LOOK AT MILLS!!!!

 In 1964, one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history happened when Billy Mills of the USA, sprinted past world record holder Ron Clarke to win the gold medal in the mens' 10000m run.  

I bring this up because the video of him winning in a thrilling kick displays one of the only examples I can think of where a distance runner uses really good sprint mechanics during the final kick.  I talked today at practice about the importance of constantly practicing, and rehearsing good running mechanics, so that when the time comes, and you're as dead as dead can be, you still can run powerfully and efficiently to move past your opponents.  

Here is a sample week of Mill's training.  When you see 110s, that means a 110 yard hard strider.  Notice how he did these almost daily as  part of a secondary workout.  

Mon: A.M--2 mile w/u, 4 mile "tee to greens" on golf course 2 mile cooldown

P.M-- 2 mile warmup, 2 miles of repeat 110s, 1 mile cooldown.

Tue: A.M.--2 mile warmup; 1 mile repeat 110s, 2 mile cooldown.

P.M.--1 mile w/u 2 miles of sprint 150, float 70, in 8:50, 4 mile cooldown.

Wed: A.M.--3 mile w/u; 1 mile of repeat 110s; 1 mile easy; 4x 880s in 1:59-2:00 with 330 rest; 2 mile c/d.

P.M.-- 4 mile w/u; xc run on sand with 1.5 miles easy and 1.5 miles at race pace, 2 mile cooldown.

Thu; A.M--3 mile w/u; 2 miles of easy 110s.

P.M--whirlpool and rest.

Fri: A.M--1 mile w/u, whirlpool

P.M--14 miles easy

Sat: A.M--3 mile w/u, 1 mile of repeat 110s; 6 x 1000 yards (slower than race pace) w/330 rest; 1 mile c/d

P.M--4 miles easy; 4 miles hard, 1 mile easy 110s, 1 mile cooldown.

Sun: A.M--2 mile w/u 1 mile easy 110s, 1 mile hard 110s; 1 mile easy; 1 mile cooldown.

Total: 90 miles

Here's another good video, with a little higher production value.  Note the crushed brick track (for those of you complaining about running on dirt at Hilmar. 

If you're interested, there was a good movie made about Mill's life called Running Brave (he is Lakota Sioux Native American).