenge.

The USATF is the Yugoslavia of sports federations. Our federation covers youth running,masters running, track & field, cross country and race walking. The federation has way too many constituencies. One must look far and wide to see a federation who handles so much in their sport infrastructure.

Stephanie Hightower is spot on when she notes that the athletes are doing their job, and now the board needs to do its job. In my opinion, leadership is 0-2 right now, in terms of finding an appropriate leader.

The search committee has 100 resumes on their list from the last search. They now know that they need someone deeply involved in track & field, someone,  who can also sell the sport. That takes it down to a handful. My question is, why didn't these questions get asked last time? 

It does not matter that different folks were involved in the Doug Logan imbroglio. Perception is reality as the Rolling Stone magazine ads noted a decade ago. New Leadership must have the support to develop a program over a decade or longer. Changing CEOs every one to three years is not a good practice.

The issue may be the following; the leader we need, someone with vision, who can communicate and who can sell the sport, someone who can close a deal, may not be the person who asks before he or she does something. Is the board going to slap the hand of the new CEO every time he or she closes a deal?

Those are questions really good candidates are going to ask. And those are questions that USATF's board should be able to answer.    

USATF's executive search committee has no room for mistakes. This time, they need to deliver.

adidas, Official Sportswear Partner of Team GB and ParalympicsGB today proudly presented the ground-breaking team kit that will be worn by the British athletes at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Designed by acclaimed British designer Stella McCartney, who was appointed by adidas as Creative Director for this project, the kit is the most comprehensive range that's ever been supplied to a national team, combining the best in performance technologies and stand-out British style. Over two years in the making, McCartney's design of the kit focusses on the Union flag, breaking down the iconic design and reconstructing it, creating a modern and contemporary twist. The result is a bold design that features on all items of the kit to ensure the British athletes stand out in front of the home crowd as a unified team.

The folks at ASICS America have something with the Honda LA Marathon. Nice video capturing the flavor of the race. I did love running the race in the late 80s, and it is nice to see the race thriving.

The new course, new website and runners wrote about how much that they like the new sponsorship by ASICS. Nicely done!

For more on the race, please check out www.lamarathon.com

Running has come mainstream. Next to walking, Running is the largest fitness activity in US, and has even grown during the recession in 2008-2010 (a recession is when your neighbor looses job, a depression is when you loose job-heard that somewhere). Miller is promoting Miller 64, their re-named light beer. In doing that, Miller 64 has focused on various fitness and outdoor activities, with a humorous bent. The running vignette is very good, the basketball one is hilarious. Humor does sell, especially in the US.

Beer companies have been supportive of the running business (race sponsorships, race sampling) since the late 1970's when road racing really took off. Among runners, light beers and imported beers seem to be the most popular. Again, though, nice to see a commercial touting running.

And as the commercials say, always drink responsibly.

Pat Butcher is one of the best journalists in our sport. His writing style is easy to read, however, beware, as Mr. Butcher packs several layers of meaning into each of his columns. Such is the case with Cuba, Si? Well, Maybe...being a journal of his recent travels into the land of Ernest Hemingway, 1950's US cars, and a Terry Fox Run....

I coached for sixteen years. High school, community college, club and even University for two seasons. In my mid-life crisis, I will return to coaching and a university setting. I miss the day to day interaction with athletes and the excitement of learning. While I enjoy my interaction with my coach friends, athletes now, it is not like coaching.

This is a bit unusual for this column, but it makes sense. As a runner, walker, outdoorsperson, you are part of the world. I love to fish, and walk through the woods. I read this about bats today on twitter, and thought it might be of interest to you!

Yohan Blake, the 2011 World Champion is getting some face time from CNN. Nicely done article by Chris Murphy, who actually knows his stuff. Blake is portrayed as a young, talented athlete who wants to beat his training partner.

It is one of the stories that will make the London 2012 100 meter AND 200 meter finals so astounding....


