Success in Athletics and how to obtain it

SPRINTING 25 The above remarks as to respiration do not con– stitute a hard-and-fast rule for every athlete, for of course a fresh breath should always be taken when it is found that the speed ·is beginning to slacken off. Nor must the lungs ever be allowed to become prac– tically empty except for the residual air, or the runner will at once show signs of great distress. A proper selection of shoes and the placing of the spikes is also of vital importance to the sprinter. His shoes should fit the feet like a second skin, and should be so constructed that he is forced to run well upon the toes. For the athlete who is particularly efficient in such running, two of the six sole-spikes should be placed right up at the point of each shoe. The 5hoes should be carried in the hand until it is time for the athlete to get on to the mark, and should never be laced tight until the very last moment, in order that the blood may be allowed to circulate freely in the feet as long as possible. We must not be technical in the matter of managing muscles, for every muscle of the body is in action during running. It would require higher education in anatomy for any athlete to understand what actually takes place, and we doubt the capability of any scien– tist to describe it!