Today
the teams got their first look at the European style course created from the
infield of Portland Meadows race track. It
is a true 5K distance with 3 loops. Major
"attractions" include a series of 4 moguls or humps.
Each is about 4' high and are spaced 6 feet apart.
A traditional jump over hay bail's, and a raised plateau that requires
each athlete to jump up over a small 1 foot railroad tie, travel 10 meters and
jump across small bushes and down to the main surface.
The final attraction is a planned mud pit just to add excitement.
The weather forecast for race day is low of 34, 80% chance of rain.
The
rest of the day was spent in relative calm before the race tomorrow.
The athletes had an opportunity to hear from current world champions
Paula Ratclif, Alan Web, Bob Kennedy, Bernard Lagat and Suzy Hamilton.
Each gave advice on running, answered questions and provided autographs
for all. After dinner each team had
the opportunity to decorate their individual team van's for the competition to
come. Let it be known that the four
Tomorrow
will start with breakfast at