Human to Hero: Champion Blake aims to steal Buddy Bolt's spring swag, by Chris Murphy, CNN.com

The video above, courtesy of Running Product Reviews, is a teaser for the award winners of the 2012 Spring Running Network Shoe Review. We waited a bit for March to get going as 500,000 of our 920,000 subscribers are seeing the titles published in March. The key is for you, the consumer, to have knowledge of what is out in the run specialty market. Forbes Magazine noted that $6.5 billion in running shoes were sold in 2011. Actually, it is closer to $8 billion, but what is a billion and half between friends? You, the runner, can find a shoe that is near perfect for you. With some insole work, you can get even closer (we are not telling you to buy a third party insole, but we will suggest that you consider them) to finding the perfect shoe! We hope that our reviews are the successful beginning of that search. Now, head out to on one of the 400 or so run specialty stores (we count 771 that do a nice job on running shoes, apparel, and such) and support your sport, the economy and the sport. Run, jump and throw.

When I was fortunate enough to meet Oscar Pistorius at the Nike Prefontaine Classic last year, I was taken by how relaxed he was. Oscar was obviously comfortable with the press, not searching it out, but understanding that this was part of his sporting life. He has fascinated many in the general sports audience, and has fascinated many in the track public.

Running 45.20 shows how much of an athlete Oscar really is, and note here, that the young man has the potential to run much, much faster.

Pistorius told a story to the media with him at Pre, which was NBC staff and myself, about his childhood. He and his brother were typical boys, and his older brother had a go kart. They would take it down the steep hill by their home, with the rule that they stopped a couple of driveways down the hill, in order not to get too fast or go into cross traffic.

Well, one day, the older brother allowed Oscar on the go kart. They picked up speed. They did not go into the first two driveways so they were seriously picking up speed. Oscar noted, in retelling the story, that they were heading towards the cross traffic.

It was then, that Oscar's brother asked for one of his legs with a sneaker on it. Strongly grasping Oscar's artificial leg with sneaker, Oscar's brother used the sneaker as a brake.
 
The smell of rubber was intense as the sneaker and artificial leg did its work, slowing down the go kart with the two young boys from heading into cross-traffic.

Oscar smiled telling us this story, he said that it was then that he knew his legs could be special.

We look forward to seeing Oscar Pistorious this summer...

Natalya Dobrynska will compete against Jessica Ennis in May at the IAAF Combined events in Gotzis, Austria. The two multi-event champions will get to see where each athlete is two months before the London Olympic Games...Richard Buck, the anchor on the AVIVA GBR and NI team at the World Indoors was not to receive support this year. To his surprise, he received letter and check for 10,000 pounds sterling upon his return from Istanbul.

Ariane Friederich is one of the most emotional athletes on the circuit. She is also very popular with the young fans. It is the combination of the bleached hair, her athleticism and post jump theatrics that attracts many. Per the following short piece by Alfons Juck, our global eyes, that we salute her thoughtful gesture, in supporting the future of the sport...

VTB, the Russian bank that has been a sponsor for the IAAF, extended its sponsorship for four more years.....

This was not supposed to be a "good" world indoors, in fact, it  was a superb indoors. The athletes who showed up performed fantastically in front of a very appreciative crowd. The US team, which was thought of as put together, was, in fact, one of our best ever, with 18 medals, ten of them gold.

The world records in the multi events were superb, but also consider the Long jumping of Brittney Reese, Janay De Loach and Shara Proctor. Both American and British National records!

Ashton Eaton, 2012 World Indoors, photo by PhotoRun.net

Bernard Lagat, in the shape of his life, defended his 3,000m title and dusted the best in the world! Pamela Jelimo and Yelena Isinbayeva both winning titles, when many thought they had seen their better days!

Mauro Da Silva, 2012 World Indoors, photo by PhotoRun.net

Who would have thought about a men's long jump being decided by a centimeter? Who would have thought of a women's high jump at 1.98m? Who would have thought that Kirani James would learn some lessons in indoor running? And who would have thought that shot put super man David Storl would be upset by Ryan Whiting? Ryan's 22 meter throw now gives us a new generation of American shot putters to worship.

