Description

"Mile" This length of track, 1760 yards, (1609 metres), is very common in countries that don't use the metric system, and is still often referred to as the "Blue Riband" of the track.

When the International Amateur Athletic Federation decided in 1976 to recognise only world records for metric distances, it made an exception for the mile and records are kept to this day.
Historically, the mile took the place that the 1500 m has today. It is still raced on the world class level, but only at select locations. It can be romantically appreciated as a remnant of the past but is still fiercely contested. It is famous for its 4 minute barrier that so many people tried to break. The term "miler" is sometimes also applied to a 1500 m runner. The record at this distance for men:
Hicham El Guerrouj 3:43.13 Rome 07 July 1999
For women:
Svetlana Masterkova 4:12.56 Zürich 14 August 1996

Lots of tactics can be employed in this race, too numerous to discuss here. A very tough distance to perform at mentally. The distance is often witness to some of the more tactical, more physical races in the sport, as many championship races are won in the final few meters.

Greats: Hicham El Guerrouj

Cool Gear

Hicham El Guerrouj (born September 14, 1974, Berkane, Morocco) is a world record setting middle distance athlete and credited by some as the greatest middle-distance runner of all time as well as the "King of the Mile". He has now moved up to compete in long distance events. In the next athletics season in 2005, he plans to better Kenenisa Bekele's world record of 12 min 37 s in the 5000 m.

Mizuno Men's Osaka

The Mizuno Osaka track spike is recommended for distances from 800m to 10,000m. Mesh and synthetic upper. CMEVA midsole offers excellent cushioning. Full-length, elite level distance spike plate promotes efficiency by providing superior traction and flexibility. Wt. 5.6 oz.

New Balance Women's LDS605

The New Balance LDS605 is a versatile distance track spike suitable for distances up to 10,000 meters. Lightweight and supportive synthetic leather/mesh upper. C-CAP® CMEVA midsole provides cushioning and flexibility. Seven-spike nylon plate. Wt. 6.0 oz.

Links

» Kelly Holmes - profile
» Kelly Holmes - article
» Kelly Holmes - article
» Kelly Holmes - article
» Kelly Holmes - bio.
» Hicham El Guerrouj - bio.

He is the world record holder for the 1,500 metres, the mile and 2,000 metres and is the athlete with the best record in both events in the last decade.

His sporting career is marked by various recognitions such as the award to humanitarian effort from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), which he received in 1996. He is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. El Guerrouj was named best athlete of the year by the IAAF in 2001 and 2002 after remaining unbeaten in more than 20 races and thus becoming the first man to win athlete of the year titles in consecutive years since the award was created in 1988. Also, in 2002, he was chosen, together with the British athlete Paula Radcliffe, best athlete of the year by the prestigious athletics journal Track and Field News. In 2003, he was also top of the world athletics list and was elected as a member of the IAAF Athletes Committee.

Nike Men's Dri-FIT Adventure Short

Nike Dri-FIT Adventure short goes out for a run every chance it gets. Built-in Dri-FIT® 100% polyester crepe boxer brief liner extends to the waist for added comfort. Held high by an elastic waist and internal drawcord. Side vents and contrast color mesh insets offer total comfort. Internal key pocket. Swoosh design trademark heat transfer at lower left hem. Dri-FIT® 86% polyester/14% Lycra® spandex taffeta. 7" inseam. Imported.

Greats: Kelly Holmes

Holmes starting training for athletics aged 12, joining Tonbridge Athletics Club, where she was coached by David Arnold and went on to win the national schools' 1500 metres in her second season.

She won the national 800m in 1993 and the 1500m in 1994. She won gold at the 1994 Commonwealth Games in the 1500 metres, competing for England.

Where to get it:
» Niketown
» Nike.com
» Footlocker
» Eastbay
» Ernst Sporting Goods
» Dick's Sporting Goods

Adidas Women's adiStar Split Short

The adidas adiStar Short is a ClimaCool® split leg running short. Stretch woven body fabric with comfortable stretch mesh liner. ForMotion™ 3-D engineered pattern allows ultimate performance and comfort. Anatomically placed X-STATIC® mesh inserts aid in head conduction and odor reduction. Bonding and flatlock stitching for mesh inserts and stripe application increase comfort by minimizing rubbing and chafing. Elastic waistband with drawcord, internal key pocket and reflective adidas brandmark. 86% polyester stretch plain weave/14% spandex with 78% polyester/22% spandex inner liner. Mesh inserts are 95% polyester/5% X-STATIC®. Womens: 4.5" inseam. Mens: 1.5" inseam. Imported.

Going into the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia on the back of just six weeks' intensive training because of a virus, she finished third in the 800m. The winner of that race, Maria Mutola of Mozambique would later become her training partner, as Holmes moved to Africa to train and live with her.

At the 2002 European Championships in Munich, Holmes won a bronze medal in the 800m, behind Jolanda C¹eplak and Mayte Martinez. She went on to win the 1500m gold at that year's Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

At the 2004 Summer Olympics Kelly finished with a gold in the 800m and 1500m. On 6 December 2005, Holmes announced her retirement from athletics stating she had reassessed her future after the death of a friend as well as citing a lack of motivation to continue.

Where to get it:
» Footlocker
» Eastbay
» Ernst Sporting Goods
» Dick's Sporting Goods

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