Modern Athletics 1868

78 MODERN ATHLETICS. the distance oftlie race once at top speed. Except for two or three hoursafter meals, the runner should be on the move, and taking light exercise or amusing himself, throughout the day. By so doing, he prevents stiffness of the muscles, and occupies the mind;hut this,of course, is onlyfeasiblewith thosewho candevote theirentire timeto training, and is a remark applicable ptro fessionals rather than amateurs. Violent exercise before breakfast, aswas said before, is bad, unless aman is accustomed toit. The time of day for performing the distance, oar portion of it, on the runningpath, should vary accordingto the time of the year. In the summermonths when the sun is power­ ful, it is notadvisable to take hard path exercisbe fore 6 or 7 R.M.; but in spring, autumn, and winter, the best time is between 10 A.M.and noon, about two hours after breakfast. One or two days' rest should be takenbefore the day fixed forthe contest, as bythis means the limbs, which may have been wearied fromconstant work, recover their wonted'elasticity and stride. One or more trials against time, at the distance btoe run in the race, should be performed, but not within a week of the great event. In the caseof sprint races, the distance may be ran out oftener, but all trialsshould be left to the judgment othf e trainer, who has by fatrhe best perception as to weariness and jading from over-work. If it is apparentthat a man is doing his utmost in atrial, yet still the watch tells a tale that the time ibsad, the pedestrian should beat once stopt and givena day's rest, or even more if required. If the distance ofthe race be a quarter of a mile or under, the man may safelyrun it right out four eovren five times a week. Should it, however,be a half mile or upwards, more work is necessary, and the distance traversed should be varied every day. After running on the path the pedestrian shoulhdave a coldbath, andbe well rubbed down all over, for the purpose of avoiding stiffness. Be­ fore starting in a race, the legs should be well rubbed and a gentle cantertaken, in order to give elasticity thoe muscles. _ Directions for timing will be found at page 18, If the trainerdoes not wish the time ofa man's trial tboe known, the bestmethod is to let him make a few false starts, as "touts" may be therebyput off their guard. Accidents during Training.—Theseare chiefly strained muscles, blisters, and corns. In the case ofthe first, per­ fect rest must be takenuntil a complete cure is effected.