February 2004

• Learn early in your athletic life to rely on YOURSELF, and no one else. Never be afraid to ask questions of your coach and get to know as much about your event as possible.
  


• At road or cross country races, as you warm up, have a good look at the last 800 plus, metres, and note and REMEMBER, landmarks to help you decide when to make your final effort to pass the guy (or girl) in front.
  
DON'T warm up by running the reverse way round the course. If you do, it may look quite different when you get into the finishing straight and you might miss-time your effort.


• SO, you are injured ? That does not mean you have to stop all training ! You still need to keep fit. You can use weights to build up strength and power. This will help you in the finishing straight. If you can't get to a gym, sit-ups, push-ups, dips, squats and pull-ups can all be done at home with minimum equipment. You can also swim, cycle or row. ALL will help you maintain fitness AND, improve your physique.
  

by Ken Norris