Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1909-03-11
MARATHON TRAINING.
George Draper Writes for Atlantic City
Paper OF Proper Methods.

physical director for the Atlantic City
Y. NJ. c. A, has an article in the At
lantic City Daily Press on How to
Train for the Marathon" The Press
is to conduct a Marathon on March Ii,
and Physical Director Draper hands
out some valuable advice on the prop
er training of it. He writes:
The old Greek athletic event holds
the interest of all the sporting pub
lie Of this country. The interest
dates back to the time an American
won the laurels in that historic race,
defeating the Greews on their own
soil. Since then American runners
have proven their metal in COMPETE
tion with athletes from all over the
globe.
The Severest Test.
This race is one of the severest tests
Of a mans physical condition that can
be had. It is not an event for the
pre- pubescent of the pubescent age.
To them it is a danger with almost
positive evil results It is for the
man who has completed his growth
and who has lived an active live. His
physical being must never have suf-
fered from abusive habits. His heart
must have accustomed itself to the
severe efforts of vigorous training.
The Marathon enthusiasm has
reached our city and now the oppor-
tunity of matching our skill and en-
durance with that Of famed men is at
hand, and no doubt many an ambitious
young man is wondering how he can
improve his physical condition, and
how he can place his body in that state
of perfection necessary to compete in
such an event and do himself and city
honors. II is the object OF this series
of articles to give such men helpful
hints and suggestions on training that
viii be OF great value in the coming
race.
It is not necessary to say that such
training should have extended through
a period Of months, whereas we have
but few days. Because of this no
one but he who is in perfect physical
condition can think Of competing.
And the advice given in this series is
directed to such only.
Fresh Air and Baths.
In the few days that are left, the
greatest regularity in habits must be
observed. The hour Of retiring should
be p. m. Plenty Of sleep should be
taken in a thoroughly ventilated room.
Open every window and put on enough
clothes to make the body comfortable.
Before dressing in the morning take
cold plunge in the tub, or use a shower
if at hand.
This bath should be brief and follow
ed by a brisk rub down with coarse
Turkish towel. The bath should be
taken in a warm room and should be
followed by a good reaction which can
be recognized through the reddening of
the skin. Dress in a warm room.
Breakfast follows and in one Of the
next papers a training diet will be
given:
About two hours after this meal is
the best time to take exercise. If it
cannot be taken at that time two
hours after the noon meal would be a
proper time. Make 1t a point to take
It at the same time every day.
Don't Begin Too Strong.
The first days exercise should not
be too strenuous. 1t should consist of
a series of runs varying in distance in
proportion to the training previously
taken. During the first lesson the
runner should give especial attention
to his form in running. He should
find the stride that he can maintain.
He should put his energy and his en-
durance in a balance. That Is, he
should not allow his energy to over
balance his endurance. If this Is done
at the end of the race he will lack that
power necessary to squirt. It Is better
to reserve a good bit of endurance for
the firish, and the E,an that can Judge
his powers and use them wisely and