Why? The Science of Athletics

144 WHY?-THE SCIENCE OF ATHLETICS Moreover, if the arms are held stiffly during progression the . circulation of the blood will be restricted and the cells of the constricted muscles will not receive their due amount of nourishment. A simple example of this can be found in the case of a person who carries a parcel under one arm for any distance and finds that the limb soon becomes tired. It is very necessary to fully aerate the lungs before running in a race, and just as essential to breathe properly and regularly while the race is being run. This, I think, is where the Scandinavian athletes score so heavily as distance runners. In this connection one feels that the fact must be regarded as significant that at the last five celebrations of the Olympic Games, Finns have won the 5000 metres and I o,ooo metres races four times each, and since I 920 the cross country race, both team and individual, on each occasion, the steeplechase three times out of four, and the 3000 metres team race both times it was held. The success of Scandinavians generally, and the Finns in particular, is, I think, largely due to a system of winter training which they undergo, partly as a harden– ing process, but more especially for the improvement of lung capacity, the strengthening of the heart and the creation of rhythmic breathing. All winter training in Scandinavia, where the climate does not permit of any form of competitive athletics during the winter season, is regarded as preparatory to the summer competitions and the later training therefor. During the month of October Scanclinavians rest entirely from athletics, but during the first week in November they begin preparatory work for the next season. They do Nils Bukh's exercises twice a week and practise the formal technique exercises in the field events as set out in Exercises for Athletes, Webster & Heys (John F. Shaw & Co., London). Runners and field events men alike, however, walk twice a week. These walks are regarded as of first-class importance for