Great Start - A Soft Opener

I think it can never be understated the importance of the first competition of the season. After months of preparing for outdoors after concluding an indoor season, even the context of  the meet environment is important.
  Back when I was younger, the infamous Dick Booth would take all his jumpers to a meet in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The marks were amazing and performances at that meet might not be surpassed until the championship part of the season. It wasn't until much later why I realized such performances happened. It's what happens when you take great athletes and put them in a relaxed environment. Where the months of training mix with the adrenaline of a first competition and the athletes are relaxed and having fun. 
 Last week we witnessed four discus throwers over 64 meters, a female over 62 meters, a shot putter over 21.47 meters, three  long jump women over 6.58 meters, and three guys over 8.29 meters in the long jump all at the OTC meet. It was quite the early season marks for a group of athletes and the finest to date of the early season, in regards to field events.  So when you are looking to open up your season remember the big meets aren't always the best to open up at, because in a relaxed environment an athlete can focus on executing instead of trying to compete.