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Short “Distance” Races, Iincluding the Mile

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These, which I have lumped together in one Section, are generally regarded as middle distances and the mile, but I think I have already given my reasons for looking at them as being best described by the title accorded to this chapter. There are naturally certain distinctions and variations to be observed, both in train-ing for and in running these various races; but the same principle may be said to govern each and every one of them, and I have therefore classed them together, merely giving such training and running hints as seem to me to be the beat adapted to each under the several headings.

THE SIX HUNDRED.

This race has practically dropped out of most athletic programmes, although there have been some very good times made at it, the amateurs over this distance having done better than the professionals. Bredin’e time in 1893 of 1 min. 11 2-6 secs. was not a bad record, although Burke knocked the fraction off in New York three years later.

The distance, looked at anyhow, like the 500 and the 660 yards, is more or less of an agonised quarter mile, and se there are so few opportunities of competing for it, it might be urged that it is scarcely worth making any Special preparation for.

Still, the half-mile runner who cares to look at a 600-yard trial spin as being an actual 600 yards race won’t find it a bad item in his preparation for the half mile itself. That is about the most sensible and profitable way of looking at it. Otherwise, I would suggest regular steady spins of about 800 to 1,000 yards three times a week, followed by 76- to 120-yard sprints.

Then take a brisk walk round the track so as to keep warm and loose muscled, and put in a 200 to 250 yards fast gallop, trot back to the dressing-room, and so home.

The other three days may be occupied alternately with brisk two or three-mile walks and some Starting practice, with 600-yard fast spins and an occasional 150-yard sprint at top speed. But don’t overdo the training, as you are not likely to have many opportuni-ties of demonstrating its value in public, and should look upon the whole course as being more or less part of your preparation for the half mile.

880 YARDS.

Having run through a more or less strict initial pre-paration such as I have outlined above for the 600 yards, you can devote your last three weeks to winding yourself up for this most trying of all races. Not, perhaps, so trying in itself as the 1,320 yards affair (which is dropping out of use, by the way), but more so on account of its being not infrequently run off in heats, and as even under ordinary circumstances the half mile is anything but a soft job, it becomes really n serious matter when one has to run it over more than once.

If, however, you are so unfortunate as to be entered for a contest which is going to be a long-drawn agony, your first care must be to ascertain the exact qualifica-tions which you will need for the final, and devote your energies rather to getting into one of the necessary places than to the actual winning of your heat itself. You will have quite enough to do as it is without seeking to add to your burden. ‘ To secure this get off the mark well, and set up a rate bat until you find yourself well placed, and then take an easy for s while. By this 1 don’t mean shorten your stride or drop into a trot, but slacken down your energies consistently with the main-tenance of a fair position for well over the quarter, gathering up your forces quickly for a straight 3U0 yards run in.

When the final comes along, or, supposing the race to be run right off, your beat plan would perhaps be to get off fast. Go along at a steady, fastish stride up to 550 or 600 yards, and then make a sprint of it home, with a flying finish if necessary. Many experts advise several variations in pace, according to circumstances; but I am inclined to deprecate this, as so many pedestrians, especially at the shorter distances, are inclined to go all to pieces if they once slacken speed.

This is a danger which threatens more forcibly perhaps in the mile and two miles, and must be prepared for in training.

The best way to do this is to make your last three weeks a round rather of over-distance courses at vary-ing speeds, say, 1,000 yards, 1,600 yards, and even the full mile. Don’t neglect the 880 yards itself, however, and be careful of your sprinting powers, as it is more than probable that you will need these pretty badly.

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