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Preparation and Early Training for a Long-distance Runner

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THE SECOND STAGE.

When the novice has got through the first stage as above and come to “ feel “ himself, he can lay himself out to develop his powers.
I would still advise him not to yet attempt an actual race, but rather to fortify himself thoroughly against the strain of one.

To do this he should go back over the old system for another two, three, or four weeks, running either three or four times a week, add varying the distances about, say, a steady three miles, then a six-mile go, then a two-mile burst, followed two days after by a, six- or eight, mile steady run. But don’t follow any particular rule; just run as you feel, getting in several feat two miles to work your speed up, and an occasional really long run for the stamina department.

I have said two, three, or four weeks, but thin will depend on circumstances. The great thing is to get thoroughly fit, and to feel that you are so.

Once that you are satisfied of this, drop the varying practice for a time, just putting in six or eight miles twice a week in order to keep in condition, and look about for a handicap which you think you can win. Enter your name, and go in for serious training.

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