Bredin on Running & Training

TRAINING. 75 Finally, when overtrained, a much longer period of time elapses before I recover than under the last– mentioned circumstances, but I have never known any pain in the head to be caused by racing when some– what stale, and, in fact, have only experienced it when closely approaching my best form. Walking is of little use to strengthen the muscles used in running, except perhaps for very long distance races. In this mode of progression we bring a different set of muscles into play, or fail to sufficiently exercise the necessary ones; but as an aid to health and to generally brace up and animate the body it cannot be too highly commended. A reasonable amount of this exercise, during the training of athletes who reside in large towns and can obtain a frequent change of both air and scenery by a trudge into the adjoining country, is most desirable. Care must, however, be taken that the walk is not prolonged further than is likely to cause a very slight feeling of fatigue; to be absolutely tired after a long tramp does the running man infinitely more harm than good. Some athletes, usually those who are inclined to be overburdened with flesh at the commencement of their training, reduce weight by walking in heavy clothing. Though not belonging to this category, I have certainly derived benefit from following this plan, but have come to the conclusion that either skipping or ball-punching is preferable, with solely this object in view, owing to the fact that either of the last exercises causes perspira– tion as freely as the first-named, without being so fatiguing. In conclusion it cannot be too often impressed upon