Why We Were Born To Run

More than most other species, humans are perfectly adapted to endurance running. We may not be the fastest or strongest, but our ability to endure meant our early ancestors could survive and thrive, and modern-day humans can rightfully claim we are all meant to run. Prof. Ross Tucker and sports journalist Mike Finch, who has been the editor of Runner's World SA for 26 years, discuss the amazing adaptations that humans have developed for running, why running may be the most natural sport for you to do, how to train from couch to 5km safely and effectively, the role of shoe tech and why the world seems to be on a running high right now.

Show notes

• The original Lieberman paper, Running and the Evolution of Homo
• That paper was challenged, not for what, but why. Here's one example
• The BBC video of a bushman hunting down a kudu
• In time, evidence emerged to support Lieberman's argument, showing persistence hunting in over 200 geographical locations
• How many injuries? A systematic review and meta-analysis on injury rates in runners
• A systematic review on risk factors for injury during running
• One of the more robust research studies looking at pronation and injury risk
• Subsequent analysis of that paper offered more support for motion control shoes in specific populations
• The plot thickens: Another well-conducted study finds that pronation does not increase injury risk in novice runners

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