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<\/a><\/p>\nIt\u2019s March, and while there are still a couple of major indoor meets to get out of the way (Euro Champs and NCAA Champs) we\u2019re finally headed outdoors! <\/p>\n
All over the world we\u2019ll start getting good old outdoor competition. And for a track junkie like me that\u2019s awesome news. From local high school, community college, and college and university meets, to the early season \u201crelay\u201d competitions, there will be plenty of track and field to watch as we finally get from \u201cundercover\u201d and out on the 400 meter ovals.<\/p>\n
Of course now is the time of year that separates the \u201creal\u201d fans from those who are just interested in seeing \u201conly the best\u201d. Because sightings of the truly elite will still be several weeks away, and typically if we do see them this month it will be in \u201coff\u201d events.<\/p>\n
For example the 400 has become a favorite early season race of many non quarter milers. David Rudisha (45.50) used it last year to set up his spectacular season. And several of the world\u2019s elite sprinters have been using it for years to jump start their seasons \u2013 including Usain Bolt, Tyson Gay, Asafa Powell, Wallace Spearmon and others. So don\u2019t be surprised if the first results you see from the world\u2019s best sprinters begin with the number \u201c4\u201d.<\/p>\n
So, just what kind of results should we expect to see during this transition month? Actually pretty good. For one reason, elite athletes often put up solid marks in their \u201csecondary\u201d events. Secondly, by the end of the month even the brief forays of the elite into their pet events can produce some eye popping results. Finally we tend to forget that there are other athletes out there besides the \u201cname\u201d athletes \u2013 and many are trying to make a name for themselves before the \u201cstars\u201d come out to outshine them. <\/p>\n
Which makes it a real good time to get out and watch the competition. Especially with Worlds on the line this year. There will be many athletes trying to position themselves to make their teams \u2013 and they\u2019ll be looking to late March and early April meets to tell them how their training is going and where they need to tweak. <\/p>\n
And while April tends to be the month where results really explode, there have been some fairly outstanding marks turned in during the month of March. I went through some all time lists to try and sort out the best marks by event that were turned in during March. I was surprised at just how good athletes have performed this early in the season. Following is the list of \u201cBest March Performances\u201d that I came up with. If you are aware of corrections please let me know.<\/p>\n
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