AMATEUR ATHLETICS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18264, 6 December 1933, Page 3

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

TRAINING NOTES REASONABLE DIET * (By “Coach”) 1 The controversial subject of did' in ’ training is approached with a certain 1 amount of diffidence, because although there is m> doubt that an athlete should give some thought to (lie matter, very j- few coaches seem lo be in agreement : us to just what constitutes a desirable menu for an. athletic trainee. 1 - No person with ordinary intelligence would attempt ft* lift, or carry a. greater 1 weight than he, is capable of, and if the ■ same rule is observed in relation to 1 food ’ consumption then we get fairly close lo the extent of an athlete’s diet. ' One of the greatest factors in deter'mining a suitable diet is the general condition of the various organs of the 1 body, and an athlete inclined to stomach 1 weaknesses should lose no time in con- * suiting a physician as to ways of over * coming the trouble. It is a peculiar fact ! that tli© majority of athletes are some. ' what chary of visiting a doctor, and yet' 1 a little thought will show them that, with all the stress and strain which modern athletics imposes on tho system. [ a good doctor could save them anxious moments and in many cases even per--1 manent injury. I do not believe in the fetish of “thou shall, not,”- and so long as the rule of no overloading is systematically observed and a predominance of fruit and vegetables is maintained, little more is required. VALUE OF FRUIT The food value of fruit, as oranges and prunes, together with vegetables, as spinach and lettuce—in fact, all green vegetables—cannot bo overlooked. The tomato is also a valuable food. The importance of regular and efficient evacuation is almost too obvious to mention, yet I fear that too few young athletes pay suificient attention to this matter. No matter how much attention is paid to all other branches of training, it will bo wasted unless the efficient cleansing of the internal organs is properly attended to. It is here that the value of the prune is most evident. One- of America’s greatest coaches, Dean Cromwell, insists on this fruit appearing on the menu of all his trainees, and his method is worthy of adoption by local track aspirants. SUGAR AND DRINKS The bugbear of no sugar has been definitely exploded, and, in fact, it. is recognised that in its various forms sugar is essential, especially to those who are ; participating in all thoso classes of sport which call for great endurance. Sugar is the fuel which will build up the system and replace the energy which is burnt out by athletic endeavor, but it is advisable to remember that there must be no overloading. In regard to drinking, clean fresh water is an excellent beverage, and combined with fruit juices and milk it is the most desirable for the athlete. However, too much milk is not advised for the sprinter, because it is inclined to make him “logg,” or in other words a little heavy and ponderous. This section of the notes cannot be r concluded without comment on the foolr isli behavior of some athletes at our big meetings. At the luncheon interval of 3 full day meetings, some young men and ) ■women cat a hearty lunch, including > numerous cups of tea or a bottle of effer- ’ vescing drink. This is foolish. A couple of oranges is all that should pass the > lips during the progress of a sports ’ meeting. It seems ridiculous to fail to > observe this little restraint on the big > day, and upset all the preliminary work that has been, or should have been, : carried out.