Running Recollections and How to Train

CHAPTER XII. MY FIRST MATCH WITH MILLS. IN September, 1896, a challenge appeared in the Sporting Chronicle from W. S. Mills, of Rochdale, offering me two yards in150, or three in 200. I looked about me and found a backer in Mr. Robert Beattie, of Edinburgh. I then asked Mills for three yards in 150, or four in 200, for £50 aside. To this heconsented, and one day, at the latter end of September, found me en route for Manchester with a "tenner" in my pocket from Mr. Beattie, tobind a match. After a lot of palaver, articles were eventually signed for us to run at Higginshaw Grounds, Oldham, on October 17th, distance 150 yards. Mills to allow me three yards' start. He was also to allow me £7 to defray expenses. Almost immediately I started my preparation, choosing Powderhall Grounds,Edinburgh, asmy practising track. My preparation progressed very favourably, and, after I had been in training three weeks, I won a £15 handicap fromscratch at Powderhall. I ran my trial for the Mills match at Hawkhill, doing half-a-yard inside evens all the way. Mills would, therefore, require to do three-and-a- half yards insideto dead-heat with me. Thus, on paper, it looked a good thing forme. I journeyed up to Oldhamthe day previous to the race, accompanied by Mr. Walters, and Jimmy Duckworth, my trainer. Mr. Walters, by the way, had a big interest in the affair. A couple of leg stretchers on the Higginshaw track on the Friday afternoon and Saturday morningsoon removed any stiffness I might have contracted on the five hours' journey, and I toed the mark