HEALTH-GIVING PASTIMES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 3 April 1923, Page 5

HEALTH-GIVING PASTIMES

FOR ACTIVE AND MIDDLE-AGED

MEN

CROSS-COUNTRY AND GOLF Several times recently my opinion has been asked as to what constitutes tho best exercise from a health point of view (writes A. B. George, winner of twelve championships in England, Canada, and the United States’), in an English exchange. I have qualified my answei somewhat by saying: “Cross-country running for the active man, and golf for those who are past the age when running is possible.” In recommending cross-country running as a beneficial exercise from a health point, of view, it is not suggested that racing shall be included. That is a severe ordeal, and only suitable for the developed athlete who is gifted with exceptional stamina. A gentle run is quite another matter, and, always provided that, conditions are suitable, a jog of five or six miles over country will provide as much, or even more, real exercise io Iho heart, lungs, muscles, and other organs a- a twentymiles’ walk.

i One great advantage of suets a tun is ' that it occupies much less time than a (long Country walk, which is often a conj sideration to busy men.’ Not that men and women should refrain from country rambles/when possible, for tiiis means far more than bodily health. To those who have observation and the right j mind, many valuable lessons from the ■ great book' of Nature may be learnt when rambling through forest, over the I clowns, alongside our rivers, and exploring the many lovely lanes to be found in many parts of this beautiful country of ours. _ . , A ~appy fr,un» of mind is a great asset to every sportsman, and a training run or walk is never a task to those who have been taught to take an inter jest in the many great lessons which Na■turo teaches. I SOME NOTABLE EXAMPLES I Many famous track runners have also I been fine performers across country. Here are a few of them: —W. G. George, W. Snook, F. E. Bacon, T. Thomas, G Crossland, W. 11. Morton, E. W. Party. IJ. Kibblewhite, and Alfred Shrubb I among British athletes. Then there was T. P. Conneff, the. Irish-American athlete, and J, I'. Jones, the famous United 'States runner, with a mile record of, 4min 14 3-ssec.

To this list may bo added Hannea Kolehma inert and P. Nurmi, of Finland, and J. Bonin and J. Guillemot, of France.

All were champions of exceptional merit, and nearly every man named was a record-breaker into the bargain. Many authorities declare that t‘cii cross-country experience had something to do with their success on the track,, that great judge of running, YV. W. Alexander, of .Birmingham, being pro non need in this opinion. My brother. “W. G.,” 5s also .a gioat advocate of cross-country running,though he, like myself, qualifies this by suggesting slow runs instead of taring. These thoughts come to ind tl.rcugh the recent- performances of 11. !>. B-t.l-iard and E. D. Mountain- n cross country events.

The former is the greatest milor on record who has failed to win (so far) championship honours, while Edgar Mountain has twice proved successful i:> the A.A.A. Half-mile Championship. Both ate built on slender lines, ar.o suitable exercise across country Will improve their stamina and make them better still as track athletes.

Up to the time of writing, Staliard has won three cross-country races, while Mountain’s second to P. A. Selman in the Civil Service cross-country chant pionship was quite a creditable performance.

Considering that he showed form as a steeplechaser when at school, md remembering flic excellent opening mile he ran in the four miles’ relay race against, the University of. Pennsylvania athletes at Queen’s Club last spring, it is not surprising . that Mountain is cap-’ able of a good cross-countrU effort. .Then there is ■ his great rival Cecil Griffiths, who lias given proof that six miles over rough country is not beyond him. Indeed, some of the Surry A.C. athletes believe that Griffiths could trouble the best over country if he cared to devote serious attention to it.

FINDING OUT THE TALENT 1 Personally. I think it would be a mistake for Stallard, Mountain and Griffiths to do much racing across country. On the other hand, gentle runs, as. trail-lay ■ ers, or out with the slow pack, during the winter months, would probably prove beneficial and assist them to turn out in good shape for the track season of 1923 These three cracks should be our main hope for the 800 and 1500 metres races' at the Olympic Games, and it is during next summer that they, with a few, other cracks, should be given opportunities to compete in level races from 600 yards to the mile. Judgment, of pace, track tactics, the right moment to make an eoffrt, etc., areall important and are best learnt in level competition. Thus a series of level races at 600 yards, 800 metres, 1000 yards, threequarters of a mile, 1500 metres, and out mile next summer* would be of value, and great interest, providing the three, athletes named wouid undertake to train for the event.

POSSIBLE CHAMPIONS

Another series of races, at tire same distances, for a few of the runners in the next group would be equally useful.' Leslie and Chambers, of the Polytechnic Harriers, and D. C. A. Lowe, of Cambridge University, are the most promising of these on last season’s running and all of them may develop into champions.

It is also my opinion that many men are competing in sprint races who wouid do better still as half-milers or milers, if they tried. With a view to development iu this direction, 1 should like to see somo of our clubs promoting level Tacos at half a mile and a mile, and confined to runners who hitve never won a prize at a race above 220 vards.

In recent notes some reference has been made of difficulties which some athletes have to contend with. Enlarged veins arc by no means uncommon among runners, and in my own experience I have known athletes who have .presented quite an alarming appearance iu this re sped. One personal friend of mine always wore on elastic stocking from ankle to knee, both when running and in everyday life. Without this support, even walking would have been painful, and: yet he was a good man across country, The veins of my left calf were always

unduly prominent, though I did not wear any; support during my active career. Occasionally there was a pronounced ache after a hard race, but relief was always secured by lying down and raising the leg, which lessened tho flow of blood in the veins.

Curiously enough, this trouble did not become acute until 1914, when, following ten weeks in bed from a bad attack of jaundice, the veins suddenly became nadly enlarged, and since then I have nad to wear a crepe bandage. It is natural that athletes feel a bit anxious wlum thev notice a vein, -fua rather unduly under pressure. Possibly there is no danger of it u. coming but I strongly advise every runner whose veins are not quite normal to get them examined by a qualified doctor. Then, if necessary, a supporting bandage cart be worn. I think the crepe variety is the best, as they are cool and porous, and the pressure can be regulated. Of course, they must, be put on before getting out of bed in the morning, .is tlie veins will be distended once tho vv.eight of the body is on the legs.