Ryan Whiting, 2012 World Indoors, photo by PhotoRun.net

A facility built in Istanbul in fifteen months, the Akoyoy Stadium was excellent, and the Turkish crowd (lots of Brits & Greeks too!), loved the athletes. Great cheers rang out in many of the races, and of course, the Turkish host won two medals, one in the 1,500m women (bronze), and one in the men's 1,500 ( silver), kept the fans very happy. Honestly the biggest cheers came when the young Greek high jumper took gold.

The British team took nine medals and beat the US women's 4 x 400m in a exquisitely tough relay battle, one of the highlights of the meet. The men's US team, saw that one, and made sure the GBR team did not win again. Be forewarned USA, GBR means business in London, but, hey, you already know that.

Dobrynska, Ennis, 2012 World Indoors, photo by PhotoRun.net

The heptathlon was tight, too close to call. yet, Dobrynska and Ennis showed poise and respect for each other. That is the way most of our athletes are, it is what makes our sport so different. The challenge is, how do we sell that? How do we make others see that our sport of track & field has all the competition, and more that they could want?

We sure hope that Istanbul adds an indoor meeting for the circuit! Great facility, wonderfully historic city, and memorable World Indoors! 

Special thanks to Gary Morgan for his help and support in Istanbul, during the World Indoor champs. Watch for the Gary and Larry Show, on RunningNetwork.com and Michigan Runner in the coming week!

Justin Gatlin won the 60 meters on Saturday, taking the gold medal. He did it the old fashioned way: he had a good start, he kept his head down and he ran through the darn finish......

This was going to be a pretty typical world championship 1,500m meters for guys, pretty lamo pace, and then a kick, where guys who can not kick let the pace dawdle and then, it gets fast. But this race, was, actually, quite entertaining...Thanks to a Turkish runner, who wanted the gold, and a Moroccan runner, who wanted the gold even more....

Valerie Adams is the best women shot putter in the world. She is also one of the most competitive athletes anywhere in our sport. When she gets pushed by, say Nadzeya Ostapchuk, Adams calls on the competitive and seems not to like to loose. Here is how she won her World Indoor title in 2012:

Chaunte Lowe is back. Even she was surprised on the win and also the height of the victory. Here is how Chaunte won the gold medal in the World Indoors!

Coming back from two challenging years, Sanya Richards-Ross is starting off 2012 with style. The US had never had two women medal in the World Indoors 400 meters before- a big congrats to Natasha Hastings as well!

The men's long jump was one of the closest ever, as the three medals were separated by one centimeter! 

Here is our story on Ashton Eaton, Mr. World record holder......

Sally Pearson of Australia is now the queen of both the outdoor 100m hurdles and indoor 60m hurdles. She is fiercely fast, a near perfect hurdler and truly enjoys her event, having hurdled first when she was fifteen.

Sally told the media that she hoped to run in the 7.7s in the final, after having run 7.85 in the first round. Here is how we saw the queen of the hurdlers take her first indoor gold....

Renaud Lavillenie is the French superstar of the pole vault. Lavillenie is also one of the future stars of our sport. Speaking fluent English as well as French, Renaud gets it, and loves the sport is a amazingly patient with the media.

Tonight, it was all about vaulting, and Lavillenie focused and jumped liked the pole vault stud he is, and with the big heights come the big prizes, like gold medals....

Genzebe Dibaba has become only the second athlete to win World Junior title (5,000m), World Junior Cross Country and now, World Indoor Champs title! She did it controlling each step of the race, from a tepid early pace to a last 400 meters in a lung shattering 61.5! Here is how she won her World Indoor Champs 1,500m title: 

Ryan Whiting upset the charts today and took the gold in a fine throw of 22 meters! Here is how we saw the first final of the 2012 World Champs!

Dr. Norb Sander called Elliott Denman, " an icon". I am fortunate to have Elliott writing for our publications, American Track & Field, and Athletes Only. Over the past few years, he has also written for Running Network and Runblogrun.

