Running Boom

Running has become extremely popular over the past 30 years. Some have realized the health benefits and the competitive aspect draws many others in. World records continue to drop every year. Some may say that this is because of new technologies and studies. However, I would argue that the reason that times have continued to drop is because of the mental side of running. The human body is capable of astounding feats. However, these feats can be very damaging to the body, so one's brain uses pain to keep themselves from beating up their own body on a daily basis. Improving on ignoring this pain gives way to faster times. More and more people are running, so more talents are added to the pool.

This increase has become extremely apparent in Pennsylvania high school running in the past few years. The cross country state course record was dropped only 6 seconds from 2007 to 2013. It was then dropped a staggering 21 seconds by Jake Brophy in 2014. His repeat win in 2015 was still under the previous course record, with a finishing kick to take the lead in the final 50 meters. Downingtown West had the record for most number of varisty members under 16 minutes in 2015. The Indoor state mile record was broken by Jaxson Hoey at the Millrose Games Trials. The 4x800m Indoor record was almost broken this year, and the outdoor record looks set to go. The time you needed in cross country to get a medal dropped by 32 seconds. On the girls side, Pennsbury and Unionville had the strongest teams that pennsylvania has ever seen, demolishing the field at states.

All of these examples show the stark improvement, that is most likely contributed to guts and determination. We've seen a ton of tactical races that mimic many famous elite races. Take for example the tactical surges by Mike Kolor and Dom Perretta in the PTFCA Indoor 800m. In the same race, Matt Wisner moved from 6th to 2nd in the last 30 meters. It is becoming increasingly difficult to be confident of your position at any point of the season. Even standout Division 1 recruits Jake Brophy, Jaxson Hoey, Dom Perretta and Alex Milligan have lost major races. No one is undefeated. I didn't even mention that Drew Hunter is already 3:57 in the mile. Nor did I mention that the American olympic spots are wide open. It's an exciting time to be a fan of track and field.