The Athlete for 1866

•Rfilt HINTS ON TRAINING. 117 vancement of tlie natural processes of development is obtained, which in the normal state of things would produce a relapsevarying directly with thepres­ sure used for the purpose. When the novice has got his legs into moderate good fettle, so that they could stand a little sharpwork, lie might quicken up for about 50 yards in each of his quarter spins, and as he finds these spinscan. he accomplished without the slightest strain on any muscle, the long distances may be condensed into two aday, and two sprints of his distance at about a. fifth longer time than he wouldtake in the race ; by this means the muscles get worked up by degrees to bear the necessary strain required. As he findshis muscles become hard and flexible,he should lessen the length of his spins until they areof the same length as in the race. This point willbo -arrivedat some nine days or so before theday, and in these nine days all hia energies must be devotedto practising starts and getting quickly into stride. As the day approacheslet him obtain the services of some sprint-runner to use as a trial horse, and the best way of turning his trial horse to account, is by mailing him start slowlysome 1U yards in the rear,and as he passes the novice who is readyat the scratch,let him quicken up into racing pace for about 50 yards ; by this means the novice is encouraged to get oft"quickly, and a surer line can be taken as to improvement in starting, than if the trial and himself started on even terms. Again, the tendencyof all young runners towatch their adversary atthe start is counteracted; the opponent in this waybeingin advance with a straight course only left open for the novice to the goal. So many sprinters, from standing in a wrong positionat the scratch, or from taking a longer stride with one leg than the other,justle or run across their opponent ia the spin, therebyeither losing their ownchance of success, or depriving others of it. A bad beginning makes abad end, and nothing is so detrimental to a sprinter as a bad start. He may get shut out,he loses his stride, or | erhaps gets spiked bythe man who hascrossed him, and when he does get into proper swing, he is too farbehind to be able tomake up whatwas lostat thebeginning. Avoid walking long distances, they rather tend to stiffen the muscles and make them slow. Kever miss your race; if you can only get one spin daily make the most of it. Always run in form,that is to say,as you would in the race, oa your toes withan easy springing action of the thighs: this point we would insist upon even to what people might call an absurd length; but depend upon it that the movements that are most graceful to the eye, are generally most natural, and a position that is most natural is more easily capable of attaining to excellence. The beautiful mechanism of the foot, its numerous short bones and strong sinews,suggest at a glance its adaptation for bearing concussiou and springing on the balland toes, while the heel is formed to sustain pressure without motion. In the race keep your eyes well on the tape, and never lessen your pace when in front, or let misgivings disturb you when behind, your opponent may have the pace of you ami not be able to stay. It is better to be a good second than nowhere. Every race you engage in will increase your experience and give you confidence for the next time. Good time for 100 yards ranges from II seconds to 10|, accordingto the ground, &c. The top speed is seldom obtained until 40 yards are covered : a good sprinter will generally beat two others in 200 yards, each to run 100 yards with him on end. For sprinting, wind is not such a deside­ ratum as elasticity of muscle, the shorter the distance the greater care and practice should be made in starting ; the longer you have to sprint the greater will be the necessity for working up the muscles.In practice run with as slight clothing on as possible, bvff'in to preferred. The action of the air on the skin keeps up ahealthy flow of blood to the surface, and will do more to­ wards a beneficial reduction of weight than any amount ofsweatings, baths.