What makes Elliott Denman such a superb writer? Elliott Denman is a life long journalist with the observation skills of a fifteen year old. He misses nothing. A good quote, an approach that one may not have considered. Some of his best pieces, I believe, have been the series he did for RBR and RN on US Open, NB Indoor , Millrose and US Indoor.

Congrats to a journalist who has done much for our sport and does not seem to slow down!

Another classy act by the The Armory. Grete Waitz and Ted Corbitt are two of the most important role models in our sport. Grete Waitz not only won her first NYC, her first marathon, setting a WR, she championed women's marathoning for a generation. Grete also showed the preciousness of life and moment's in one's life as she fought cancer. Ted Corbitt was a modest man, lead by example in ultra marathoning, and represented the US in the Olympic marathon. Nice job by the Armory Hall of Fame on this one....

The Running Network LLC announces that the adidas Supernova Glide 4 wins the Best of Category for Neutral running shoes in their Spring 2012 Shoe Review....

The Scott MK4 tied for top honors in the Best Renovation category in the 2012 Running Network LLC Spring Shoe Review...

The Running Network LLC announces that their Best Performance Shoe for the RN 2012 Spring Shoe Review is the Mizuno Wave Elixir 7.....

The Brooks Pure Cadence has won the Best New Shoe from the Running Network LLC in their 2012 RunningNetwork Spring Shoe Review....

Here is review of Nike Lunar Eclipse 2 taking Best Motion Stabilizing Shoe in RN Spring 2012 Shoe Review...

The Running Network LLC named the Saucony ProGrid Hurricane 14 tied for Best Renovation in the Spring 2012 version of the Running Network LLC Shoe Review.....

Since 1998, the RunningNetwork has been providing Shoe Reviews to its readers, in both print and on the web. The team consists of Cregg Weinmann, Footwear & Apparel Reviewer, Marg Sumner, proofreader, Kristen Cerer, design & layout and Christine Johnson, RN Project Manager & Editor. This release announces the shoes that received the top honors for Spring 2012.

As RN always says, let the reviews be the beginning of your search for that perfect shoe. RN always suggest that you then head to your local running specialty store to see what they think, as they are on the front lines, day in and day out. 

(Special thanks to Breanne Ward for her work on the press releases).

Quotes & Audio Link from today's conference call with World Champion Yohan Blake

Amazing run for Samuel Ndungu, debuting in 2:07:04 and Henryk Szost sets Polish NR in 2:07:39, at Lake Biwa. Great performances, with nine PBs in first ten places! Course record in Demi-de-Paris (Paris Half-Marathon), run by Stanley Biwott in 59:44.

Mark Winitz, long time contributor to American Track & Field and California Track & Running News wrote this piece on the Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon....

updated March 5, 2012

Nice to see Allstate Insurance taking on the Allstate Insurance 13.1 Marathon series. Running makes sense for major companies in Health and Insurance business, as it reaches a wide group of the US populace and people who see health and fitness as key to their lifestyle....

Apparently, the Kenyan Federation is getting internal criticism on it's announcement that the Nike Pre Classic 5,000m and 10,000m will be part of their Trials program for determining the teams for Kenya for the 5,000m and 10,000m. At the Nike Pre, the top three Kenyans in the 5,000m and 10,000m would represent Kenya in London for the 2012 Olympics. The rest of the team, rest of the events, would be part of the trials in Kenya. 

In the following piece, done by Reuters and posted on UK Eurosport, Paul Tergat and Martin Keino, both prominent former Kenyan athletes, express some concerns.

The Kenyan Federation is trying to find a way to get the best Kenyan athletes to represent them at Olympics. There was less than joyful response to the men's 5,000m and 10,000m results from Daegu, where Kenyan men did not medal in either event.

 

IPICO, one of the top sports timing protocols in running, has announced a new strategic partner in Europe, Matsport. This gives IPICO an European distribution center and service center. IPICO has events in 50 countries at this time...

