Why I Prescribe Marathons For Milers

People want to know what the limit is to all these records. Sometimes I think they would feel more secure if they knew there was a limit. I have already predicted that Peter Snell will be running the mile in 3:48 within two years. If I can get good material, like so many coaches get, there is no telling what I can do. Ideally, I would like to have a good, powerful sprinter, a fellow who has not only great speed but the strength to stand up under marathon training with the proper coaching. Who knows how fast he could run the mile or half mile?

New Zealand has never produced much in the way of sprinters. Anyway, I doubt that I would want a full-time coaching job there. The country is too small to produce enough first-rate material, and the coaches are too jealous of success. But if I could get full security for my family I would take a job anywhere in the world. I would be happy to coach in the States. You haven't done anywhere near as well as you can in middle-distance and distance running. With the great sprinters and general talent you have, I would have no difficulty within two or three years of putting Americans right up top in both those areas. I couldn't miss. You don't realize what you have got. The thing is, it is not facilities that make the champion. It is the will to get on with the job.