Success in Athletics and how to obtain it

52 ' SUCCESS IN ATHLETICS man has landed with botb feet together and begun to shuffle about to get into his stride again. It will be seen that the cross-country runner in training will find it advantageous to practise jumping, and particularly hurdling. If the obstacle to be got over is in the nature of a hedge with water on the far side, never try to clear the lot unless you are abso– lutely sure that the landing is good and that you are capable of getting there. It is better to spring lightly over the hedge, drop into the water, and get out on the other bank as quickly as you can; in this way you will husband your energy and be sure of being able to go on. There are times when one is bound to jump blindly, · and to " take a chance " on what is pn the other side– times when it is impossible to get round, through, or under, and the only way is over; then one is justified in taking the risk. But in the ordinary way, to jump without knowing what is beyond the hedge is simply asking for trouble. In running over hilly country, whether it is up or down, the body should always be directly above the leg as the foot is planted on the ground. As this sport takes place in the winter, the clothing is of the greatest importance, as also /is the foot– wear. The athlete is referred to the chapter on" Clothing," and is asked to study carefully that part which refers .to his own sport. By cross-country running a great track-runner can keep himself in condition for his track events during the winter; but it must be remembered that the rough and changing character of the ground he travels over is calculated to bring -him on his heels, and thus is