Alex Hutchinson, a journalist specializing in endurance and fitness, discusses the fascinating evolution of human running. He explains how our ancestors’ hunting practices shaped our physiological traits, validating the theory that we were born to run. The conversation dives into the cultural and spiritual significance of running and features insights on why it remains important today. Hutchinson also shares practical tips for those struggling to enjoy running, emphasizing manageable steps to ease into this natural human activity.
Research indicates that humans evolved endurance running capabilities for persistence hunting, supported by recent studies countering longstanding criticisms.
Running has transformed from a survival necessity to a culturally significant activity, emphasizing social, spiritual, and health benefits in modern society.
Deep dives
The Evolutionary Background of Human Running
Running is deeply embedded in human evolution, with researchers increasingly acknowledging that our capacity for endurance may have developed from ancestral hunting practices. This theory suggests that early humans were not just capable of running for short bursts but were adapted for long-distance running, allowing them to exhaust prey like deer through persistence hunting. The physiological traits that enable humans to run well include efficient cooling systems through sweating, specialized muscle composition, and anatomical features like a long Achilles tendon that functions as an energy-storing spring. These adaptations highlight that our ancestors may have relied on running as a key survival strategy in a hunting context, making it a fundamental aspect of human nature.
Criticisms of Persistence Hunting Theory
Despite the compelling arguments for persistence hunting, this theory faced significant criticism regarding its energy efficiency and limited observation across cultures. Critics argue that running expends more calories compared to other hunting methods, making it an energetically costly way to gather food. Additionally, the scarcity of documented persistence hunts in various cultures raised questions about its significance in human evolution. Recent studies, however, counter these objections, suggesting that persistence hunting may not be as energy inefficient as previously thought; when factoring in various scenarios, it can yield a favorable return on investment in terms of calories consumed versus calories gained.
Cultural and Spiritual Aspects of Running
Running continues to hold a significant cultural and spiritual place in human societies, even beyond its original survival utility. Various cultures incorporate running into rituals, sports, and community activities, reinforcing its importance in social cohesion and personal well-being. Ethnographic studies reveal that running among indigenous peoples often transcends mere physical exertion, embodying a connection to nature and spiritual fulfillment. This transformation of running from a survival tactic to a meaningful ritual emphasizes that while we may be biologically adapted to run, the reasons we choose to run today are often rooted in social, spiritual, and health-related motivations.
Barriers to Enjoying Running and Ways to Overcome Them
Many people find running challenging due to psychological barriers and physical discomfort, leading to a reluctance to engage in the activity despite its benefits. It's crucial to note that even seasoned runners often experience struggles and do not find running easy. To make running more appealing, experts suggest starting with low expectations, such as committing to short, manageable distances, which can gradually build confidence and enjoyment. Additionally, establishing a routine and reducing barriers—like running before the day becomes hectic—can significantly enhance one’s ability to integrate running into their lifestyle, ultimately fostering a deeper appreciation for the activity.
For decades, some researchers have argued that the notable human capacity for endurance evolved from the hunting practices of our ancestors, which produced physiological adaptations that make us uniquely well suited for running.
But this theory has always had its detractors.
As my guest explains, a new study addresses these long-standing criticisms and adds evidence that, indeed, we were all born to run.
Alex Hutchinson is a journalist who covers the science of endurance and fitness, and today on the show, he explains what those criticisms were and how this new research counters them. We talk about the role running held amongst peoples of the past, how running is not only primal but cultural and even spiritual, and why we continue to run today, even though we’re not hunting for food. And we discuss how, even if we are born to run, that doesn’t mean everyone will always enjoy running all of the time, and how to get into running if you’re someone who doesn’t feel an innate desire for it.
