The Athlete for 1866

126 HINTS ON TRAINING. legsshould bemechanical. In walking races, if a stitch bothers you, keep well on, and try and forget it: it will never last long, if you are in good condition. In a race with heats, after aheat lie downon your back, and keep the legs raised up, in order thattlie blood forced into the extremities by the exercisemay be assisted by its own gravity to returnto the trunk. Rest is the best cure for a strain, and ia much assisted by cold water applications. A Turkish bath to open the pores of the skin, and give a gentle suppleness to the muscles when the trainer suffers from stiffness, is very serviceable, though the virtue lies as much in the shampooing as inthe sweating. In a strain of the internal organs, their complexity renders repair a more difficult operation, as they do not allow of repose; recourse should therefore be had to a physician. To quench thirst, coolor even tepid drinks are better than cold ones. The effect of cold being only momentary onthe throat and mouth, it brings more blood the spot, and redoubles the sensation. Immersion of the hands and arms in water has a good effect. Banning on the toes on a path is to be recommended, as enabling a longer stride to be taken, and giving an easier motion to the body, and less jar at each step. In heavy ground,however, it is oflittle use, as the sinking of the toe in the soil interferes with the spring, and necessitates a larger surfaceof the foot to get a purchase for the next stride. Never in practice run with many clothes on :if the weather is cold, clothe in proportion. The action of the air on the skin increases its healthy vigour. After your spin get well clothed and rubbed down. In warm weather a bath is often taken with advantage. Staying long in the water, how­ ever, produces a certain amount of congestion internally. The surface of the body should invariablybe in a stateof glow before acold bath. This may be produced by friction orby exercise. Never bathe when the system is in a depressed state, or after food ; the shock willbe too great to produce a beneficial xeaction. Salt water bathing is the best, from its stimulating effect on the skin. In the race run with as light clothes on as possible. The University costume (a thin jersey and trowsers cut off at the knees) is generally adopted; though for long distances, long drawerswith short ones over areas light and warmer. In a long race,a warm jersey, especiallyif the wind is cold, is of great service. The best running shoesare made of French calf. The sole should be broad and well up to the toes, a little thickeron the outside with three spikes, and two on the inside.Each side should meet well in front when laced up. A sock of Chamois leather, covering the ball ofthe foot and toes,will prevent concus­ sion. A piece of cork is often held in each hand to grasp while running. In a long distance race,wrinsing the mouthout with warm tea with a little brandy in it, and munching a crust, will often take away any dryness of throat. The trainee, if accustomed to smoking, can continue his pipe in moderation. On the same principle, a man accustomed to much wine or spirits should gradually reduce his daily allowance to moderate limits ; any sudden change is hurtful. In everything we do, it must be remembered that nature in its ability to adapt itself to change, will use every effort, by its mutualbalancing of organs one with another, to promote a general headthy condition of the body, for its own better advancement, and for power to resist disease. Should the trainee strain any muscle in his practice,he should discontinue work until he has quite recovered, and then recommence, in a very gradual manner. One of thie best embrocations for strains is the onesuggested by Mr. Charles Westhall, who has kindly informed mc of its good effects on several occasions. It iscomposed as follows Spirits of wine, i pint; spirits of tar- pentine, ditto;white vinegar, ditto; b ;atcn up thoroughly with a fresh egg. This atuaulantshould be rubbed well into the part sprained, before the lira,