Olympic Gold Medalist Eddie Hart recently gave running advice on the San Quentin Lower Yard where several 1000 Mile Club members broke records.
“It’s all about technique and relaxation at the last part of a 200- or 400-meter race,” Hart said.
Hart won a Gold Medal while breaking the world record as the anchor for a 400-meter relay race at the 1972 Olympics. Because of a mix-up with scheduling, he missed a 100-meter race and his chance to compete for another Gold Medal. Since then he has coached track and competed in other track events.
Now he has the Eddie Hart All in One Foundation. “I felt compelled to start the (foundation) to use my name, influence, relationships and resources to make a positive difference in the lives of youngsters,” Hart told the crowd.
This was his third San Quentin visit in three years. Before the track meet, Hart told the runners circled around him how to run better.
“The body is made to run a certain way. You never want to strike the ground with the heel of the foot. The ankle is designed to absorb shock, but you have to hit the ground just behind the toes to absorb shock. If you land on your heels, the excess shock is taken up by the knee. That’s why a lot of people have knee problems. When you first start running correctly, you are going to have soreness in your calf. That’s OK; it will go away.”
Hart also talked about the importance of staying relaxed when running.
“When you are sprinting, you want a nice even knee lift, just below the hip. When you are trying to increase your stride, you do it by what happens behind you. You want to completely extend the back toe off the ground as your front knee comes up. That’s sprinting. Lift front leg up, don’t extend it.”
Four new records were set at the track meet on June 26.
A group of about 50 inmates witnessed Eddie Herena break his 2013 one-mile record by four seconds with the time of 5:10.29.
Clifton Williams won the quarter-mile for the 50 and older runners to set a new record at 1:09.21.
The half-mile record breaker, Markelle Taylor, left the competition in the distance with the time of 2:14.32.
In the 50 and older 100-meter race, Tone Evans was timed at 12.26 to beat his 2014 record by .15 second. He also lowered to 25.63 the 200-meter record for the same age group set by Winfred Saddler at 26.11 in 2012.
“When you have Eddie Hart and the 1000 mile coaches here, it’s all worth it,” said Evans.
Hart added, “The first time I was here, I didn’t know what to expect. I got a chance to know the guys and share my experiences. Now I have the chance to teach about diet, exercise and techniques. These guys are like sponges; they take it all in. Track is a lot like life; it’s about adjustments. So with my foundation, I’m trying to improve the human condition to be free of injuries and diseases.”
The meet started in a high competitive spirit when Oscar Aguilar and Eddie “Edito” DeWeaver collided at the start of the 100-meter. Aguilar stayed in his lane and coasted to victory. DeWeaver had a clean start to win the 200-meter.
“I thank Eddie (Hart) for the racing tips. I dedicate this win to my daughter, but most of all I thank Yaweh for my health,” said DeWeaver.
Morceli Abdel Kader took the quarter-mile in 57.07 by running the track corners with finesse to break the 60.60 record set by Nghiep Lam.
“I was able to break a record even with my injury. I thank Eddie (Hart) and the outside volunteers for their support. They have bigger hearts than we do. Their support helps us feel free and to change our behavior,” said Kader.
The 4×400 meter relay climaxed the warm day events. Jesus Sanchez, Reynaldo Campos, Carlos Moreno and Oscar Aguilar passed the baton with skill to blow by the rest of the pack.
Albert Mendez was named star of the day. “Mendez has been injured most of the track season and today he ran in all the races, not caring where he placed,” said Assistant Coach Kevin Rumon.
Volunteer timekeeper Melody Schultz added, “I’ve been running for 20 years and watching these guys inspires me.”
– Rahsaan Thomas contributed to this story
