Athletics

116 ATHLETICS. HINTS ON CROSS-COUNTRY RUNNING. By Sid Thomas, Ranelagh Harriers ; Winner of theSouthern CountiesChampionship, 1888, 1889 ; Four Miles and Ten Miles Amateur Champion, 1889 ; Second inNational Cross-countryChampionship, 1889. Said a friend tome the other day, "I should like to be able to runwell across country, buthave never takenpart in a paper-chase, for I havealways been beaten so easily when trying a hundred yards or so against my acquaintances." My answer was to the effect that there is agreat difference between running 'cross country and sprinting a few yards; pointing out that thepace of a sprinter isdouble as fast as the gait used in a long distance race, so that though speed is useful, it is not a primarynecessity. What is needed is health andstrength, combinedwith a certain build of body calculated to give endurance, the latter tending to help one to the front as much as pluck anddetermination. Encouraged by my remarks, my friend promised to accompany me to the Green Man, Putney Heath, the Ranelagh Harriers having an ordinary cross-country spin the following Saturday. Meeting a couple of miles from head-quarters, we got on an omnibus, for I thought it best not to tire him with walking, so that heshould enjoy his first run. After being groomed by the two trainers, a pack of thirty is ready to turn out. The novice, having been groomed with a rough towel and horsehair gloves, to open the pores of his skin, dons apair of running drawers reaching to just above the knees, spiked shoes with slight heels, andsleeveless jersey. Over the latter awoollen sweater isdrawn, which would not be used if a real racewas to be indulged in. The rubbing or grooming should alwaysbe well attended to, for it keeps a man in fine health.