Athletic Training

50 ATHLETIC TRAINING irig he can reduc.e somewhat the length and frequency of the jogs if he feels he has gained enough endurance. From this time on he should work for speed, which will be the deciding factor in his races. His training calls for careful attention to quick starting and a well-sustained sprint for most of the. distance, though care should be taken not to run himself off his feet in the first 300 yards. He should be particular to get a long, swinging stride which will carry him over the ground without tiring him too much for the final sprint. Unless running a trial, the athlete should not go more than four-fifths of the distance at top speed. As a rule, it is not wise to run more than one trial a week, and if possible this should be done in a race. As I remarked in the case of sprinting, it will be found that if the runner accustoms himself to covering four-fifths of the distance at his best speed he will be able to maintain this gait; and the excitement of the contest will enable him to finish the last fifth of the journey without distress. It is a race which requires splendid judg– ment. The greatest mistake the quarter-miler