Most of the time in the US flying the 737-200 we were required to be at 30 NM at 10,000 and 250 knots so we aimed for that point plus seven miles for slow down. We made it a game to leave FL350 at idle, hit 30 NM at 250k and spool up at 1,000 ft. To not need any speed brakes you needed another three miles or so depending on wind and weight. If you were heavy it took a few more miles, if light, less. That is because your best L/D at heavy weight is closer to your normal 300K descent speed than light weight descent speed. 250K below 10,000 works that way too because light weight L/D best glide is around 220K. Most of the time with small speed tweeks no speed brakes or power were required until 1,000 ft.