A System of Physical Education, Theoretical and Practical (extract)

1', I lit RUNNING. a THE exercise of running is, in both action and posi- tion, different from that of walking. In the former there is but one foot on the ground at a time, and immediately after the completion of each step both feet are removed from the ground. There is no gradual descent and ri<::e, no marked transfer of superimposed weight, no distinct point of change of the centre of gravity. At first, and before the full rate of speed is attained, the body is inclined to the front as in walking, but the speed being attained, and the proper momentum acqujred, the column of the body is involuntarily brought towards the vertical line by the rapid and sustained advance of the lovirer limbs. In walking, progression is accomplished by a succession of separate teps, each step beginning only on the termination of the preceding one, each successive step requiring a re- adjustment of equilibrium, and a cli~tinct renewal of propulsive effort. Running is more like a succession of leaps, every bound possessing part of the forward momentum of its predecessor, this momentum being sustained or augmented. by the energy of the flexion~ and exten ions of the lower limbs. " ee Appendix K.