AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 134, 8 June 1929, Page 16

AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

PRINCIPLES OF TRAINING.

THE REMOVAL OF FATIGUE

The principles of training differ but little from those of judicious living. Both require the same close study and proper interpretation of the laws of health, and such an application of them ae will produce temperate habits and a high degree of mental and bodily vigour. In the preparation of athletes the trainer should pay more attention to those conditions which promote and the agents Avhich sustain a vigorous performance, especially the functions of respiration and circulation.

The physical development and social surroundings of the individual are most important, and the agents which beyond all others materially influence hie constitution are diet, eleep, climate and clothing. Youths born and bred in large towns and engaged early in commercial pursuits suffer under great disadvantages. Their life is usually a sedentary one, many hours of the day being passed in dark and badly ventilated offices and warehouses. Exercise is more or less neglected and even when recreation can be taken it is in the evening, when the nerves and muscles are exhausted by daily labour. Constrast the social conditions of the above with the prominent names at prestent, such'as Lord Burleigh, Douglas Lowe and Dr. Peltzer.

The most important impediments to training are disease of the principal organs of the body, particularly to the heart and lungs, mainly the former. Before an athlete takes on running seriously, he should have a preliminary examination by a medical man to ascertain soundness of constitution and physical capability to undergo severe recreation. I remember seeing a boy once win a 220 yards handicap, but collapse as he breasted the tape. His face went blue, but after rubbing him for ten minutes the doctor made him show signs of life. The boy, although he may be admired for his determination, was foolish to run, for his whole family suffered with weak hearts. If a person has a strong heart, he may be able to strengthen a weak organ of the body, but if his heart is weak I would not advise him to over exert himself.

Cold bathing is used to tone up tbe nervous structures, when these have become relaxed from sleep or from warmth. This action, although invigorating all the functions of the body, principally affects thoee of respiration and circulation. Under its benign influence a sensation of freshness and energy is experienced. The temperature of the cold bath various according to the season?, but the degree of coldness best suited for this climate is about 50 Fah. The best time for a cold bath is immediately on

rising from bed. Its duration should never last more than five minutes, but should be judged according to the power to withstand the shock. A cold shower is beneficial after a practice run, for it closes the pores of the skin and saves one catching a chill. The mast powerful agent for the removal of fatigue is a hot bath, the temperature of which should be lOdeg. Fah. In ancient times the gladiator resorted to a warm bath immediately on leaving the arena. A hot bath expands the vessels of the body and may be used to advantage when one has contracted muscles. Besides relieving the actions of the Iddneys a hot bath checks loss of heat and speedily removes the charged products of the system. The dread of giving fluid during the preparation of all outdoor sports is an ancient prejudice and can be traced back to the Greeks. Liquids are bad for the wind, make the fleeh flabby, and make one perspire. Most people think that drying out is good only for the reduction of weight, but an athlete cannot go through a hard contest unless he ie dried out. Two days before the race an athlete should take a glass of water before breakfast and before retiring to bed. Under no consideration should an athlete take liquids during a meal, although they may be taken half an hour before, "or two hours after. In track meetings when an athlete is competing in two or three events he sometimes 0 feels dry in the mouth. It is very tempting to quench one's thirst by drinking water, but this water should never be swallowed.

Stimulants, such as alcohol, are unnecessary in {raining for they act as a drug and also mentally and physically degrade an athlete. After a strenuous practice I can recommend a cup of hot milk or a cup ofShot milk and water. Pure milk should be eipped =lowly as it has a tendency to curdle in the stomach. For athletes whose stomachs -will not digest milk, oxo may be found effectual in restoring energy. The beet way to make latent energy is to break a fresh egg and swallow it raw about twenty minutes before the race. Some athletes mix the egg with sherry which 6eems to tune up the stomach, although it brings in the influence of liquor.

(To be continued.)