the top layer can be almost any hardwood species and is made up of many smaller individual pieces that are laid in three rows. this gives the effect of installing a board that is 3 rows wide and several planks long. long strip floors come in a wide variety of domestic and exotic hardwood species and when damaged they are easy to replace. stronger, and faster (and look fabulous in that finish-line photo).
once you cross the line, keep walking to cool down, and drink some sports drink or chocolate milk within 30 minutes to refuel your muscles. then celebrate—hey, you deserve it! 