Success in Athletics and how to obtain it

44 SUCCESS IN ATHLETICS Two days out of the seven he must rest, and on one other day take a partial rest by letting his training for that day consist of walking; this should be the day before the time-trial. The fifth and final month is similar in every respect to that just described, except that the competition takes place on the last day of this month. On the two days directly preceding the competition the training should consist of good brisk walks. It is suggested that in the fourth and fifth months minor competitions may be substituted for the time– trials occasionally and as opportunity occurs. Throughout the training the competitor must study his form, and see that he_ is. striding properly and not too long, breathing evenly, carrying the arms loosely, and generally giving an easy, natural poise and carriage to the whole body. In long-distance running it should be remembered that the correct form is for the body to pitch on the ball of the foot as the leg shoots out, after which the heel is allowed very lightly, almost imperceptibly, to touch the cinders, but the heel must never be put down first. When the body is greatly fatigued, the feet begin to shuffle and the poise of the body becomes more in– clined forward, so that the athlete runs in such a position that he is continually catching up his own equilibrium. This is nature's own remedy, which enables the runner to go on even after his vital forces are almost exhausted. The form must be reserved throughout, for if the · heel comes to ground first the spine is jarred, the springiness of the run lost, and fatigue is soon felt. Between the vertebrre of the spine are discs of