The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1883-05-12
Running as An Exercise.

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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 1t is very singular
that we should apparently do all we
can-which, fortunately, is not much
to make our children unlearn the art of
running. Our earliest physical treat
ment of them seems calculated to de-
stroy 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 vulgar and when he is more grown
up gentility steps in and prohibits it
altogether. Medical prejudices and
our own convenience contribute like
wise their share, and never allow our
children, boys and girls, to acquire an
art innocent of itself and necessary to
all. 1t is possible that a person may
get injury from running, but the fault
is not in the exercise, but in the person
who runs without having had proper
| training ana pfactlce.
Negroes and Indians in state of
nature run daily in pursuit of game for
food with a facility at which we are as
tonished, but they are not more liable
to consumption on this account than
those beasts that are so 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 reflux 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 practice
| and concentrate his mind on the effort,
and there is nothing severe in this, as
experience has shown. Indeed, run
ming may be made very beneficial to
the lungs, and perhaps there is nothing
better calculated to strengthen these
organs, in those who are short-winded,
than gradual, careful training in this
| almost lost art GAS soon as children
| are expert in walking, turning and the
! like" says the sagacious Frank, run
ming races under proper precautions is
an excellent exercise for them" The
principal objects of this exercise are to
strengthen the limbs, develop the lungs,
exercise the will and promote the cir
culation 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 recommends running.
not only to boys and girls, but to men;
Seneca, who expresses strong disappro-
baton of athletics, 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 cloth
ing should be put on and gentle exercise
continued for some time. 1t is not nee
essary to have 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 capac-
ity 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 repeated, rather
than long, and full speed should not be
attempted for some time.
Running is well adapted to young and
middle-aged persons, but not to those
who are fat. Sedentary persons may
find great benefit in it after the days
work is ended. If they live in cities, a
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,
while they cannot go so fast, they car
run much more gracefully and beauti
fully. Indeed, there can be few more at.
tractive sights than that of race be.
tween beautiful girls from ten to twelve
years of age. In ancient Greece girls
were trained to run races as well a.
boys, and to their superb physical cult.
ure was in great part due the grandeur
and beauty of Greek life during the
years OF their ascendancy. The modern
style of dress for girls is entirely un
, suited to running Herald of Health.