Christopher McDougall: Are We Born To Run?

Why do humans run? Is running what humans are designed for? This is an interesting discussion on running by Christopher McDougall.He talks about how Derartu Tulu won the New York marathon at the age of 37 after a long break from running and even stopped to aid Paula Radcliffe in the process, and the Mexican tribe that run to live.The main topic is really about how running seems to be what humans are designed to do and that if more people ran, many health problems could be eliminated. Watch his talk below.

Humans Sweat This Makes Us Better Runners

One interesting factor is that humans are excelled sweaters. This makes us naturally excellent long distance runners as we can control core body temperature very well.
Also running in a pack is possibly a very natural way to run. When people run in a pack they naturally stick together, cooperate and encourage each other. Christopher McDougall uses this idea to explain why the Ethiopian runner Derartu Tulu stopped to help another runner in a competition race, a race that she was actually running as she desperately needed the cash prize.

Running Shoes Work Against Nature?

Running injuries are a new problem. Christopher McDougallbelievesthat barefoot running is the answer. He stronglybelievesthat if we can somehow restore running to everyones lives then many weight problems will be overcome. Christopher McDougall is a barefoot runner, and distance runner, and firmly believes that this is how humans should exercise.

Christopher McDougall Talk from TED.com (16 minutes)


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Joan Cusack on 'Mars Needs Moms,' Raising Kids and Her Famous Brother

Image
Filed under: Celeb News & Interviews Joan Cusack attends the Los Angeles premiere of "Mars Needs Moms." Credit: Jeff Kravitz, FilmMagic In Disney's new animated kids' movie " Mars Needs Moms ," Joan Cusack lends her voice to the character of Mom, a mother who is kidnapped by aliens and rescued by her previously unappreciative son. In real life, the actress beloved for her comedic turns in modern day classics such as " Broadcast News ," " Working Girl " and as the voice of Jessie the Cowgirl in the " Toy Story " movies, is mom to Dylan, 13, and Miles, 10. ParentDish recently caught up with Cusack, 48, to talk about her voice-over work, motherhood and growing up with that famous brother of hers. An edited version of the interview follows. ParentDish: Why do you think you do so many cartoon voices? Joan Cusack: Well, this one is a performance capture -- that's what they call it. It's not really a cartoon. It's not...
Keep reading

What's in a Chinese name?

Image
Ancient rites and growing business In a one-room shop tucked inside a Beijing alley, a bearded 74-year-old fortune-teller in crimson tunic offers what Chinese parents have sought for centuries: an auspicious name for their newborn. But business has been tough lately for Mao Shandong and others in his trade as tech-savvy entrepreneurs have turned the ancient naming tradition into a lucrative online business. "We can't make a living these days," lamented Mao. Chinese have for centuries believed that a well-chosen name can ensure a lifetime of good fortune. Unlike in English, where one draws from a lexicon of Josephs and Richards, a Chinese name can be created from any combination of two or three characters. And for many Chinese parents, making the right choice has become even more imperative as they seek to help their children stand out in the world's most populous country. "Parents care more and more about personal brand," said Zhang Ruxin, t...
Keep reading

Revealed in all its glittering glory: Elizabeth Taylor's 100m collection of gems, gowns and art

Image
Add to My Stories Share She was renowned for her impeccable taste in jewellery, and over her lifetime amassed a dazzling collection worth a staggering 20million. Many of the pieces were designed by Taylor herself, in partnership with her favoured jewellery, Cartier. Some were gifts from her seven husbands, some from wealthy admirer, and many of her gems have great historic value. One, La Peregrina pearl, is widely considered to be one of the most important pearls in the world. The pear-shaped piece dates from the 16th century, and once belonged to King Phillip II of Spain, and later to his daughters Elizabeth and Margaret. Taylor's first husband Richard Burton won it in an auction and gave it as a gift to Taylor, who worked with Cartier to have it hung on a diamond and ruby necklace. Elizabeth Taylor's lavish gem collection is to go on display tomorrow, including the Cartier ruby and diamond suite, given to her by third husband Mike Todd, pictured right The necklace w...
Keep reading