Born to run?
For many an ability to run for even the shortest distances and not folding in a breathless heap on the side of the road is a fitness benchmark. For some running comes naturally while others shudder at the mere thought of a long distance run or a sprint. And yet whether you love it or hate it you will no doubt appreciate the idea of being a strong competent runner with all the health and aesthetic benefits it brings.
Why do we run?
One theory is that an ability to run is ingrained in us on a primitive level. A form of survival instinct that has evolved by necessity. The reflex actions of the “fight or flight” response called for an ability to make a quick getaway in times of danger while our need for sustenance may have led to the development of a quicker form of locomotion in order to track and kill whatever beasties our ancestors found most succulent. And we have been honing the skill ever since our primordial ancestors have developed the bipedal motion. The ability to run has long been singed into the genetic make up of our ancestors. You’d have thought that hundreds of thousands years of evolution would make it somewhat easier.
Natural born runner?
There are many theories as to why the human body evolved to run. Some theories complement each other, others stand on their own, none however explain why do we (some of us) persist to run as a form of pastime activity which often borders on self-flagellation. But we do it none the less; for enjoyment, fitness, to satisfy one’s competitive streak and when necessary, to make that all important dash for the bus.
A fit person doest not a good runner maketh!
A good runner is not simply someone who has developed their cardiovascular fitness to cope with high energy demands of prolonged muscle contractions. There is way more to it than meets the eye. And so this series of articles will outline the fundamentals of a good running technique to make it effortless and enjoyable. It will also cover the advanced training methods necessary to succeed in a competitive event such as a fun run, half/full marathon, triathlon etc. I hope you’ll enjoy reading this and wish you a successful and injury free training.
With healthy wishes,
Dmitri
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