The Modern Method of Training for Running, Walking, Rowing & Boxing

36 PEDESTBIAOTSM. physical condition of the man, but to enable the pedestrian, when able,to go to any limit as regardsexertion, and to have time for practiceat his particular length; for howeverfit a man may be as regards the proper leanness,if un­ practised he would have no chanceof success. The principal rules of training, therefore, are regiilarity,moderate work,and abstinence; the other adjuncts are but the necessaryembellish­ mentsto the other usefulrules. When training for running a long distance—sayfrom four to ten miles—the man should most decidedly practise daily; for the shorter length going the whole distance, and for the longer vary the distance,according to the state of healthon the day, as well as whether the weatherbe fine or otherwise. For a short race of a hundred to two hundred yards the pedestrian,after the bodyis in good health, does not require very much severe work, but the distance must be accomplished at top speed at least once daily, and about the same time of the day that the match will take place if possible. The same rules,with comparativelymorework,willapply up to 440 yards—a quarter of a mile—after whichdistance morework becomesnecessary. 37 CHAPTER YI. TIUINING rilACTlCE, PAIU WALKING, ETC. TN consequence ofthe great number ofcontosta J- whichtake placein the pedestrianworld,as walking matches—so called—the author con­ siders that the subject deserves a chapter to itself. It is the most useful and at tbe same timemost abused branchof the athletic sports of Old England; not so much from the fault of the pedestrians as from the inability orwant of courageof the judgeor referee to stop the man whoin his eagerness for fame or determination to gain moneyanyhow, may trespass upon fail walking,and run. Walking is a succession o: steps, not leaps,and with one foot always on the ground. The term " fair toe and heel" was meant to infer that as the foot of tlie back leg left the ground, and before the toes had been lifted,that the heel of the foremost- foot shouldbe on the ground. Even this ap­ parentlysimple rule is broken almost daily, in consequence of the pedestrian performing with a bent and loose knee,in whichcase the swing of his whole frame when going at any pace willinvariably bring both feet offthe ground at the same time; and although he is going heel