

Tribal Runners, Weekend Warriors, and Our Changing Relationship to Endurance Sports
41 snips Nov 20, 2024
Michael Crawley, a competitive runner and social anthropologist, explores our evolving relationship with endurance sports. The discussion highlights how Western athletes have 'workified' running through technology and social media. Crawley contrasts this with East African collectivism and the spiritual running traditions of the Rarámuri people. He emphasizes the communal aspects of running, pushing back against individualistic metrics and encouraging a more meaningful, holistic approach to physical activities. It's a fascinating look at the cultural dimensions of endurance.
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Workification of Running
- Westerners “workify” running by quantifying metrics and chasing personal records.
- This reflects broader cultural values of productivity and achievement.
Rise of Pedestrianism
- In the early 1900s, competitive walking was popular, drawing huge crowds.
- Historians believe this reflected anxieties about automation and the rise of motor cars.
Social Media's Influence
- Social media amplifies messages of individual achievement and quick fixes in endurance sports.
- This contrasts with the long-term patience and cumulative effort actually required.