Coaching and Care of Athletes

COACHING AND CARE OF ATHLETES Bonthron, and Cunningham have all been eclipsed by S. C. Wooder– son. When Wooderson contrives to run the second half-mile of a mile race faster than the first it is believed that a 4 mins. 4 secs. or even the mythical 4 mins. mile will not be beyond his compass. As in the case of John Woodruff, however, it is at the moment too early to judge the limit of Wooderson's wonderful racing powers. The names of many magnificent milers have been mentioned in this chapter, and also in the preceding ehapter of this book. Many more might be given if space allowed, but one more at least must find a , place in these pages. It is that of 'Chesty' Joie Ray, the little American who in 1919 made world's indoor records for r mile in 4 mins. 14·6 secs. and 2 miles in 9 mins . 8·4 secs.- great running when one remembers that indoor tracks vary from six to sixteen laps to the mile. Mile runners come in all shapes and sizes, from the man of just under 9 stone to the heavier individual of just over r2 stone. Generally speaking, the tall, rather slightly built man of medium weight shows to the best advantage as a middle-distance runner, provided that his muscles are long and strong, rather tha;;_ thick and h~avy. Champions, moreover, are of all ages, with the men of nearer thirty than twenty possessing the greater advantages. The first qualification for becoming a miler is the possession of a strong heart and an equally strong determination to succeed.. Involved in this determination is that marked degree of persever– ance which alone will bring success. The determining factor of success is co-ordination and ease of action. The physical equip– ment of the miler must · include endurance, speed, good vital organs, and good muscular co-ordination. His mental equipment has for- its first quality courage. This must be supplemented by judgment of pace and a sound knowledge of racing tactics . Finally the miler must possess confidence in himself in a marked degree. Adaptability and rhythm are two further factors in successful distance running. The athlete should be adaptable in order that he may change his cadence and, when necessary, return to his optimum speed. Rhythm will allow him to run with effortless grace, which he cannot do if his cadence is irregular. A knowledge of tactics, which I have already advocated, is necessary to enable the miler to race for position on the pole at the start and to accept or decline such challenges as may be levelled at him in the body 244 t