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Running’s Historic Roots
Running is nothing new. The ancient Greeks had foot races at least as early as 776 B.C.,
the year of the first Olympics. The famous runner Phidippides, in 490 B.C., covered 300
miles in four days to solicit help from neighboring Sparta against the imminent invasion
of Athens. To this day, the Tarahumara Indians of northwestern Mexico compete in foot
races and cover 150–200 miles a day—kicking a ball along the way. Running as a
sport has existed for centuries, from informal tests of ego and will, to high school track
meets, to the Olympic Games, but only recently have people from all walks of life taken to
the roads en masse.
Running Today
The reasons for running are diverse: to lose weight, become fit, feel good, reduce stress,
compete, or share the experience with others. It may also have something to do with the
advanced state of technology. Most work formerly done by hand is now done by machines.
While our ancestors led physically active lives, we now find ourselves in a largely
sedentary economy.
In increasing numbers, people are seeking to regain the health, fitness and leanness
that were once natural to our physically active predecessors. A new spirit seems to have
arisen. Perhaps when a society attains a high level of industrial and technological
efficiency, those people who have long neglected their physical nature react and begin
seeking ways to re-establish harmony between body, mind and spirit.
Every beginning is precarious. There you are, perched on the edge of starting something
entirely new, yet there are distractions, even criticisms, that cause detours and dead
ends. Each time you go out for a run you encounter a new
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Running Benefits |
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Burns calories/ reduces body fat |
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Strengthens cardiovascular system |
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Inexpensive: minimal equipment needed |
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Convenient: do it anywhere |
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side of yourself—one that
must somehow be integrated into your daily life.
The Beginner Becomes a Jogger
If you’re lucky enough to make new friends who share similar fitness goals,
you’ll probably find refuge in the “fit” world while you gain your
“running security.” Social reinforcement makes it easier to establish the
fitness habit. One good approach is to find a group that meets regularly. Or you can make
a pact with a friend who drags you out on bad days and vice versa. Races and fun runs are
great opportunities to meet people.
As you make progress you find within yourself the strength and security to keep going. At
first you’re “just visiting” that special world when you go out for a run.
But gradually you begin to change. You get used to the positive relaxed feeling. Your body
starts cleaning itself up, establishing muscle tone, circulating blood and oxygen more
vigorously. One day you find you’re addicted, and the beginner becomes a
jogger.
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