The Modern Method of Training for Running, Walking, Rowing & Boxing
30 PEDESTMAUISM. must becommensurabewith tlie strength of the pedestrian. At tlie commencement of the work a sharp walk of a couple of miles out, and a smai'trun home, is as muchas will be advisable to risk. On the safe arrival at the training quarters, no time must belost in getting rid of the wetclothes,whena thoroughrubbingshould be administered,after which he shouldlay be tweenblankets, and rubbedfrom time to time* until the skin is thoroughly dry. Most of the leadingpedestrians of the day now, whenthey come in from their run, divest themselves of their reekingflannels, and jump under a cold shower-bath,on emerging from which they are thoroughlyrubbeddown,whichat oncedestroys all feeling of fatigue or lassitude. In a few days the pedestrianwill beable to increasehis distanceto nearly doublethe first few attempts at a greater pace, and with greater ease to himself. After again dressing,he must always be on the move, and as the feeling of fatigue passes away, he will be anxiously waiting for the summons to dinner, which should come about one o'clock, and which should consist of a good plain joint of the best beef or mutton, with stale bread or toast, accompanied by a draught of good sound old ale, the quantity of which, however, must be regulated by the i judgmentof the trainer. It has been foundof late years that extreme strictness in all cases shouldbe put on one side, and a small portion offresh vegetablesallowed,suchas fresh greens or potatoes; and, in someinstances, good light NEW BULES OF TKAINING. 31 puddings have been found necessary to bo added to the bill of fare, when the appetite, from severe work or other causes, has been renderedmore delicatethan usual. The continued use of meat and bread,unless the man has a wonderful appetite and consti tution, will once, if not more, in almost every man's training, pall uponhis palate, whentho trainer shouldat oncetry the effect of poultiy or game,if possible;but, at any rate, not give the trained man an opportunityof strengthen-* ing his partial disliketo his previous fare. In caseslike these,the only wrongthing is to per severein the previousdiet; forif a man cannot tackle his foodwith a healthy appetite, howis it possiblethat he can take his proper share of work? The quantity of ale shouldnot exceed a pint, unless there has been a greater amount of work accomplished in the morning than usual, when a small drink of old ale at noon would be far fromwrong policy, and a good refresherto the imbiber. Wine in small quan tities is sometimesbeneficial, but should not be taken at all whenmalt liquors are the standard drink. If it is possible to dowithout winethe better. The chief thing in diet is to find out what best agrees with the man, and which in most instanceswillbe foundto be what he has beenmost usedto previously. After a thorough rest of an hour's duration, the pedestrian should stroll about for an hour or two,and then, divesting himself of his oidi- nary attire, donhis racing gear and shoes,and
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