TRAINING HINTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 137, 31 August 1927, Page 11

TRAINING HINTS

This is the second of a series of orticlcs specially written for THE SUN by Mr. C. H. Taylor , of Christchurch, former Australasian middle distance champion. Recognised as one of the great stylists of his day, Mr. Taylor’s views should prove not only interesting, buf instructive to athletes, especially the younger brigade. DIETING Dieting is very commonly misunderstood, and looked upon as one of the hardships of training. Three good meals a day are essential. Pastries should be cut out, and too many sweets, such as chocolates. avoided. An athlete in training may partake of any average meal, provided he can control his appetite by eating slowly, and with moderation, so that the digestive organs may not be overtaxed and the stomach overloaded. Wholemeal bread is to be recommended in place of white bread, and surely common sense will govern the selection of food and would prevent a man from, say, eating largely of a stodgy pudding a short hour before a try-out. Nothing is better than a drink of hot water first thing in the morning, but no drink should be taken at meal-times. All liquid should be taken at least half an hour before or after a meal. Actual race-days are the only occasions when an athlete should be particularly careful about his diet, because approaching competition always tends to upset the normal state of the stomach. It is a wise plan to standardise meals for race-days. The following irenu is suggested: Breakfast of two lightly - poached eggs and dry toast: a cup of tea or coffee half an hour later. Lunch, two or two and a-half hours before racing, of a lightly-grilled steak and dry toast or stale wholemeal bread.