RUNNING

Running develops endurance and
all-around strength, both of which are
prime objects in military training. In
reality, there are two types of running
—sprinting and distance running. Both
are important and neither need dis-
place the other.

SPRINTING: Most sprinters dig
their holes about 15 and 34 inches
from the starting line. Thus, in taking
their marks, the knee of their back leg
is Opposite the ankle of the front mem-
ber. The feet are about two inches
apart and the hands just back of the
line. The body is relaxed with most
of the weight over the right knee,
which is resting on the ground.

On “get set’, the hips are raised
into starting position, and the weight
thrown forward on the feet and hands.
On the gun, the right knee is raised

and the foot drives hard against the

back wall of the rear hole.

At the same time, the opposite arm
(left) is driven forward and the other
arm thrust back. The shoulders are
raised higher than the hips, and the
body is kept low.

The right foot strikes the ground
about 18-28 inches in front of the
starting line. This is the shortest step
of the race. It is not until after the
first four steps that the sprinter brings
his body up to the normal running
angle.

While striding, the body is kept at
an angle of about 25 degrees. The toes
point straight ahead, the head is held
naturally, and the trunk is kept straight.
The arms pump from the shoulders
with little movement in the elbows,
which are held at a 45-degree angle.
The hands keep moving close and par-
allel to the hips.

There are several distinct ways of
finishing a dash. One method calls for
throwing the hands up over the head.
Another and probably superior way is
to hit the tape by turning the shoulder
into it. A third technique, called the
Drew Style, is to extend the arms for-
ward as the tape is reached. Some run-
ners jump at the finish, but this is not
recommended.

DISTANCE RUNNING: The quar-
termiler uses the same start as sprinters,
because of the resemblance of his race
to the dash. He runs with a long,
springy stride and with a more relaxed
arm carriage than sprinters. The knees
are drawn up well and the running is
done more on the lower ball of the feet.

Because it is impossible to run more
than 300 yards at top speed, the quar-
termiler must slow down a little some-
where in the race into a free, relaxed

SPRINT START AND STRIDE

stride that permits easy breathing.

In the half mile it is usually neces-
sary to sprint about 50 yards to obtain
a favorable starting position; so the
sprinting start is used here also. The
halfmiler carries his body straighter
than the sprinter’s and holds his arms
loosely.

The actual running is on the ball of
the foot. The arms are carried lower
than in the quartermile and the breath-
ing is more regular.

For long-distance running, the body
lean is only slight. The runner uses a
low gliding action and breathes deeply
and evenly through both the mouth and
the nose.

Most of the strategy in running is
reserved for the distance runs. This
strategy is developed mainly from a
careful study of pace.

Glenn Cunningham and Paavo Nur-
mi carried stop-watches in their heads.

STRIDE FOR DISTANCE