songs of experience

Tonight’s the night … well, one of two nights (there’s a final meet on March 4th at Va. Tech), where 43 3/4 year-old John Hinton will attempt to break the US National indoor record in the masters mile. Three weeks ago, John opened with a wire-to-wire leading 4:22; two weeks ago he dropped his time to 4:15 by battling some young whippersnappers whose pride wouldn’t let them lose to an “old guy.” Also, they were from State (booo … hiss!). If there’s a decent field tonight, and John doesn’t go out too hard (sub-60 is hamstring-risking territory for geezers) he might just sneak under that elusive 4:11.0 mark.

The current record was set by Bill Stewart way back in 1983. West coast masters’ phenom, Tony Young (for those of you who are internet savvy, on-line he is known as “The Old Man by the Sea”) is to John Hinton as Landy was to Bannister back in 1954 … two driven runners, living in separate spheres of the world, both trying to be the first to run the time.

But why should we care? Its nothing like the history-making battle over the first sub-4:00 mile. Times have gotten so fast in the last 50 years that there were 11 guys under four flat in one race alone last week (Reebok Boston). 4:11.0 is meaningless … or is it?

It means something to John … and to me who coaches John, and to all of John’s friends and fans who have followed his steadfast career. It means something to Tony not-so-Young and to all of his admirers who see him as a Quixotic symbol of striving. What sort of mad-man does all-out 300m sprints in his 40’s?!

In reality, only a handful of bystanders will even notice John Hinton’s race tonight. He will run along somewhere in the middle of the pack of college boy-wolves and will faithfully hit his splits . . . waiting, watching, moving up as need be. Around 1,100m, he will smash into that wall of pain (that is, oh-my-God, SO much harder when you are 40 than when you are 20 years old) and he may or may not break on through to the other side. But … and here is what matters, people … he will try.

4:10.9 means something.

Next is a podcast from John’s 4:15 effort two weeks ago. I recorded it in UNC’s “tin can” before, during, and after the race. I am embarrassed by my own screechy voice after the gun goes off, so you may want to fast forward from the 4:00-8:15 minute mark. The last 3 minutes are the best.

Interview with John Hinton [14:30]