Powell vs Bolt also in Oslo
OSLO (NOR): Second clash of the year Usain Bolt vs. Asafa Powell is announced after Rome for the ExxonMobil Bislett Games - Samsung Diamond League on 7 June 2012. "These two Jamaicans are the best known personalities in athletics at the moment and we are very proud and excited that they are both coming to Oslo in an Olympic year," says Meeting Director Steinar Hoen. Yohan Blake runs in New York on June 9 and the schedule of Tyson Gay is not known yet.

Rodgers gets 9 months
NEW YORK (USA): US sprinter Mike Rodgers, who was tested positive for a stimulant just before last year's World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, was handed a 9-month suspension. The 26-year-old sprinter,  who was a contender for a medal in Daegu, tested positive for the stimulant methylhexaneamine during an in-competition test conducted on July 19 at the meet in Lignano, Italy. According to universalsports.com, Rodgers, who requested a hearing in front of an independent American Arbitration Association panel in an attempt to clear his name, failed to convince the panel. In an later he apologized for his behaviour: "I apologize to my family and the track and field community around the world for my error in judgment related to my first anti-doping violation.  Methylhexaneamine, a mild stimulant, found in many energy drinks and supplements, was detected in my urine sample at the Lignano, Italy track and field competition in July, 2011.  I regret that my oversight in reviewing the USADA advisory notices in June 2011, may have contributed to my use of this energy drink substance one month later in July 2011. I have since learned that while acceptable in out-of-competition training, it is banned from in-competition.  Needless to say, I will be more diligent in staying abreast of this information. Needless to day, this has been both a humbling and enlightening experience.  I made a huge mistake and take full responsibility for my actions." He will be able to resume his career starting on April 19. That means he can bid to compete at Olympic Games at US Trials end of June.


ISTANBUL NEWS

IAAF: With 172 IAAF National Member Federations having entered athletes to compete at the Atakoy Arena next week, Istanbul 2012 should surpass Valencia 2008 where 147 countries, also a participating record at the time, contested the event. A total of 1299 athletes and officials are also expected to attend what will be the IAAF's most important event of the 2012 World Athletics Series. 349 male athletes, 334 female athletes (together 683) and 616 officials have indeed been entered following the 27 February deadline for Final Entries. The record in number of participating athletes is 712 in Paris 1997. Last edition in Doha had 583 competing athletes.

ALGERIA: Will be represented by 2 athletes: hurdles national record holder Othmane Hadj Lazib and experienced triple jumper Baya Rahouli. She was twice World indoor finalist back in 2003 and 2004.

CHINESE TAIPEI: Two athletes will be shot putter Chang Ming-Huang and female 60 m sprinter Liao Ching-Hsien.

PHILIPPINES: SEA Games winner and national record holder Marestella Torres is the female long jump entry. The decision for the male entry was not confirmed between Henry Damil (Long Jumper) and Archand
C.Bagsit (400 m), who both had won the Silver medal at these SEA Games.

KAZAKHSTAN: Headliner of 6 members team is the title defender and current triple jump world leader Olga Rypakova. Also in the team five more women triple jumper Irina Ektova, hurdler Natalya Ivoninskaya, sprinters Olga Bludova with Viktoriya Zyabkina and high jumper Marina Aitova.

ZIMBABWE: Zimbabwe's participation is now in doubt after United States-based sprinter Gabriel Mvumvure pulled out of the event. The fastest man in the country also living in US Ngoni Makusha is also not planning to compete in Turkey.

QUALIFICATIONS: Did you know that both pole vault men and women will be straight finals in Istanbul? No qualifications planned.



OTHER NEWS

LAKE BIWA (JPN): Brett Larner informs that the organizers of Sunday's 67th Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon, the final domestic selection race for the Japanese men's London Olympics marathon team, announced that Atsushi Sato has withdrawn from the race due to inflammation in the rear of his left thigh.  Sato began to experience pain in mid-February and was unable to recover in time for the race, bringing to an end his bid for a second-straight Olympic marathon appearance.  The half-marathon national record holder, he finished last at the Beijing Olympics.  He came back with a 6th-place finish at the 2009 Berlin World Championships but, targeting London, said, "You can only repay an Olympic debt at the Olympics."

