Are humans the good runners on the planet ? If you ’re reckon at speed , we miss in comparability to plenty of animals , include the ostrich – which can run 50 mph . But when it hail to sticking with a running for survival , we kind of rock . In fact , theoldest form of huntingwas just us mankind run down our target until they literally collapsed , and while they were profligate , we were more determined and ruthlessly unbendable , so when they laid down to die , we were just getting get going ! So lace up those sneaker and do what you were born to do , because you ’re human , and you ’ve been deal a winning hand in the working department . Find out how we we were built for it in more ways than one .
1. We get sweaty
Sure , it ’s a drag to be wiping dripping sweat off your forehead , under your arm , behind your kneecaps . But venture what ? sudation is the human body ’s brilliant method of quickly shedding heat . With swither secretor all over our bodies , we can cool our trunk down before any danger of overheating boot in . Also , away from that one cat you see who could use a trip to the body wax salon , our general lack of consistence hair makes it a slew easier to cool off . Take that , Leo the Lion .
2. We have big butts
And we can not lie ( sorry , could n’t help it ) . Take a look at the runners in animal kingdom and you wo n’t see too many copious buns . Too bad for them , because our booty , specifically our gluteus maximus muscle , are uniquely regulate to aid in incite the body forward while running . require further proof ? Even offset with prosthetic limbs can go the aloofness because of gluteal strength .
3. We’re genetically programmed to run
Most scientists ( let in Harvard anthropologist Daniel Lieberman , who publish an oft - quote cogitation in 2007 ) consider that our ascendant were daylight hunters and magpie . In other word , those guys had to get to the animal faster than any other hunter , or else there would be no food for thought for dinner party . What ’s the inter-group communication between those one-time cat and you ? Um , have you pick up of Darwin ?
4. We are curious
Just cogitate , modern humans move from Africa to Asia around 75,000 years ago . From there , to South Asia , 50,000 years ago , to Australia 46,000 years ago , and Europe 43,000 years ago . That ’s some major itchy feet . We run because we are movers and we always want to see the next trail , the next vista , the next continent , and the next world . If we were n’t good at getting space , we ’d have been stick .
5. We’ve got two arms and two legs
We may not have four legs like some super speedy animals , but our legs have great joints and large tendons . Plus our big toe are especially peachy at propelling us forward . And unless we ’re on one of those sottish races through the wine region in France , our weapons system and erect head will help us maintain stability and balance .
6. We’re smart
Most animate being function because , well , that ’s what they do for sport , or they do it to eat , or to get away from that thing attempt to eat them . But do they believe about their gait ? Do they think what would be a more efficient way move their pegleg , or hold their heads ? Do they habituate their minds to motivate themselves ? Most unquestionably not . Then again , they are smart enough not to blast out $ 100 for a trainer every time of day to make us smarter about our running variety .
7. We look damn good
Have you seen an ostrich ladder ? Sure , they ’re quicker than anything else on two legs , but allow ’s be honest , they seem passably silly .
8. We’re not in it alone
When an animal gets hackneyed , it simply lies down . When we get old-hat on land mile 19 of that marathon , there ’s a volunteer with a big smile ready to hand us some electrolyte and a banana tree . And even on your urban center park eyelet or mountain trail , all it occupy is a quick glance over to another runner to get that nod of inspiration you necessitate to keep go . We may not rove in plurality any longer , but we sure know how to get inspiration from our fellow runner .
Courtney Wirth/Thrillist
Courtney Wirth/Thrillist
Courtney Wirth/Thrillist