You Never Have to Recover from a Good Start

{Originally drafted 26 July 06}

If you've ever run in a race, you know the importance of a good start. It's one of those things that you may overlook because it's not noticeable until the negative effects take place. Sort of like breathing. Until you have trouble with it, you take it for granted. Getting off on the right foot can set the pace for an entire race.

When a runner is training for a race, he not only builds his endurance and strength, he also practices his starts. Three - Two - One - BANG! He can't start to early, or too late. If he jumps the gun he can be disqualified. If he lingers, he can set himself up for a race of struggling to keep up. The timing must be right. So he practices.

How do you practice your starts before beginning a race?