The Art of Manliness cover image

You Were Born to Run

The Art of Manliness

00:00

Harnessing Energy: The Human Advantage in Running

Human anatomy is exquisitely fine-tuned for running, featuring subtle yet vital morphological adaptations. Key elements include a unique Achilles tendon that acts as an energy-storing spring, facilitating an estimated 50% energy return with each step taken. This efficient energy conservation allows humans to 'bounce' while running, demonstrating an evolutionary advantage in endurance. Additionally, humans benefit from mechanisms for cooling and enhanced respiratory efficiency, further optimizing performance. While official comparative races between humans and animals are rare, events like man versus horse races showcase the longstanding interest in testing human running capabilities against other species, reflecting humanity's remarkable adaptability for distance running.

Transcript
Play full episode

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app