06 July 2010

Running Better

I'm currently reading 'Born To Run' by Christopher McDougall; a book that tells the tale of an indigenous people living in the cliffside wilderness of Mexico, called the Tarahumara, otherwise known as the best runners in the world. They can run distances of over 100 miles continuously and in some of the most perilous terrain on earth, with nothing but a pair of sandals and a smile on their face. The book talks about famous ultradistance athletes who have competed against the Tarahumara people and investigates what is behind their success.

The conclusion is that they can run so far simply because they love to do so. It is an integral part of their social culture; it is both daily life and a daily joy for them. It reminds us that you don't need to have the most expensive footwear or running gear to be able to perform feats of massive physical endurance. You've just got to have the heart to do so. In fact, this book talks about the lack of scientific research behind the marketing of running shoes and that there is no evidence to show that they either improve performance or reduce injury. In fact, it argues that injuries have increased since the advent of cushioned shoes. It says that nature gave us all the equipment we need, that humans have been running for thousands of years to escape predators and to hunt prey. We are naturally equipped to do it and there is no better equipment than that which nature gave us.

"That was the real secret of the Tarahumara: they'd never forgotten what it felt like to love running."

In fact, there are a small number of scientists; paleontologists, anthropologists and sports coaches, who believe that running was a key factor in our evolutionary migration from other primates. We have a number of physical differences from the chimp, which are crucial to our ability to run; the Achilles tendon, arched feet, the ability to manipulate our breath, the nuchal ligament (a ligament in the neck that balances the head), the fact that we are naked and sweat in order to cool down rather than pant. These physiological differences mean that we can run for long amounts of time, where as most animals can only do it in short bursts. This book argues that early man used to hunt animals by isolating them from their pack and wearing them out by chasing them until they dropped. Admittedly, we are slow runners compared with other animals, but we're built for endurance, not speed.
 

It is yet another book that confirms how integral exercise is to our overall well-being and the joy that can be taken from it. It is a reminder about getting in touch with our physical selves again and how through exercise, such as running, we can cure some of the stresses and sicknesses of modern life. But it is a reminder of how natural it is to be active; a reminder that we were once animals that had to compete against others through acts not just of intelligence, but of agility and stamina. We have forgotten this fact and become fat, lazy and mentally ill because of our sloth.

I truly believe that in combination with the better parts of modern civilisation, a little backstep will help us lead more fulfilled lives. To some extent, we must embrace the inner animal. Before the advent of agriculture and industry and this thing we call modern life, humans were more inclined and more able to perform as athletes do today. How many people can run for 5 minutes, let alone 5 miles or 5 hours?

So why is it that not everybody likes running if we are so well equipped to do it. In 'Born to Run', it says "Humans are the only creature to have a mind-body conflict... while our bodies are built for performance, our brains are constantly looking for efficiencies." The point of work is to negate the existence of itself. I.e. we work so that we don't have to work so hard in future. Today, we can see examples of lives lived purely behind the screen of a television or computer. In fact, it's probably possible to spend your entire life without moving very much at all. You can work from home, get your food delivered to your home and socialise via the internet. We've invented technology that largely eradicates physical activity. But what we've failed to notice is that we need it. Our health relies upon it. Our mental health as much as our physical health.

"There's something so universal about that sensation, the way running unites our two most primal impulses: fear and pleasure. We run when we're scared, we run when we're ecstatic, we run away from our problems and run around for a good time."


I believe that we are misguided about exercise. It is not a burden, it's a joy, or at least it can be if you are in the right mindset. It naturally releases serotonin in your brain; your happy drug. If you feel unhappy, exercise can cure it. And you only have to look at the nature of the human animal to understand why. I believe that we need to take a step back towards mother nature in order to cure the modern malaise. By incorporating regular running, or any kind of physical activity, into our lives, we can be much happier, confident and balanced people. As children, every human being runs about, but is told to slow down. In the developed world, running no longer remains a part of our culture, a form of social bonding or a means of survival. As we get older, we're primed for a life in the office, behind a desk. We're told that running is a chore, something that's unenjoyable but something we should do. We've forgotten how to enjoy it.

"You will not find a 4-year-old on this planet who does not like to run. Why? Because they haven't been told it's a workout."

I ran the Race for Life on Sunday and have raised around £270 for it. I found the whole experience absolutely thrilling and despite not training regularly beforehand, I still managed to run the whole thing without stopping. I can't wait for my half-marathon. 'Born to Run' has really changed my outlook; I see running as a mental exercise as much as a physical one; to endure such distances, you have to enjoy every step, you have to be relaxed. I've come to enjoy the feeling of running; the rhythm of it, the power of it. Knowing that we are physically designed to run great distances really inspires me and I hope to push myself one day to completing a marathon and maybe even an ultra. And it was 'Born to Run' that gave me this attitude.

"You don't stop running because you get old, you get old because you stop running."


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