BLACKSBURG (USA): Robby Andrews, a two-time NCAA champion in the men's 800 meters, has announced his decision to leave the Virginia track and field/cross country program. "We want to wish Robby nothing but the best as he pursues future endeavors," Virginia director of track and field/cross country Bryan Fetzer said. A third-year from Englishtown, N.J., Andrews won the 2010 indoor and 2011 outdoor national championships in the 800 meters. Has PB of 1:44.71 and is World Junior bronze winner in 2010 in Moncton, Canada.

BELVILLE (RSA): 2009 world 800 m champion Caster Semenya gets her season under way in the second and final Yellow Pages Inter-provincial meeting in Bellville on Saturday. Semenya lines up in a 19-strong field, headlined by Tjipekapora Herunga of Namibia, in the women's 400m event. Istanbul bound Elroy Gelant, meanwhile, will go in search of the Olympic qualifying time in the men's 5000 m race.

CHIHUAHUA (MEX): IAAF informs that several of the world's top race walkers will start their route to the IAAF World Race Walking Cup and the London Olympics this Saturday on the streets of Chihuahua for the second leg of the 2012 IAAF World Race Walking Challenge. Local favourite Eder Sanchez will defend his 20km title from last year, but he is expected to find strong opposition not only from Australian Jared Tallent, but also from Colombia's 2011 Pan American Games runner-up James Rendon and Ecuador's Rolando Saguipay. Several 50km specialists, including Russia's Semen Lovkin, Ecuador's Andrés Chocho and Chihuahua hero and 2010 World Cup silver medallist Horacio Nava will also race the shorter distance. The 50 km should be another battle between Norwegian Trond Nymark and local walkers, including 2011 winner and Pan American Games runner-up José Leyver, Omar Zepeda, Jesús Sánchez and Christian Berdeja. Andrei Stepanchuk of Belarus hopes to be in the mix as well. The women's race could become another Portuguese affair as last year. A permanent contender in Chihuahua, Inês Henriques is back to defend her 2011 win, when she led an all-Portuguese podium.

OTTAWA (CAN): A strong showing and a personal best at the USATF Classic in Fayetteville, Arkansas has earned shot putter Justin Rodhe the BioSteel Top Performer of the month for February 2012. Justin threw a personal best of 20.95-metres to finish second overall, edging out teammate and training partner Dylan Armstrong. As the BioSteel Top Performer of the month Justin will receive a complimentary sports supplements package consisting of BioSteel NSF and Informed-Choice certified products. He is also scheduled to compete at World Indoor Championships next weekend.

BRUSSELS (BEL): European 60m hurdles bronze medallist Adrien Deghelt will be out of training longer than expected with a newly sustained rupture in his hamstring. Deghelt already missed last year's summer season and this year's indoor season with a stress fracture in his hip writes The Standaard.

LAUSANNE (SUI): February is the busiest month of the year for indoor athletics and now European Athletics has opened its monthly poll to find the European athlete of the month February they report on their website.

SINGAPORE (SIN): Days after unveiling plans to plough 5 million dollar into the development of athletics, local sports events company Trax Global is now eyeing the region with a commitment to sponsor the 2012 Asian Grand Prix series to the tune of an estimated 1.2 million dollar. Organised by the Asian Athletics Association (AAA), the three-leg series will be hosted in Bangkok (May 6), Kanchanaburi (May 9) and Nakhonratsima (May 13) this year.

KINGSTON (JAM): The decision by PUMA to sponsor the Jamaican Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) since 2002 has paid off well for the athletics brand since Jamaican track and field star Usain Bolt burst on the international scene. In its 2011 group management report released last month, the company said "impressive successes", such as that of the Jamaican team and superstar Usain Bolt in the IAAF World Athletics Championships in South Korea, allowed it to grow while significantly increasing "brand desirability" over the period writes Caribbean360.

