AMATEUR ATHLETICS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 73, 19 December 1928, Page 9

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

(By

ESSENTIALS OF TRAINING. Training is now in full swing, and a close study of Wellington sprinters reveals that more thought could be exercised on the subject. It is distressing to see new runners practising starts. This led “Spike” to seek the opinion of Mr. Hugh C. Jenkins, who had some measure of success in his day. Mr. Jenkins’s views may sound unorthodox ,but at any rate they have the backing of reason, and they are given here for the benefit of those who take their training seriously. Studying the 100 yards, this race merits more thought than is usually given to it. It is not n thoughtless dash; it can be divided into four definite sections. They are (1) tlie start. (2) getting into stride, (3) catching tlie field, (4) the final burst. Should all these departments of the race be developed equally from tlie beginning, or should they be taken in sequence, and if so, which should be taken first?

Tall and Short Runners. Obviously, what is desirable for one runner is not desirable for another. For instance,_ a short man can pick up his pace quickly. His advantage lies in at once gaining the lead, whereas the tall man docs not gather tip his stride at once, and relies upon his finish. It is good polity to develop one's strength. This policy, therefore, indicates that the short man should develop the commencement of the race, and the tall man should develop the finish of the race. The Short Runner’s Training.

The short runner should first strive to hasten the getting into his stride, and then he should make it his aim to be at top speed at his thjrd pace. His next objective should be the maintenance of this initial high speed for as long a period of the race as possible. Success lies in his achieving the sudden and lengthy bursts of speed, so as to give him all the psychological advantages which are all important in the short race. A short man’s long lead at 50 yards may break the following runner’s heart. The Tall Runner.

The tall runner should practice the finish of the race. He should run the distance every time be starts. It is essential for him to know when he can make his final burst which will carry him all out over the line, and “die” there. The race is not 110 yards, and it is of no avail if a sprinter can beat all runners 10 yards the other side of the tape. He wants to be all out and finished at 101 yards. In the beginning c< a season, the sprinter will find that he can give himself a lift, in his pace at 90 yards, thus going all out for the final 10 yards. The final burst should be continuously practiced until it can be commenced at 75 yards. There are, of course, those who will maintain that the 100 yards is one continuous burst. Those who maintain this, however, have not done enough running to come by a close acquaintance with the classic event. Experienced runners will know from experience what the final burst means. The greater the length of this burst, the greater prospects the tall man has of success. Between these two extremes, of course, there is a variety of men who fit into neither one class nor the other. They must settle the matter for themselves. The Start.

The start is spectacular; therefore, it gains a great deal more atteiition than it deserves. A survey of the times of most handicap events shows that a handicap man who can run the full distance in 11 seconds dead, usually gains a place. This should indicate that the other departments of the race deserve attention before the start is heeded. There is a very important reason why the start should not be practised by the young runner. It is quite obvious when you think it out. The monkey springing from branch to branch of trees is accustomed to propelling himself from.a crouched, position and throwing himself forward on a rising line. But the human being has long since given up such efforts. It is seldom that a man walking up a hill uses his toes and ankles; lie digs his heels in and walks witli the side of his foot. The ligaments at the back of the knee which are used to make the spring are never exercised. The young runner who commences his training by practising bursts out of the holes is throwing a great strain upon these back-of-the-knee ligaments. Many good potential runners spoil their chances of first-rate performances by over-straining these ligaments. Before the start should lie practised assiduously the trainer should Insist upon his charges doing at least one season’s running. Natural aptitude will be sufficient to permit of tlie man with a handicap of four yards or over getting out of the holes sufficiently well to give him an even chance. Improving the start should be the last department to be developed. Knowing the Distance.

It is essential, therefore, that a runner should know at all distances of the race how much there is in him. He should, it he is a short runner, be able to tell whether he has crossed the 50-yard mark at high speedand must, therefore, save himself for a short spell while getting his breath for the final spurt. Conversely, the tall runner should know how fur he has gone before gathering himself together for his final break. When the final break is made ho should know instinctively the length of that effort which he is setting himself. A man practised to 15 yards had better wait till he comes to that distance off the tape before spurting. If he commences ills final break at 75 yards he will “tlie” before the end is reached and possibly this will lie made manifest to him by stumbling. He will curse his luck for having stumbled. This is not luck lint a reminder to him that he has misjudged himself In the race. Wiien this occurs every runner should practise the whole of the distance all the time throughout Ills training so that were he to run the 100 blind-folded he would know exactly when to commence his last effort. Slow Work.

