GREAT TACTICIAN

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19959, 17 November 1934, Page 16

GREAT TACTICIAN

LOVELOCK’S METHODS First-hand knowledge of J. E. Lovelock’s methods was obtained by H. K. Brainsby, captain of the New Zealand Empire Games team, when he was in England (says an exchange). A great tactician, a campaigner of experience far beyond his athletic years, and a runner whose training methods are in many respects astonishingly unorthodox, is his summing up of the champion miler. Brainsby states that Lovelock is a great student of his opponent’s methods and capabilities and that before any important race he maps out the most suitable plan to assist him to victory. Like the celebrated Paavo Nurmi, he runs his laps to a time schedule and has developed to an amazing degree of accuracy the ability to judge his speed. The most astonishing feature of his training is his fondness for swimming, which, it has generally been accepted, brings into play a different series of muscles from those employed in running. To mix the two while in training is regarded as a serious mistake. Lovelock, however, went for a dip every afternoon after training work for the Empire Games, including the day before his mile race. He considers that, s providing the athlete is accustomed to regular swimming, it will do him no harm. Lovelock, howexer, is careful

never to swim immediately before training, as this deadens the muscles for some hours afterwards. A dip after training work is, according to him, a great method of relaxation. In the matter of diet while preparing for a race, Lovelock does not worry himself. He eats normally and has plenty of the type of food he likes. In particular, states Brainsby, he is fond of and consumes large quantities of cream. Another feature of his training is that he does most of his jogging in well-padded tennis shoes, so as to avoid any possible jarring of the leg muscles. Brainsby found Lovelock, the man, a typical English-New Zealander, pleasant and well met, selfassured, and confident, without in any way being conceited.