SMILE!

Do you ever wonder how you are doing everything right as a runner yet still getting injured? This is the question of the decade and yet has to be answered. Luckily, you have me! I came across one of the best books (every runner should read) a few months ago, and it taught me some critical concepts about the problem of running and injuries.

“Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall addresses the issue of running-related injuries as Chris himself experienced injuries to his ankles, hamstrings, and feet from running. His foot injury was so bad that the doctors had told him he would never run again! Research shows that at least 65 to 80 percent of runners yearly suffer an injury, and this rate is only increasing. Doctors also believe that running can be detrimental to the knees, and this belief has caused many to avoid running altogether. Chris was not going to settle for that conclusion, so he researched why runners get injuries in the first place.

His research brought him to the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico. In his book “Born to Run” Chris highlights the story of a this tribe whose members are avid runners who run for miles and enjoy every minute of it. The Tarahumara tribe, called “Raramuri,” translates into Running People. They started running for survival, and would you believe it if I told you that they could run 300 miles in one running session with fewer injuries than runners face everywhere?

Firstly, let’s talk about a few running myths this book proves to be incorrect. I have heard many people say they can only run short distances. This book confirms that this is a false narrative! It is a known fact that humans are incredible (just kidding), but to your surprise, we are naturally made to run long distances. We could even outrun animals! Animals can outrun us in terms of speed, but our endurance is something they cannot compete with! There are a few reasons for this. One of the reasons for this is our ability to sweat, which helps regulate temperature. Other mammals cannot release heat through sweat but instead rely on their breathing, causing them to stop periodically.

Another myth this book proves to be incorrect is that running shoes prevent injuries. Chris was surprised to find that the people of the Tarahumara tribe ran barefoot. The foot has a way of being naturally aligned, which helps with running form in general. In running, the foot rolls inward (pronation), a shock absorber for the lower leg. However, studies have credited the cause of a runner’s knee to the pronation of the foot. What helps runners avoid injuries is the same thing now seen as the fundamental cause: increasing the trend of shoes that help prevent pronation. Wearing a shoe causes one to go against the natural alignment of their foot and also decreases the strength of the foot.

Furthermore, wearing a shoe adds more pressure on the other muscles and joints, which can result in injury. Running shoes also directly impact your running form. The cushion prevents a runner from feeling the impact of the run on their foot. This may cause a poor adaptation of running gait, defined as the cycle a leg travels through during one step when running.

Lastly, the most crucial part of running is form and pacing. Studies show that moving faster with shorter strides is the key to long-distance running. Pacing yourself during a run is very crucial to a successful run. Research shows running below the aerobic threshold or where you start to breathe heavily is critical. This allows you to use your stored fats rather than the limited sugar storage.

“Born to Run” is a great book every runner should read. It provides valuable insights into the problem of running and injuries, debunking many running myths and providing practical solutions for injury-free running. Christopher McDougall’s research on the Tarahumara tribe and their unique running abilities is inspiring. By reading this book, you will learn how to improve your running form and pacing and avoid common injuries associated with running.