The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1883-05-10
Running as An Exercise.

Among the means which nature mas
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 o.
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 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 and practice.
Negroes and Indians in state of
nature run daily in pursuit Of game for
food with facility at which we are as
tonished, but they are not more hable
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 ref1ux of
blood, are uppermost, and the laws OF
gravitation assist in propeHing 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 t.
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. '.As soon as children
are expert in walking, turning and the
like," says the sagacious Frank, ''run
ming races under proper precautions Ii
an excellent exercise for them Th'
principal objects of this exercise are t.
strengthen the limbs, develop the lungs
exercise the will and promote the cir
culation of the blood.
Running was so highly esteemed b,
the old Greeks, that Homer observe,
that no man could acquire greater fam
than by being strong in his hands, fee
and limbs; Plato recommends running
not only to boys and girls, but to men
Seneca, who expresses strong disappro
baton of athletics, recommends runnin
to Lucilius for exercise. The followin
rules may be observed:
Running should only be practiced j
cool weather; as, for instance, in th
late fall, winter and early sprin
months.
The clothing should be light, the hea
bare and the neck uncovered. As 500
as the exercise is finished, warm clotf
ing should be put on and gentle exercis
continued for some time. 1t is not net
essary to have a race course. Th
teacher of a school may take his pupi
into the fields and find suitable groun
for them. Then his pupils may exercis
their bodies in other ways, acquil
strength, agility, health and the capa'
ity of continued exertion; the will
brought into play vigorously, which is
great aid in the battle of life.
Care must be taken not to overdo, an
thus, perhaps for life, weaken or injul
the heart. The race, at first, should
short and frequently repeated, rath,
than long, and full speed should not
, attempted for some time.
Running is well adapted to young ar
middle-aged persons, but not to tho
who are fat. Sedentary persons ms
find great benefit in it after the day
,, work is ended. If they live in cities,
,, quiet spot in the park may be selecte
and short trials adapted to the streng
,, entered into. Invalids may do the san
thing, only they must be more caref
,, than the robust never to over-exe
! themselves.
Girls may run as well as boys, an
while they cannot 60 so fast, they CT
run much more gracefully and beau
fully. Indeed, there can be few more 8
tractive sights than that of race b
tween beautiful girls from ten to twel
, years of age. In ancient Greece gi1
g were trained to run races as well
D boys, and to their superb physical cul
: Ire was in great part due the grande
| and beauty of Greek life during t
/ years of their ascendancy. The mode
n style of dress for girls is entirely u
: suited to running. Herald of Health.