Athletic Training

SPRINTING 37 is also the shortest. Many runners make the mistake of taking too long or too short a stride at the first spring. Make it a point to take these first few strides naturally and easily. The runner will be rising gradually and will have covered flO or fl5 yards be– fore he is running erect. He should be care– ful not to try to reach an erect position too quickly or he will lose speed in consequence. In order to take his strides properly and pre– serve the equilibrium of the body as he is ris– ing he should take the first few strides as smoothly and as quickly as possible. Care– ful observation of these points will enable him to be running easily when he gets erect, and he will then be able to put every ounce of strength into his work. For the first few weeks of his training the sprinter will £nd that he has plenty to do to master the start and get into his stride. The third course of training, the final burst over the last quarter of the course, must be de– layed until he has attained sufficient strength and mastered the two elements mentioned be– fore. No sprinter, whether his distance be 100 yards or flflO yards, should attempt to run