Bredin on Running & Training

TRAINING. 6I such a routine, the ftrst and last walk need not be neglected, in addition to the evening's practice on the track. In such cases settled employment will have the one very good effect of enforcing an observance of regular hours, which at first sight may appear a trivial matter, and of small consequence, but it is by complying with many such trifles that a marked improvement is created in one's health. Without such observances training is not allowed the chance of fully demonstra t– ing at what a condition of fitness it is possible for the athlete to arrive. Those men who are in the habit of taking cold baths-I refer now to the early morning tub-can continue to do so as usual during their training. But the novice must not think that in commencing his day by a plunge into cold water, to which he is unaccustomed, he will strengthen and harden himself. Most frequently this plan would have quite the reverse effect during eight months of our ordinary year . A small canful of hot water will probably be sufficient to take the chill off even a large bath, and do away with the bad effect that cold might produce in the proper circulation of the blood. The shower itself, though most pleasant, especially in very warm weather, should never be taken by any athlete immediately he re-enters the dressing-room from the track, as it has the effect of too suddenly contracting the muscles, instead of allowing them gradually to subside into their normal condition. If one feels, as is often the case in hot weather, that almost half the fun in training is derived from the cold shower, then it is advisable to wait until thoroughly dried and rubbed down before indulging in this form of refreshment.