Modern Athletics 1868

WALKING. 83 of the first hundred yards and half a mile, since the edestrian is all over aches and pains, and has not reached is second wind. It isfor this reason that walking re- quires such indomitablepluck and perseverance in carry­ ing a man over this portion ofthe race. If he wavers for a moment andgets his armsdown, it is all up with him. Should a manhe unable to cut down his fellow competi­ tors at starting, and take a commanding laetadonce, his best plan is to keep doggedly behind them and so wear them out. On no account, however, must he permit them to get away morethan four or five yards at the out­ side. Walking isdifferent from running in this respect, since in the former a long lead can scarcely ever be re­ gained. When the leaders aredistressed, he should rush at them and try to go by. If unable to succeed at the first attempt, he should try again repeatedly untilgehtes to the fore. Nothing worries the leader in a walking race so much as having a man whom he cannot shake off, doggedly plodding at hisheels. Again, if a man holds a long lead and is approached by another competitor, he should always recollect that thelatter has taken a great deal out of himself in coming up, and therefore struggle hard to keep the lead. Should a walker have the raceso safe in hand as to findtime to ease himself, the best way of doing so is to take slower, not shorter strides, and to put the arms moreout from the body, but on no account to lower them. In conclusion, themotto of any athlete who wishes to "take honours" winalking, must be "start at your verybest pace, whether practising or racing, and the more distressed youfeel, the faster youmust try to go." Easing will relieve distress,but meanwhile, a long leadis obtained by other competitors. On the other hand, itfhe pedestrian is in good conditionand keeps indomitablyon, the distress will be invariablywalked ofi, provided only the man be sound at heart andin good condition. Approach not the course,if these essentials be wanting. The fastest times for amateurwalking, at alldistances, will be found at pages113 and114. & 2