Running Recollections and How to Train

CHAPTER XX. AN ENFORCED REST. AFTER the race described in the last chapter, I was advised to have my foot attended to at a Hydropathic. Eollowing this advice,which coincided with my inclinations, I selected Smedley's, atMatlock, and the house doctor there toldme that I was suffering from gout, thus bearing out his Sheffield brother's verdict. 1 was treated accordingly. I was told I must not eat this nor drink that; I must go to the bathsthree timesa day, and there undergoa treatment which they prescribed for me. Now, Matlock is one of the healthiest places in England, and afterT had been there twoor three daysI began to feel extremely well, with a most voracious appetite. In fact, 1 got as fit as a fiddle, and only longed for a sound toe and a running track to feel my old self again. The latter was possible, but it seemed as though I were doomed to go "dot and carry one "for the rest of my natural existence ; for, in spite of liver-packs and all the other propaganda prescribed in that establishmentfor the treatment ofgout, my foot remained in much the same condition. It was a very happy life,nevertheless, andI enjoyed my stay there immensely, but, at the same time, it wasnot bringing in any grist to the mill. After three weeks, as my foot did not make any improvement, I began to get anxious. I had been recommended to consult Dr. Wharton Hood, the specialist, in London. This I did, and Dr. Hood examined ray foot. Without amoment's hesitation he pronounced it to be nothing worse than a bat! sprain, andtold me that if