LONDON (GBR): Russia has dropped plans to bid for the 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games because the country wants to concentrate on its preparations for the FIFA World Cup. Nigeria has also scrapped a proposed bid from its capital Abuja reports insidethegames.

PORT OF SPAIN (TRI):  T&T's local track and field body (NAAA) will hold a press conference on Monday at its Couva office to update the public on the finding of the positive test at last August's National Championships. Informs Trackalerts and reports that the athlete received a six month ban, which was communicated on Wednesday. The six month ban ends the middle of March.

 

RESULTS

DESSAI (GER, Mar 2): German champion Bjorn Otto won the 11th Jumping meet of Dessau with 584, new meet record clearance. He tried then before 2000 spectators at 601 would-be German record height. Second Daegu finalist Steven Lewis of Great Britain improved his overall best to excellent 577. Former meet record holder Malte Mohr and Hendrik Gruber tied for third with 560, the same height for fifth Raphael Holzdeppe. Russian Svetlana Shkolina was the clear women high jump winner with 194 cm. Second in a tie German Marie-Laurence Jungfleisch and Russian Tatyana Mnatsakanova with 184.

BAD OEYNHAUSEN (GER, Mar 2): The 11th pole vault meet in Werre-Park shopping center started with women competition before 2200 spectators. Istanbul-bound Kristina Gadschiew went over 443 to win. She then tried at 453 cm. Second Denmark national record holder Caroline Bonde Holm 433. Men will jump on Saturday.

MELBOURNE (AUS, Mar 2): Henry Frayne and Brendan Cole achieved the best marks during first day of the Qantas Melbourne Track Classic & Olympic Trials. The IAAF World Challenge Meet is on Saturday. Battling blustery conditions that saw his wind reading vary from +0.6 m/s to +2.6 m/s, Frayne opened his series with 16.17m, before 16.79m, 17.09m, a wind assisted 17.34m (+2.6) in the penultimate round and his best mark and qualifying performance of 17.23 (+0.6) life-time best to close. Cole, meanwhile, etched his name on the automatic Olympic Games nominee list with a 49.39 run to take out the 400m hurdles in blistering fashion from his fellow Australian Institute of Sport scholarship holder Tristan Thomas (50.23). Very solid field was assembled in men´s 1500 m where Australian record holder Ryan Gregson crossed in 3:38.51 to win. American David Torrence was second (3:39.32) ahead of Olympic medalist Nick Willis of New Zealand 3:39.77, Jeff Riseley 3:40.50 and olympic and world winner Asbel Kiprop 3:42.52. IAAF World Athlete of the Year Sally Pearson took home first place in the women's 100m, crossing in 11.67 (-2.3). Informs Athletics Australia.

RBR welcomes USADA and WADA working very hard to keep our sport clean. For the sport to grow, we have to show that the majority of athletes and coaches run, jump and throw clean. We posted Mike Rodgers grande mea culpa to his nine month suspension. He took his responsibility seriously, and accepted his judgement. We look forward to seeing him run after April 19, 2012.

This is the release from USADA:

I have posted a note from Mike Rodgers about his positive test at the Lignano meeting in July 2011.

I have not received a note like this before, which arrived in my email earlier this evening. Curious to hear your comments.

This is a fantastic program! I encourage all athletes to nominate their favorite coaches! Here is video on last year's winner;  www.brooksrunning.com/inspiringcoaches

Blocks at Dempsey Indoor, photo courtesy of Brooks Running

 

 

Brooks Sports Honors High School Coaches Who Go the Extra Mile, Inspire Their Athletes and Communities to Run Happy

 

Leading Running Company Encourages Athletes and Parents to Share Exceptional Stories about Inspiring Track and Cross Country Coaches in Their Lives

 

Bothell, Wash. - Mar. 1, 2012 - Great high school coaches don't just coach, they inspire, motivate and instill a lifelong love of running in their athletes. Now Brooks Sports, Inc. is giving athletes, parents and others in the community the opportunity to give back to these standout individuals by nominating them for the second annual Brooks Inspiring Coaches program. The Brooks Inspiring Coaches program aims to bring support, awareness and a dose of Run Happy spirit to high school cross country and track and field coaches who go above and beyond to motivate their runners and keep their programs strong.

