The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1883-05-03
Running as an Exercise.

Among the means which nature has
bestowed on animals in general for
the preservation and enjoyment Of
life, running, says Mercurialis, is the
most important. Since, then, it is
pointed out to us by nature, it must
be in high degree innocent. It is
very singular that we should apparent
ly do all we can-which, fortunately,
is not much-to make our children
unlearn the art Of running. Our ear
liest physical treatment of them seems
calculated to destroy their aptitude
for it; in little time, it is too often
the case that the city boy scarcely
dares look as if he wished to run, we
prohibit it so strongly as ulgar, and
when he is more grown up gentility
steps in and prohibits it altogether.
Medical prejudices and our own con-
venience contribute likewise their
share, and never allow our children,
boys and girls, to acquire an art inno-
cent Of itself and necessary to all. It
is possible that person may get in
jury from running, but the fault is
not in the exercise, but in the person
who runs without having had proper
training and practice.
Negroes and Indians in a state of
nature run daily in pursuit of game
for food with a facility at which we
are astonished, but they are not more
liable to consumption on this account
than those beasts that are 80 famed
for swiftness. The body Of no animal
seems better adapted to running than
mans. The nobler parts, which might
be injured by an immoderate refux of
blood, are uppermost, and the laws of
gravitation assist in propelling the
runner forward. He has little to do
but to strengthen his limbs by prac-
tice and concentrate his mind on the
effort, and there is nothing severe in
this, as experience has shown. In
deed, running may be made very bene-
fetal to the lungs, and perhaps there
is nothing better calculated to
strengthen these organs, in those who
are shortwinded, than gradual, careful
training in this almost lost art. ''As
soon as children are expert in walking,
turning, and the like" says the saga
cious Frank, running races under
proper precautions is an excellent ex-
ercise for them The principal OBJ
jects Of this exercise are to strengthen
the limbs, develop the lungs, exercise
the will, and promote the circulation
of the blood.
Running was so highly esteemed by
the old Greeks, that Homer observed
that no man could acquire greater
fame than by being strong in his
hands, feet, and limbs; Plato recon-
mends running, not only to boys and
girls, but to men; Seneca, who ex-
presses strong disapprobation of ath-
letics, recommends running to Lucilius
for exercise. The following rules
may be observed:
Running should only be practiced
in cool weather; as, for instance, in
the late fall, winter, and early spring
months.
The clothing should be light, the
head bare, and the neck uncovered.
As soon as the exercise is finished,
warm clothing should be put on and
gentle exercise continued for some
JlIllG. LII Is uUG ucCtSSdIy W nave d
race course. The teacher of school
may take his pupils into the fields and
find suitable ground for them. Then
his pupils may exercise their bodies in
other ways, acquire strength, agility,
health, and the capacity of continued
exertion; the will is brought into play
vigorously, which is a great aid in the
battle of life.
Care must be taken not to overdo,
and thus, perhaps for life, weaken or
injure the heart. The race, at first,
should be short and frequently re-
peated, rather than long, and full
speed should not be attempted for
some time.
Running is we'll adapted to young
and middle aged persons, but not to
those who are fat. Sedentary per-
sons may find great benefit in it after
the days work is ended. Ii they live
in cities, quiet spot in the park may
be selected, and short trials adapted
to the strength entered into. Invalids
may do the same thing, only they
must be more careful than the robust
never to over-exert themselves.
Girls may run as well as boys, and,