Bredin on Running & Training

TRAINING. 55 to one's appetite and thirst. It may be safely concluded in the first case that so long as an athlete thoroughly enjoys his meals there is little danger of his becoming stale from the amount of exercise he allows himself. The fact that the bodily stamina is being over-taxed will evince itself in a very short period of time by a loss of appetite, in addition to a feeling of general indolence. With regard to the second, immediately a craving for liquids constantly bothers a man throughout the day, all work that causes excessive perspiration must be temporarily ceased, when in a short space of time the body will regain the amount of fluid necessary to its proper state of health. From the commence– ment of training it is advisable to very gradually increase the quantity of work; but as it may be easier to observe all rules with regard to regular hours, daily running, etc., by adhering · to them from its start, this sudden change from an ordinary routine may not unnaturally be followed by increased thirst, therefore the above remarks must be taken with reference to the athlete in at least a partially fit state. By taking matters somewhat easily at first it is quite possible to bring the body into a perfect athletic condition without causing it, whilst so doing, to experience any excessive craving for fluids. However, as an old L. A. C. trainer used to remark on the subject of both food and drink, " whatever you fancies you 'aves," and with a not too wandering fancy therein lies much good advice. It is certainly preferable to indulge in a glass of beer or water at any time when really thirsty than to be con– stantly troubled by an unpleasantly dry feeling in the mouth. This might be remembered with advantage