Jacob, I've been doing more research on the IT band situation and I think I may have a plan that will help. I'm sure that the strain on your IT band is due to a couple of issues. One, a bit of overpronation due to the speed of your running during the off season. I'm figuring that it led to you to supinate a bit more than typical in the earlier part of your landing pattern, and that led to an over pronation upon take-off with the more agressive movement to the inside ball of the foot. This was different than you were typically used to. This, along with a probable leg length differential may be leading to the problem. Here's a suggestion that may work. Go out to a local drug store and purchase a pair of Doctor Scholls 3/4 length insoles. They must be the ones made of leather with a foam arch cookie. It will be tan or brown and will be for each foot. The price will run under $20.00. The reason for this particular brand is that the leather will mold to your foot as your run with it in your shoe. It's going to give you a bit more support under your arch, so that it slows your pronation down to a normal rate, (or closer to normal). You should be able to use this in both your training and racing shoes. Give this same information to Drew, or arrange to buy two pair and get re-embursed. He wears the same size as you, so two of the same size will work, and save the leg work. Get this done as soon as possible. If you can't find them check Grocery stores, or the Mart type stores. The key is the brand, Dr. Scholls. Let me know when you actually have these. I'm about to head out to run here in Vegas. It looks a lot warmer than in Kalispell. Bill

Jacob, Keep it easy today. Maybe an easy two miles as usual before a meet. Don't be afraid to run in the JV section of the race if you feel that it would be better for your fitness level at this point. I don't want you to feel like your going to be in trouble with the rate of speed in the race. Did Drew do the track workout yesterday? Bill