face the fact wrote:
It's blatantly obvious that the 5 to the mile tracks marked by cones on the inside of the track yield times that run about .3 per lap quicker. That doesn't sound like much, but 1.5 seconds for a mile or 2.8 seconds for a 3k or 4 seconds for a 5k make a difference.
Except that you are wrong on this and on the rules and on the measurement. The NCAA rule
From Rule 10 "Indoor Track: Facilities and Conduct", page 130:
[NCAA Track&Field Rule 2009-10.pdf]
"Where the inside edge of the track is bordered by a white line, it shall be
marked additionally with cones. The cones shall be at least 15 centimeters
high. Cones shall be placed on the track so that the outward face of the cone
coincides with the edge of the white line closest to the track when the track is
surveyed based on the existence of a curb. Otherwise, cones shall be placed
on the infield adjacent to the line. The cones shall be placed at distances not exceeding 2 meters on the curves and 10 meters on the straightaway."
It is my understanding that the UW track was not designed with a curb and was thus measured based on a 20cm margin and not the 30 cm margin.