We could learn a thing or two from the fuel-sippers in the slow lane. While we suspect they never speed up, they’re running the race –– at least the first half –– in the fashion we all should try. Because, with apologies to Steve Prefontaine, the negative split is best. Starting out at a prudent pace and flooring it later in the race will result in better times. It’s just damned hard to do when everyone around you, be they Ferrari or Hyundai, is squealing off the line like quarter-milers (drag racers or runners, take your pick). But your body’s fuel is expensive. And lactic acid? Steeper still. So set the cruise control, enjoy the ride, and listen for the sputtering of the empty tanks in front of you. Then, finally, you can show off that extra gear.
