Bredin on Running & Training

6 RUNNING AND TRAINING. work, beginning slowly, and increasing pace so that the intermediate part of the distance is run through at top speed, bearing in mind the golden rule of always pulling up gradually. Many sprains originate from the useless and foolish endeavour to stop within a few yards. Start fast, and cease slowly, should be the sprinter's motto. As an instance of the value that we derive from having a companion to sprint with, I may mention that when training at Reading, and being in good trim, though having done all work on the track alone, C. R. Thomas paid a short visit to the town, and, wishing to keep in training, he sprinted two or three mornings consecutively with me, allowing a few yards start (from the report of a pistol) in forty yards. The extra exertion I underwent created such a feeling of stiffness that it seemed as if I must have been quite out of condition, instead of fairly fit, as in reality I was. The pistol firer must be careful in practice, the runners being set, to vary the length of time that elapses before pulling the trigger, and should any of the starters be unsteady, to call all the men off their marks, and allow a short time to intervene before they again take up their positions. He who undertakes such a task must find it somewhat trying with French athletes. Some years ago I figured on the list of competitors, and certainly came under the starter's orders, for the so-called mile championship of the world, held at Paris, in the beautiful grounds of the Racing Club de France, situated in the Bois de Boulogne. The men having lined up, and the words signifying "get set" spoken, away went all the French competitors, and continued to run for about thirty