"The world's greatest milers today distribute their pace evenly. For instance, if you are trying for a 4:40 mile, your laps would probably go 69, 72, 71 and 68 seconds. Your opponents will have a tendency to slow up on the third lap, so this may be your opportunity to maintain pace and get a good lead. Although it is well to hug the pole, there are instances when the smart runner will want to go wide, even on a curve. For example, if you are following a runner who slows down on the curve, holding you back while the man leading the race dangerously widens his lead, pass the exhausted man on the curve or you may have too much ground to make up when you reach the next straightaway. Always remember that the runner on the pole can be so closely surrounded or "boxed" by other runners that he can't get out. To avoid this pocket and also to assure yourself of an even start with an opponent on the drive for home, pull out slightly and run at the outside shoulder of the leader around the last half of the curve or around all of it if a cluster of runners threatens to close in and box you."