Bredin on Running & Training

"ODDS AND ENDS." 91 side of the path.'' As the expressions '' paths '' and "tracks " are synonymous in running parlance, the wording of this rule scarcely appears very clear. Presuming it to mean that all distances run (over any but a straight course) shall be measured one foot from the inner side of the path, there is still a difficulty, for in laying down a track of four laps to the mile, is it necessary to make the inner side of each lap exactly 440 yards ? If so, why measure it anywhere but round the inner side ? no competitor can cover less than his distance if he keeps on the track. On the other hand, in order that a man should cover exactly one quarter, running twelve inches out, the track must be made nearly two yards short of the 440, in which case a runner like S. Thomas, who covered long distances almost touching the boards at the L. A. C. grounds at each stride, would run considerably less than the nominal distance in, say, a ten-mile race. And the shorter the straights, and longer the bends, the more would it be to such a runner's advantage in respect to time. The composition of tracks, with reference to their surface covering, varies considerably in different parts of the country. Most of the cinder-paths in the South are composed of ordinary coal cinders; some, such as Reading, have been spoilt by the addition of earth and wood-ash. In the North one frequently finds the cinders are derived from iron-smelting works, and are of a reddish colour. These tracks are much harder than ordinary cinder ones, and do not seem to possess the same amount of life and elasticity. In wet weather they are heavy, and take a longer time to dry. However,