Athletic Training

162 ATHLETIC TRAINING training and bath, he will briskly massage the muscles of the legs, not neglecting the thighs. The purpose of this is to keep the muscles ""' loose and pliable. In case they are very sore it would be well to massage them a little be– fore going on the track. The principal thing to be borne in mind in addition to the treat– ment I have prescribed is to give the muscles their necessary rest. The ·athlete will make haste slowly if he endeavors to keep on train– ing when it pains him much to use his legs. Sore shins are the bane of all good distance runners and of most hurdlers. They are caused by an inflammation ;of the muscles attached to the shin-bone. In the case of distance runners they are usually caused by pounding too hard on the track or running on hard pavements. . The beginner will escape such injuries if he can run on the turf at the beginning of his training, or, better yet, begins work in tennis shoes. Likewise, he should heed the warning that pain in these parts gives him. The best cure for sore shins is rest, and if this is taken at the beginning of practice the soreness will gradually disappear. But if the athlete attempts to force things at the start