Info Re:Change in Course & Times

6A Coaches:

I have had a lot of questions on the measurements of the course.  I think mostly 
because your athletes PR'ed by so much it is hard to believe the course is on.  
Let me explain a few things.

How and Why I measured the course differently.
I measured the course in the past with my old GPS watch or meter wheel, both of 
which were extremely inconsistent.  I decided this year to measure with a new GPS 
watch and double checked the distance with a odometer on a 4-wheeler.  I found 
the course to be 145 meters long.  Cutting out the U-turn cut out the 145 meters.  
The times of our section are always 45 seconds to 1:00 slower than other section, 
so it seemed right that the old course must have been long.  Therefore, I changed 
the course to what I thought would be more accurate. 

Other Factors Leading to Fast Times
Talking to a few of you it was noted that the conditions for running were perfect 
which could lead to fast times.  Also, the lead runners went out extremely fast 
(the girls mile was the same, and they went out 40 seconds faster than normal) which 
would also lead to faster than average times.  I also feel the section is much 
deeper and more talented than in the past which could improve times.

Converting Times if We Assume the Course Was Short
If we assume my old GPS watch/meter wheel are more accurate than my new GPS watch; 
the course is 145 meters short. I am sure you can do the math to convert your times 
but I found a helpful website for you to use if you want:

http://www.runworks.com/calculator.html

For the boys' race you can input the distance as 4.855km (4,855m).  Then enter your 
athlete's time.  Then hit the button "Calculate predicted finish times at other 
common race distances."  It will give you a predicted 5K time.

For the girls' race you can input the distance as 3.855km (3,855m).  Then enter your 
athlete's time.  The hit the button "Calculate race pace from distance and time"  
It will give a pace per mile or per km if you scroll up to the top of the screen.  
Then just do the math.

I found using these links made a lot of sense and put my runner's times into more 
practical and understandable manner. 

Future Section Meets
For future meets at Long Prairie, I will have to try find a more reliable method.  I 
am open to suggestions.

Sorry for the confusion.  I really tried my best to make the course as accurate as 
possible and did what I thought was best for the section as a whole.  I welcome your 
comments and/or suggestions.  You can email me at ehjelden@lpge.k12.mn.us