Our anatomy

If you ever felt your body was not suited to running, and this often happens after we complete our third mile; then you couldn’t be more wrong. The human body is in fact a perfectly designed ‘running machine’. All our parts complement each other really well and our muscles, tendons and ligaments are designed to get us moving.

Let’s start at the top. A well proportioned head makes it easier for us to run carrying the weight on our shoulders so to speak.

Our vertebrae are structured to help balance our arms and shoulders during running. Shorter forearms make it easier for us to flex our muscles and keep them close to our bodies, hence creating a smoother air flow.

The length and structure of our bodies makes it easier for us to cool down during running.

We have a strong connection between our pelvis and spine which allows for greater shock absorption. Very important when running on rough and uneven terrain.

Our buttocks have huge muscle mass, critical for helping maintain balance when running. A runner will usually lean forward as he pushes onwards. Without this ‘balancer’ so to speak, he would be apt to fall flat on his face.

Longer legs let humans take larger strides with less energy expended.

And finally, the bones in the human foot are arranged is such a way to allow a runner to push off and keep the pace, using the bottom of his feet as springs.

So no more excuses. Lace up those shoes and happy running!

Image source: www.zudfunck.com

Why do we run?

The conventional theory has always been that running is a by-product of walking. We walk, therefore we can run. However, recently, more and more researchers are leaning towards the theory that running is in fact been a key to shaping the human body form. It was the ability to run, not walk that has led the human body to evolve into its present day form and structure. If we could not run, our bodies would still be shaped like the present day apes. Fantasy?

According to researchers Bramble and Lieberman, who examined 26 traits of the human body, only some of them were required for walking. Running however needed a lot more of the available traits, including leg and foot tendons and ligaments.

"All these anatomical features make humans surprisingly good runners. Over long distances, we can outrun our dogs and give many horses a good race," says Daniel Lieberman, a runner, dog owner, and professor of anthropology at Harvard's Peabody Museum.

Why then did we start running? Were we fleeing for predators or being the predators? Would our running ability help us get away from bigger, hungrier, stronger animals, or did we use our cunning to achieve that? If so, was our running used to help us catch faster but less intelligent creatures? That is another possibility that is being explored, along with the idea that humans were scavengers and needed to get to, eat, and get away from the carcass before the larger animals arrived.

Whatever the reason, today, running has become not only a sport for the strong and capable, but a challenge for those who wish to achieve higher stamina and fitness levels. It’s also an excellent means to let off some stream, build a more lean and toned body, and enjoy the outdoors as nature intended (unless you prefer to work-out in a gym).

It doesn’t matter at what fitness level you currently are. Running can be enjoyed by all. So, buy a pair of shoes, grab a bottle of water and happy running!

Why this blog?

Hi,

I've just come back from a run on a 'freeze your bollocks' kind of day. In this instance, it was my nose and ears that suffered. But it was an exhilarating moment. I finally managed to run the distance I was looking at, without stopping! And hence the birth of this blog. In it, I plan to share and learn about the many different techniques to increase your running stamina and speed. Hope you'll who visit will also share.

Happy running!