Athletic Training

34 ATHLETIC TRAINING runner should first assume the correct crouch– ing position. First, get down on one knee. The knee of the back leg should be about even with the inner ankle of the forward foot. This is the proper position for the runner, with the back knee only on the ground, when the starter gives the first of his three signals: "Get on your marks." With the next signal, which is, "Get set," the runner rises on his hal!ds and feet, leaning forward as far as pos– sible without in the slightest losing his bal– ance. In this position he should wait for the report of the pistol, at which he springs for– ward. Every effort should be to keep the mind concentrated on the gun. If the run– ner is thinking of anything else he is sure to lose an instant before he realizes that the race 1s on. As soon as the .sprinter has found an easy, natural position for the crouch he should dig small holes, which can be easily done with the spiked shoes, one hole for each foot. Care should be taken to see that these holes are deep and strong enough to give a firm grip. In preparing the holes they should be so placed that the ~ands, w.hich are on the start-