 

"Last year we read hundreds of heartfelt stories about amazing high school coaches from all over the nation. We ultimately honored 10 who not only motivated their runners on the track and trail, but become their lifelong mentors," said Jim Weber, president and CEO of Brooks Sports, Inc. "These coaches exemplify our mission to inspire everyone to run and be active."

 

In an effort to bolster its support for coaches and their high school running teams nationwide, Brooks decided to more than double its investment in the Inspiring Coaches program for 2012. The leading running company will to honor 25 coaches and award product and monetary support to their teams.

 

Anyone inspired by a coach should visit www.brooksrunning.com/inspiringcoaches to nominate a current high school track and field or cross country coach. Applications will be accepted through June 29, 2012. Brooks will announce the top 25 finalists and profile them on www.brooksrunning.com during August; the 2012 Inspiring Coach of the Year will be unveiled in September.

 

Brooks will award each finalist:

·         $5,000 in Brooks performance running footwear, apparel, and/or accessories for his or her team;

·         $500 cash for additional team expenses; and

·         Membership into the Brooks Inspire Daily (I.D.) program.

 

The 2012 Inspiring Coach of the Year will also receive:

·         $5,000 in Brooks gear;

·         An additional $2,000 in cash; and

·         A trip for two to the 2013 Brooks PR Invitational.

 

The Brooks Inspiring Coaches program was created in 2011 after hearing countless stories of high school track and cross country coaches who volunteer their time, pay for team expenses out of their own pockets, and use the run to help keep kids positively motivated and active. Wanting to pay tribute to these coaches who go the extra mile, Brooks asked high school athletes, parents and others to share personal thoughts and stories about their coaches.

 

Ranked among a highly competitive field, Coach Amy Pitzel from Katy Taylor High School in Katy, Texas, was named the Brooks 2011 Inspiring Coach of the Year. Phrases like "Leads by example," "totally dedicated" and "the glue that bonds her team like no other" made the nominations for Coach Pitzel stand out and ultimately earned her the top honor.

 

About Brooks
Brooks Sports, Inc. is a leading running company that designs and markets a line of performance footwear, apparel, and accessories in more than 60 countries worldwide. A subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Brooks was founded in 1914 and is headquartered in Bothell, Wash., near Seattle. The company's mission is to inspire everyone to run and be active by creating innovative gear that keeps them running longer, farther, and faster. Visit www.brooksrunning.com for more information, and follow frequent brand updates on Twitter (@brooksrunning) and Facebook (www.Facebook.com/brooksrunning).

The Brooks Inspiring Coaches program is in its second year. The idea is simple, the program is brilliant. Nominate your high school cross country or track coach (Brooks Inspiring Coaches), tell Brooks what the coach means to you, and why they deserve to be one of Brooks Top Ten finalists, and you are set.

Cross Country & Track Coaches work with 1.4 million high school boys and girls, 46 weeks a year, six days a week, two hours, fifteen minutes an average session. With 350,000 athletes in cross country and just over a million-1,050,000 in indoor and outdoor track and field, the job of a cross country and track coach is long hours, and virtually no money.

But, it is not about the money.

Coaches change lives. Coaches save lives. Coaches inspire. Ask anyone on a high school cross country or track program and they can tell you, five, ten, fifteen, twenty, thirty years later how much the coach meant to them. It is also the reason a new generation of coaches is coming back to the sport. Jesse Williams, the sports marketing manager for Brooks, talks about the raising of awareness. Jim Weber, the president of Brooks tells us it is about giving back to the sport.

It is both, and another example of how the footwear companies support the sport that gave them and continues to give them life.

To describe the Brooks Inspiring Coaches Program, I will borrow a favorite quote from a popular home decorating goddess, " It is a good thing"  .
 

For more information, please check here: http://talk.brooksrunning.com/2012/03/01/nominate-your-high-school-coach-for-the-brooks-inspiring-coaches-award/