THE GREAT RUN
In the day we sweat it out on the streets
Of a runaway American dream
At night we ride through the mansions of glory
In suicide machines
The concept of running seems to be introduced to us on the day we were born. Kicking our hands and legs for the warm-up, that first speed crawl, and finally standing up on our feet; nature had its plans. Some managed to pull up a great show through marketing techniques but this is about how the few made running their lives.
Being active every day makes it easier to hear that inner voice
Humans, they say, have a body designed to run. This body can take bigger steps and defeat a horse in a 50-mile race. Humans are efficient in managing their run with their breaths. The sweats ensure the body cools down after the great run. Also, if the humans listen carefully, they get signals helping to decide when to stop. It is a different thing that the voice of speed kind of conquers the voice of such signals.
The running shoes
Daniel Lieberman, professor of human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University says:
Our Feet were made for running. Humans have engaged in endurance running for millions of years, but the modern running shoe was not invented until the 1960s. For most of human history, runners have been barefoot or wore minimal footwear such as sandals or moccasins with smaller heels and little cushioning.
Running barefoot forces you to land on your forefoot and mid-foot instead of your heel, as you do in the longer strides you take in constructed footwear. The result is more efficient transfer of energy; reduced impact on the joints in your feet, ankles, and knees; and strengthening of the muscles in your feet.
Running with emotions
Running when attacked is a universal thing. It is our basic instinct to run if we are attacked by things or animals. Emotional attacks display our fears and this is the marathon a lot of us fail to recognise. Running away from emotional attacks gives a space of denial which helps in understanding the attack. After understanding and dealing with this attack, life sets us to run on a different track so that we don’t stop running.
Running as a way of life
We may know them as the Tarahumara tribe, but their real name is Raramuri-the running people. This tribe had a champion who once ran for 435 miles and some who ran back-to-back 12 marathons. All without which we would term the basic accessories required — the running shoes! Not only did they live well physically, but they also faced fewer social problems like burglary, corruption, and carbon emissions. Wondering if we are still ready to embrace this kind of life.
The running examples
You are in danger of living a life so comfortable and soft, that you will die without ever realising your true potential.
Haruki Murakami in his book “What I talk about when I talk about running” gives full credit to his habit of running inspiring him to be a writer. The wavering thoughts push him physically and mentally. Had he not been a runner, he says, he would not be a writer too.
Scott Jurek, an American ultra-runner, embraced his fears of running by understanding it all. He mentions that once one understands it and knows it so well, there remains nothing to be afraid of. Sounds like a lengthy process but all worthy of it!
Not running away from running is the solution
In the rat race of office hustle where we keep running, an easy start by grabbing those shoes surely will go a long way. After a while, what becomes important is running- not the roads, not the traffic, not the distance. After all, kicking those legs and hands as a child deserves some action as well.
Book recommendations/Books referenced for this discussion
- Born to Run by Christopher Mcdougall
- Breathe by James Nestor
- What I talk about when I talk about running by Haruki Murakami
- Can’t hurt me by David Goggins
