Bredin on Running & Training

MY CAREER AS AN ATHLETE. 145 committee some uneasiness, for they had advertised the match extensively; and the public are apt to look with suspicion on any future tit-bit arranged by a club that has once disappointed them. Searching at the last moment for a substitute to take the Huddersfield man's place, the secretary cornered me, and it was arranged that Downer and I should contest a race over 350 yards, which fact was duly conveyed to the spectators by numerous placards. In this race I taught Downer a lesson which he has ever since remembered, which is, that the sprinter going a distance must get away and make good use of his pace from the commencement of a race. At the start of this match I was allowed to lead, and being far from fit, took matters very easily until we turned into the straight of perhaps some 6o yards in length, Downer following about two yards behind. I then suddenly spurted, which opened up a gap of nearly six yards, and the Scotchman took all the go out of himself in a hurried effort to get on terms, for although he was almost level fifteen yards from the worsted, I reached it half a yard to the good. This was the first and last occasion, out of the numerous ones on which we competed against one another, that Downer permitted me to suit myself by making the running, or without doubt my short list of successes against him would have proved a somewhat lengthier one. The London Athletic Club's second Spring Meeting , on the rrth of May, '95, brought forth three good per– formances. In fact, in the course of their report, the Field went so far as to say, with reference to the sport shown on this occasion, that it" was beyond all r ea son- H.T. L