Besides running the 100. the sprinter should not overlook the fact that slow trotting is essential to his training. In this respect the athlete can well take a leaf out of tlie book of the horse trainer. If he will go out to Trentham and watch the horses In training lie will find that tlie major part of the training of sprint horses is slow truck work. Tlie reason for this is quite obvious. The slow movements of the long track work develop the muscles kindly: they are gradually built up. This applies not only to the leg and body, muscles, but also to those of the heart and lungs. Further, rhythm is developed. Without rhythmic movements no sprinter can keep going at high speed for any length of time. Rhythmic movement is essential to the maintenance of poise or balance. Any jerky movement in running is like in oar in a boat being out of time. The out-of-

"SPIKE”)

time oar takes the bout out of the course and the jerky inoveiuent throws the runner oil the straight line he is endeavouring to run between the straight and the tape. Tlie Stride. Nature sets its own limitations upon the strength of every man. but training in this respect will add inches to a runner’s stride. Tlie importance of length of stride obviously cannot be overestimated. . Observing two runners of equal merit, It will be generally noticed that they pick up their feet pretty much about the same time. When two runners are running side by side there is a tendency for the two to run in concert. Two men finishing will have their arm movement s frequently parallel. The advantage. therefore, is with the man who has the longest stride. How can this best be developed ? The best way to develop stride is to run slowly, leaping from foot to foot so as to cover as much ground with each

leap as is possible. If this is done slowly, any wobble becomes apparent and aggravated because of the slow pace. It is not noticed when running swiftly, but it is there all the same operating against the efficiency of the sprinter. When running with long strides slowly the runner develops proper poise and coaches the. foot muscles into accepting the burden of the body in the process of movement. The foot must be encouraged gradually. It is an unusual strain to place upon the • foot and, incidentally, foot comfort merits attention. When drawing on the shoe and binding laces round the foot make sure that the foot muscles and toes are not impeded. Tlie toe should be able to

spread so that in taking the stride the body falls upon the spread foot. It will be found that this practice encourages? the natural throwing forward of the hip, thus adding several inches to the compass of the stride. Nerve Force. It must always be remembered that th* l sprint race is run not upon muscle power but on nerve force. This implies that one’s course of conduct must be guided by consideration for one’s nervous system. The man who while in training stays up Jate at night and rises next morning without feeling tired deceives himself if lie thinks he is placing his running under no handicap. The point is without knowing it his nerves are tired. To keep the nervous system toned up plenty of sleep is necessary. This cannot be over-emphasised. Definite rules are, of course, impossible, but no athlete should be out of bed after 10 o’clock at night and a keen athlete will be sure of being in bed before half past nine. This gives the body the rest it needs. In training a man is using up more than he does normally; therefore, the athlete should be on guard in respect to the social calls upon liis time by his companions who are not in training themselves. The athlete must cut out late nights if he would succeed. It is a form of excess which he will pay for on the track. Early to bed is the foundation of training. This homely advice may sound old-fashioned, but it is insisted on by all good coaches. To those who are - sceptical It Is worth- I while pointing out that Marv Pickford, who has remained so long in the forefront of film artists, ascribes her power to stand up against this nerve-racking business to the fact that she always retires evey night at half-past nine. General Conduct.

Under general conduct is included personal habits such as bathing, diet, and general exercise. Firstly, tlie body must not be corroded by reason of an inefficient general system, and the presence of blotches should indicate the necessity for n course of medicine, which, of course, should not be extended over nnv lengthy period, and care should be taken that the medicine used is not one that will result in lowering the system. All athletes should have a healthy appetite, but care should naturally be taken not to over-lndulgo in eating or drinking. ■ Smoking should be cut out completely. Finally, when an athlete has a cold don’t drink. The lungs are carrying enough burden under such circumstances, and they should not be put under the strain of training until they have quite recovered. Many athletes have laid the foundations of decline through running before having completely recovered from a cold. In nursing tlie nervous system, cold baths may be found to lie helpful, but care should fie taken to make sure that their helpfulness continues. Some find the shock of a cold bath distressing They should cut it out; it is not manly to continue, it is foolish. Warm baths are desirable for the purpose of keeping the skin in good condition. Tliev also have a very soothing effect on tlie nerves, if one is over-tired. Finally, don’t lot any amateur would-be masseur put a baud on you. Either get a good man or leave it alone. A good deal of harm can bn done by nn ignorant man giving a friendly rub to an athlete. It is worth paying for if it cannot be obtained gratis. Olympic Club.

Owing to the weather conditions, only one night’s training was indulged iu by members last week. Tlie proposed sports meeting set down for last Saturday brought several up to l’ark, but owing to the heavy state of tlie ground a very little eould be done. The trainers got in some good work, however, and members had a good massage, even If they had little or no training.

Much adverse comment was made by club members regarding the distribution ot posters for sports meetings. Usually three or tour are in eneli dressing room, but the posters for the postponed meeting were conspicuous by their absence. It is felt that if otiier clubs can get a poster, surely all clubs are entitled to the same treatment. .Several of the club’s athletes, including tlie ladles, failed to nominate because they did not know what events were to be run. As a matter of fact the ladies knew nothing of the meeting uutil entries had closed. A letter has been received from J. Carlton, Australasian double sprint champion, who is an honorary member of the Olympic A.A. Club, to the effect that he has started training with a view to getting fit in case the German sprinter visits Australia. Carlton expressed the opinion that until cinder tracks are laid down iti Australia and New Zealand, colonial sprinters can have lint little hope of success at subsequent Olympic Gaines. He hopes to lose a stone in weight before settling dow-n to serious work.

