Coaching and Care of Athletes

COACHING AND CARE OF ATHLETES should be restrained from starting off on their runs at too great a speed. A fast start retards the necessary readjustment of respira– tion. Consequently a man setting out at too great a speed does not get his second wind as quickly as he should. The coming of second wind is probably symptomatic of the heart and lungs catching up with the work which is sprung on them suddenly when a man starts running. The coach must study his athletes, in order that he may discern what is the optimum speed in relation to each runner's lung capacity and adjustment period. Do not interfere with normal respiration, or the rhythm will be disturbed and the making of adjustments, which should be unnecessary, will use up valuable energy. TRAINING FOR THE 3 AND 6 MILES AND THE STEEPLECHASE When training men for the 3 and 6 mile runs and also for the 2 mile steeplechase the coach should legislate for two months of steady preliminary training. The first month's work should com– prise training walks, interspersed with trotting, and long heel-and– toe walks. In the second month there should be slow runs to build up stamina. The second month should culminate in variable– stride running. Distance runners should devote 15 mins. both morning and night to bending and stretching and strengthening exercises. Here are suggestions for the second week of the first month and the third week of the second month: PRELIMINARY-SEASON TRAINING (For 3 and 6 miles) First Month Monday. Walk 3 miles, trotting a furlong in each t mile. Wednesday. 7 miles heel-and-toe walk at 4t miles an hour. Saturday. Walk 3 miles, trotting about a furlong in each t mile. Second Month Monday. 6 miles run a,t half effort. Wednesday. 2 miles run at half effort, with experimental stride variation. Saturday. 3 miles run at three-quarter effort. 260