On Mon, 6 Nov 2000 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> Are they going to have a sliding scale based on barometric pressure as well?
> Wasn't it '95 when a huge high pressure system moved in and basically made
> the conditions in Boulder equal to a sea-level race? I believe Josephat
> Machuka, who was on fire at the time anyway, ran under 28, almost unheard of
> at altitude (I know John Cheruiyot Korir ran 27:48 on the track this year at
> the Kenyan Champs).
> sideshow
The high pressure system theory was quickly debunked when it first came up
in '95. It simply wouldn't have an effective change on the altitude to
make a significant impact.
The '95 race took place in perfect conditions. It was cool and overcast
(unlike the normal conditions of high heat and sun). Machuka's race was
awesome to see, he went out in 4:18 (slightly downhill) and had the race
won. At the time I questioned whether or not I had just witness what was
effectively a world record given the altitude. I think though that
Machuka just hit a perfect race on a perfect day.
It also seems that the Kenyans don't give up as much at altitude as those
not raised at altitude. While a 10k at altitude is worth probably 60
seconds for a runner who is aclimated to altitude, for someone who was
born and spent his or her whole life at altitude it seems to be less,
maybe 35-45 seconds. This seems to be true for Americans born at altitude
as well. It is likely more than just where you were born/grew up, but
some people seem to have an advantage at altitude. I don't know if it is
the case, but I'm guessing that if you look at the BIg 12 results (from
Boulder) you would find an inordinate amount of placings that were outside
the normal order of finish on a team.
Regards,
Paul
*******************************
Paul Talbot
Department of Geography/
Institute of Behavioral Science
University of Colorado, Boulder
Boulder CO 80309-0260
(303) 492-3248
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
