Bredin on Running & Training

RUNNING AND TRAINING. Rubbing, before and after running, is good for the muscles, warms the body in cold weather, and brings the skin into a most healthy condition. In the case of men inclined to stoutness it also is an aid in getting rid of some surplus portion thereof. Outside aid in this respect, though much to be preferred, is by no means indispensable, for although an assistant can get at parts of the body not easily reached alone, a great deal may be effected by the use of a rough towel oneself, and the exercise caused in so doing is beneficial. Whisky or brandy, externally applied, is a very good embrocation, especially to anyone suffering from cold during winter training. It should be well rubbed in by the hand before going on to the track. A few years ago the majority of amateur athletes seemed to consider the use of embrocations indispensable to speed; conse– quently the odour inside a canvas dressing-tent on a hot summer's day at provincial sports was decidedly" niffy ." However, fashion in this respect has lately undergone a wise change. To sensitive skins many embrocations set up a slight degree of inflammation, and the benefit conferred is mostly due to the rubbing; any liquid in the hand enables it to glide easily over the limbs, but a rough towel or flesh gloves are to be preferred for everyday use. Any ordinary running costume may be used to train in during the summer, the knickers composed of thin flannel in preference to silk, as the former absorbs moisture, and is therefore more likely to keep chills at a distance. For winter running, and for those athletes who commence their training early in spring, when east winds abound, both a long pair of woollen drawers