The ladies’ branch of the club are energetic and do not let the wet weather interfere with their training. Under the watchful eyes of Mr. E. Brewin, the club’s president, and Mr. T. W. Steel, vice-presi-dent, they do quite a lot of useful training In a city gymnasium. A feature of their activities this season will be the social side of tile club’s welfare, and arrangements are well in hand for a club day.

Wellington Club. Tlie Wellington Club suffered a loss last week, when Elliott and Mather were transferred to Auckland. They should prove an acquisition to the Northern centre.

W. Tuckwell lias gone for a holiday and will not be competing here for some time. 8. Gudseli is going South for Christmas and will compete down that way if meetings lit in with his visit.

Training operations were suspended all last week on account of the wet weather. The club is anxious for a visit from the Wanganui A.A.C. on January 12. In fact,

the northern club lias signified its intention of sending representatives down on that date. If the local centre continues to refuse the clubs the right to hold meetings, it is hard to see how tlie gathering will eventuate. In the meantime, the club has sent in an appeal to tlie N.Z.A.A.A.

Tlie ladies’ club have decided to change their costumes so as to fall into line witli the men's club. In future, it will lie a light blue dress with a black W on the front. "Hardly Fair.”

"Spike” lias received the following letter from S. C. Fergusson:— ‘.‘Sir,—ln a recent issue of the ‘Dominion’ I notice in your columns a paragraph headed ‘Hardly Fair,’ which refers to myself and Heibxicr. You infer that we have withheld our past performances and in that way misled tlie handicapper. In other words, you suggest we have ‘rung in,’ a suggestion to which I take strong exception. Such a thing I have never yet done and hupp never will. You surely are writing under some misapprehension or else on hearsay, for it is a fact that I entered ou the prescribed N.Z.A.A.A. form —giving tlie required number of hist performances—not only for Hie Labour Day meeting held here, but also for the Petone meeting of November 17. Both forms passed through tlie centre secretary. and I am quite certain that had you approached him for verification of your statement before rushing it to print, this explanation as regards myself would have been unnecessary. With reference to handicapping, it lias always been my policy never to question a handicapper's work, whether it lie in my opinion good or bad, and that attitude I hope to maintain In conclusion I respectfully request that before referring to my name again in your columns, that vou verify tlie matter with which it is connected.— Yours faithfully, S. C. Fergusson.” fl'll reference to the above letter, my reply is that nothing was said about withholding performances or “ringing-in.” What 1 stated was. that the system adopted by the Wellington Centre of the N.Z. A. A. A. (that of discarding tlie regular entry forms) was entirely wrong, and most unfair to tlie handicapper. On making inquiries from the local handicapper I find that he never received an entry form from Fergusson, so that my contention that the writer of the above was handicapped as a novice still holds good. —“Spike.”] To-night’s Meeting at the Hutt.

Tlie evening meeting to be staged by the Hutt Club to-night should be a good try out for local athletes, in view of the more important Christmas aud New Year meetings. Sixteen events will lie decided in about an hour and a quarter, and the hour of starting. 6.30 p.m., should suit the majority of Hutt residents. Miss Keneh, the Wanganui-Taranaki champion, has joined Hie Hutt Club, and her appearance to-night will be looked forward to witli interest. Her brilliant running at Athletic Park at the Australasian championship meeting is still fresh In the memory of most followers of the sport. For tlie convenience of city competitors, a special bus will leave Lambion at 5.45 sharp. Racing cycles will be carried free on this bus only. Late entries will be accepted on the ground, on payment of a late fee of Ud. per event. Kiwi Club. With the electric light meeting on Saturday, members will have finished training and competition, so far as the city meetings go, for this year. The several meetings which have been held, have served

as useful trv-outs. Some of the new members have shown great promise indeed. Tills, together with increased interest shown bv the club’s supporters makes things look bright for next year. The club has been fortunate in securing the services of Messrs. Chlrinside and Bell as trainers. TJiese two men. with the addition of Messrs. Taylor, McColl. Kelly and Juno, go to make up a team of trainers that can hardly be equalled at present. It. Furlong should secure a place on Saturday.

Wickens, too. should be in the picture. F. Stone would be well advised to try more over the longer sprint. S. R. Cochrane and A. L. Hutchison need more short sprints. Tills ’ will bo good training for Hutchison, when he settles down Io hurdling. L. C. Veitch has been content to take things easy so far. He will begin serious training in January and should win a provincial title next year. J. Russell needs more training—more building-up work, and only then will he be able to run a hard 880.

Ward. Strickland.. Check, and Murphy, all need hard work and should get right into it it they are going to catch the judge's eye next season.