The Pedestrian's Record

70 the pedestrian's record. back, and the knees as firm as possible, for it is im­ possible to prevent a slight bending of the knee in the most legitimate walking ; but the more rigid the leg is kept the more rapid the pace, and it also puts a veto on actual genuflection, which throws the body- forward, and takes all the weight from the heels and imposes it upon the toes ; and with the body in this position it is difficult to prevent lifting, and, for this reason alone, a walker should always preserve an even tenor of his way, by not being flurried when an opponent is at his elbows, nor be tempted into a lift when he is doing his level best—it leads to running and disqualification. Neither be too slow nor too fast when starting, but go off at a fair pace, and, if a long journey is before you, try to keep it up. Never mind if you are passed, or if you feel done ; the competitor who has just gone ahead perhaps suffers more than you do, and the exertions he is now making may throw him out of the race a mile from home. It is of no use striving when exhausted; ease a little, pullyour­ self together, and by these means try to regain a little freshness and better breathing power; if this can be re-established it brings grist to the athletic mill, and will supply that force that leads to victory. Walking requires more judgment, i.e., over long distances, than any other form of athletic exercise, and consists in always keeping some power in reserve, never forcing the pace at the start, and never racing until the escape of perspiration has come to the assistance of the over-taxed lungs. In training for walking, a