The Art of Manliness

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You Were Born to Run

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Sep 11, 2024

Guest

Alex Hutchinson

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.

40:05

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Episode notes

insights

INSIGHT

Unique Human Running Motivation

Humans run for fun, even without being chased or chasing.
This differs from most animals, who primarily run for survival.

insights

INSIGHT

Human Adaptations for Running

Humans have unique adaptations for running, like sweating for efficient cooling.
Our bipedalism allows for independent breathing and long, springy Achilles tendons.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Man vs. Horse Marathon

There are man versus horse marathons, notably one in Wales with a unique prize structure.
Alex's former training partner won a substantial sum after 25 years of horse victories.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

The Evolution of Human Running

02:14 • 12min

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Unraveling Persistence Hunting

13:49 • 6min

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The Enduring Drive to Run

19:23 • 6min

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Cultural Significance of Running

25:50 • 14min

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Starting to Run: Overcoming Inertia

39:42 • 3min

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Transforming Fitness Habits Without Pressure

43:04 • 3min

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#5151

• Mentioned in 5 episodes

To the Limit

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.

#184

• Mentioned in 68 episodes

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.

• Mentioned in 773 episodes

Atomic Habits

James Clear

Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a practical and scientifically-backed guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones. The book introduces the Four Laws of Behavior Change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. It also emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes (atomic habits) that compound over time to produce significant results. Clear discusses techniques such as habit stacking, optimizing the environment to support desired habits, and focusing on continuous improvement rather than goal fixation. The book is filled with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and stories from various fields, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their habits and achieve personal growth.

#16292

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Indian running

Peter Nabokov

Peter Nabokov's book, 'Indian Running: Native American History and Tradition', chronicles the 1980 Tricentennial Run, a 375-mile relay race celebrating the Pueblo Indian Revolt. It explores various aspects of Native American running, including its role in communication, hunting, and spiritual practices. The book highlights the impressive endurance and cultural significance of running in Native American communities.

#54832

The hunting hypothesis

Robert Ardrey

In 'The Hunting Hypothesis', Robert Ardrey examines the role of hunting in human evolution, arguing that this behavior shaped many of our inherited traits. The book discusses how these evolutionary influences continue to affect modern human behavior and society. It also touches on broader themes such as climate change and its potential impacts on human existence.

#39365

Why We Run

Bernd Heinrich

Bernd Heinrich's "Why We Run" explores the evolutionary and biological underpinnings of human running. Heinrich examines the physiological adaptations that make humans uniquely suited for long-distance running, and he delves into the cultural and spiritual aspects of running across different societies. The book challenges the notion that running is solely a modern phenomenon, highlighting its deep roots in human history. Heinrich's work combines scientific analysis with personal reflections on the experience of running. He argues that running is not merely a physical activity but a fundamental aspect of the human experience.

#32225

Running Throughout Time

Roger Robinson

Roger Robinson's 'Running Throughout Time' is a masterful narrative that explores the history of running, from its origins as a necessity to its current status as a global sport. The book delves into iconic stories such as the first Olympic marathon, the sub-four-minute mile, and the struggles faced by women in distance running. It is a landmark in the history of women's running and offers a rich historical context for runners of all levels.

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.

Resources Related to the Podcast

Alex’s previous appearances on the AoM podcast:
- Episode #382: How to Lift More, Run Faster, and Endure Longer
- Episode #538: Research-Backed Answers to All Your Fitness FAQs
“Why You (Yes, You) Were Born to Run” by Alex Hutchinson
“Ethnography and Ethnohistory Support the Efficiency of Hunting Through Endurance Running in Humans”
Indian Running: Native American History and Tradition by Peter Nabokov
The Hunting Hypothesis by Robert Ardrey
“The Energetic Paradox of Human Running and Hominid Evolution” — 1984 paper by David Carrier
Why We Run by Bernd Heinrich
AoM Podcast #691: What You Can (Really) Learn About Exercise from Your Human Ancestors With Daniel Lieberman
Born to Run by Christopher McDougall
“Reexamining the Mythology of the Tarahumara Runners” by Alex Hutchinson
To the Limit: The Meaning of Endurance from Mexico to the Himalayas by Michael Crawley

Connect With Alex Hutchinson

Alex’s website
Alex at Outside

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