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.
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].
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[2][4][5].
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.
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.
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.
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.
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