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

172 EXERCISES OF PROGRESSION. (SECT. II. rrhe third quality, endurance, when it is one of phy- sical stamina, is less due to condition of limb than general power of body; when of respiratory power it is of course due to. the condition of the respiratory organs, and the conformation and size of the chest. This quality of endurance is more susceptible of im- provement by judicious culture than either of the other two, whether the line of culture be in the direction of muscular or respiratory power; its limit not being fixed absolutely, like the first quality, nor partially, like the second. Training exercise for feats of pedestrianism involves much care and unwearied and unceasing application. The fundamental principle with this, as with all other exercises, is first to ascertain practically at the com- mencement of the training the actual capacity of the body at the special mode of exertion required, and then gradually, day by day, and week by week, to observe the parts of the body which feel the exertion most, that they may be assisted and strengthened by other exercises; for the sameness of the movements and modes of action in one exercise will fatigue, .when another mode of employment will stimulate to renewed effort and give increased vigour. If speed for a short distance be the object desired, this pace should be slowly and gradually approached until it can be sustained over a })Ortion of the course, and then, stride by stride, extended until the whole