Humans have evolved to be endurance athletes from "summary" of Born to Run by Christopher McDougall
In the beginning, humans were just like any other animal - vulnerable, slow, and not particularly strong. But over time, we evolved. We learned to run, not as a means of hunting or escaping danger, but simply for the joy of it. Running became ingrained in our DNA, shaping us into the ultimate endurance athletes. This transformation didn't happen overnight; it was a gradual process that took place over millions of years of evolution. Our bodies adapted to long-distance running in remarkable ways. Our ability to sweat profusely allowed us to cool off efficiently, while our springy tendons and elastic ligaments acted as natural shock absorbers, reducing the strain on our joints. Our muscles were designed to endure prolonged exertion, utilizing a combination of slow-twitch fibers for endurance and fast-twitch fibers for speed when needed. Even our ability to store and utilize energy efficiently set us apart from other animals. As we continued to run, our bodies became finely tuned machines, capable of covering vast distances without tiring. We developed an incredible aerobic capacity, allowing us to extract oxygen from the air and deliver it to our muscles with unprecedented efficiency. Our lungs expanded, our hearts grew stronger, and our blood vessels multiplied, forming a network that could sustain us for hours on end. But running wasn't just about physical prowess. It also played a crucial role in our social evolution. Running together bonded us as a tribe, fostering cooperation and communication. It allowed us to chase down prey over long distances, outlasting them through sheer persistence. It made us who we are today - a species that thrives on endurance, both physically and mentally. In a world dominated by technology and convenience, the art of running has been largely forgotten. But deep down, in the core of our being, we are still the same endurance athletes that our ancestors were. It's in our DNA, waiting to be awakened once again. So lace up your shoes, hit the trails, and rediscover the joy of running - it's what we were born to do.
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