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.
51:00
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Workification of Running
Westerners “workify” running by quantifying metrics and chasing personal records.
This reflects broader cultural values of productivity and achievement.
question_answer ANECDOTE
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.
insights INSIGHT
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.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
The Meaning of Endurance from Mexico to the Himalayas
Michael Crawley
In 'To the Limit', Michael Crawley delves into the meaning of endurance by recounting his own journeys and challenges. The book covers a range of experiences, from running the length of the Lake District in a day to navigating other demanding terrains. It highlights the joy of collective movement and the deeper significance of pushing human limits.
Born to Run
Cathy Freeman
This book recounts Cathy Freeman's journey from a little girl who loved to run to a world champion athlete. It includes her experiences growing up in a loving family, her relationship with her severely disabled sister who inspired her, and her rise to the top in athletics. The book also touches on the challenges she faced, including racism and personal losses, and how she overcame them through hard work, self-belief, and the support of her family. The narrative is honest and simple, making it relatable to young readers. The book is accompanied by black and white photos, some of which are family shots, adding a personal touch to the story[2][4].
Endurance activities, like distance running, have existed since ancient times. But humans' relationship to those pursuits has changed, according to time and place. In the West, we've currently turned endurance sports into a science — tracking every metric and chasing personal records through sophisticated technology and personalized training plans. But as my guest, who's spent years studying the running cultures in different societies, knows well, this modern, individualized, data-driven approach isn't the only way to pursue the art of endurance.
Michael Crawley is a competitive runner, social anthropologist, and the author of To the Limit. On the show today, we first examine how Western athletes have "workified" running through technology and social media. We then look at how other cultures approach running differently, including why East African runners emphasize group training over individual goals and how the Rarámuri people of Mexico incorporate spiritual dimensions into their running. We end our conversation with how we might rediscover more meaningful, holistic ways to approach our own physical pastimes.
The Art of Manliness 
