Archive for April, 2005

Penn is preview of Hawaii masters nationals

Wish I were there. But results from first day at Penn show great — and close –competition in the sprints, especially M40. The Penn Relays featured seven masters events today. Could these results exceed that of this summer’s Hawaii masters nationals. Could be.

April 29, 2005   Posted in: Uncategorized  Comments Closed

A masters track film for the ages: ‘Racing Against the Clock’

I saw our movie this week. By “our,” I mean just that. “Racing Against the Clock“ — a beautiful documentary by Boston-area filmmaker Bill Haney — belongs to all of us now. It’s our anthem and our showcase.

April 29, 2005   Posted in: Uncategorized  Comments Closed

USATF Masters sets goal: cut financial apronstrings

George Mathews’ May report as USATF Masters chairman is online now, even ahead of distribution by National Masters News. The major news is that USATF Masters has set a goal of becoming financially independent from USATF “within one to three years.” Very interesting — and disturbing.

April 28, 2005   Posted in: Uncategorized  Comments Closed

Penn Relays on tap — a masters extravaganza

If it’s late April, it must be time for the best masters relaying of the season. The Penn Relays are here. Masters run Friday and Saturday, often right smack in the middle of the busiest times. Olympians and masters, cheek-by-jowl in a jampacked Philly stadium. The Penn masters relays are often world-record attempts, and this […]

April 27, 2005   Posted in: Uncategorized  One Comment

Inner workings of WMA planners revealed

Ever wondered what went into the organization of the WMA World Championships? Right. Me neither. But I’ve come into possession of some email that reveals the concerns — mundane and major — of the WMA folks overseeing the San Sebastian world meet this summer. One interesting debate going on: Should WMA Council members have to […]

April 26, 2005   Posted in: Uncategorized  2 Comments

Thrills of being the lone master in the race

When people ask me where to find a race, I frequently suggest checking with their local college for an open meet. The big fear of many masters, however, is that competing with collegians is a recipe for humiliation and embarrassment. To that I reply: Be not afraid. I wasn’t afraid Saturday, and it was fun!

April 25, 2005   Posted in: Uncategorized  5 Comments

Invitation to the double deca — not for sissies

Dr. Brant Tolsma, a coach and masters deca star, is a veteran of four double decathlons who twice set a world record in the M50 age group. Today he sent me a little invitation that he wants to share with other masters who love misery — or aren’t afraid of the stiffest test in sports. […]

April 19, 2005   Posted in: Uncategorized  Comments Closed

Marion Jones implodes: a lesson for masters

Yesterday I witnessed the sorry sight of the great Marion Jones trotting in for a 55.03 time in the invitational 400 at the Mt. SAC Relays. Pathetic. But pathos is apt, considering her circumstances. This morning I posted a note on the Track & Field News message board recalling how the great Jim Ryun made […]

April 18, 2005   Posted in: Uncategorized  Comments Closed

Missed opportunities at Mt. SAC Relays

The Mt. SAC Relays in Walnut, California, is a showcase event — attracting thousands of fans and some of the world’s best athletes to its Sunday finale every spring. So when masters are allowed to compete, you gotta capitalize. This year we didn’t. The event organizers — John Cosgrove and Stan Whitley — blew it […]

April 17, 2005   Posted in: Uncategorized  4 Comments

Another source for meets that accept masters

At least once a month someone writes me to ask: Where can I compete in my area? Usually, I refer them to the meet calendar on this site or their local USATF association. Now I’ve found another rich source of meets that are masters-friendly: directathletics.com.

April 16, 2005   Posted in: Uncategorized  Comments Closed