Track Athletics in Detail (extract)

THE MILE WALK 45 After the first couple of weeks it may be well to take a trial half or quarter on time, but this should never be done oftener than once in a week or ten days. When you have gotten into condition athe end of four or five months, try a mile on time, but thereafter never attempt to go the full distance at speed more frequentlythan once in ten (Li)s 01 two weeks. The costume for walking is the same as for run­ ning, except that the shoes have no spikes. 1he heels, too, aresomewhat different, being built with a slight projection of the sole at the back, so as to make the constant pounding on the heel less se­ vere. It seems almost needless to say here that walk­ ing differs from running in that one of the athlete s feet must be constantly on the ground, he must not lift the rear toe until the forward heel has struck, and the rear knee must lock. The illus­ trations show the rear knee locked in eveiy in­ stance. By speaking of the knee as " locked " is meant that the joint is closed. J J - J ^ race it is always well to take the lead, if possible, and walk your own mile. Before going into a contest the athlete oughto know pretty well how fast he can cover his distances, andhe should disregard his competitors as much ascircumstances will allow. Walking has fallen somewhat into disrepute of late, because unscrupulous athletes, pioficient in