- Title in the original language: Why We Run: A Natural History
- Author: Bernd Heinrich
- Genre: Non-fiction, Sports
Annotation
Bernd Heinrich is a professor of biology who holds several U.S. records in marathon races, physiologist, specialist in thermoregulation and exercise. In his book, he reflects on running as a natural scientist, talks about his participation in a 100-kilometer race that launched his ultramarathon career, and draws parallels between humans and the animal kingdom.
Endurance, intelligence, and the will to win are the main motto of the runners at ultra-marathon distancesthat can lead to the highest achievements. "I argue that our ability and passion for running - are our ancient heritage, the skills of hardy predators. Although they may be disguised in the modern representative of our species, the human body is still ready to run and/or chase imaginary antelopes. We don't always see them in reality, but our imagination encourages us to look far beyond the horizon. The book serves as a reminder that the key to understanding our evolutionary adaptations - the ones that make us unique - lies in observing other animals and the lessons we learn from them" (Bernd Heinrich).
Impressions from the book
I recently finished reading another book about running. This time I came across a rather interesting book called Why We Run, or How to Catch Up with Your Antelope. A New Look at Human Evolution". The author is Bernd Heinrik, a professor, athlete, physiologist, etc. He draws parallels between humans and the animal kingdom, explaining, based on individual examples, how different species of animals have evolved to be able to cover long distances. And accordingly, he reveals the secret of what a modern person needs to do to awaken the hardy predator in himself, that is, to develop the ability to run long distances.
Key quotes:
Movement is life. Back then, I was moving because I wanted to get from one place to another. With the help of my legs. Other creatures behave the same way.
They burn fat and require a constant supply of oxygen to work to avoid the formation of lactic acid, which quickly causes fatigue.
As I passed the turnoff just 2-3 miles before the finish line, I was overwhelmed by one thought - an all-powerful, wonderful thought. This is going to be over soon.
Patton said: "If you want to win the battle, here's what you have to do. You have to make the mind control the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up."
Ось мій ключ до перемоги: ніколи не прискорюватися, ніколи не сповільнюватися, не зупинятися до фінішу. Найважливіше під час забігу – ніколи не втягуватися в чужу програму. О так, повірте в це.
“Менталітет бігуна” вимагає постійного, незворушного спокою, але і безтурботної невимушеності, незважаючи ні на що.
our ability and passion for running is our ancient heritage, preserving the skills of hardy predators
The sprint should be at the end, because only after the race is over will you be able to pay off your oxygen debt.
Movement is synonymous with life.
Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get as much out of it as you put in.
