Run news for June 13 2024

Why we were born to run

The theory that human endurance evolved out of our need to outrun prey has intrigued runners for decades. The idea of persistence hunting explains our pathological obsession with running. According to the original endurance hunting theory laid out in a 1984 paper by David Carrier, modern runners are expressing the essential spirit of our species.

One of the concepts main points of push back in the scientific community has been that running burns calories, which is problematic if you’re depending on as few calories as possible to survive.

There’s no doubt that running burns more calories than walking over the same distance so if you’re tracking an antelope, wouldn’t it make more sense to be patient and stick to walking along its trail? Surprisingly, the faster you go, the more rewarding the hunt is. Faster speeds burn more calories per unit time but take less time to catch the animal so the time savings outweigh the extra cost of running.

The upshot is that persistence hunting was likely a widespread human activity that shaped our evolution. In other words, yes, we were born to run.

Shoe brands compete for Parker Valby

For shoe brands, the biggest prize in NCAA distance running this year is Parker Valby of the University of Florida. The 21 year old Valby has been dominant in college, winning national titles by large margins and breaking collegiate records. In June 2023, Valby signed a name-image-likeness (NIL) deal with Nike, but NIL deals end when the athlete leaves college and turns pro.

Pooping makes you a better runner

Th pre-race dash to the washroom is a tradition for many, but does the bathroom trip improve cognitive function during the race? It turns out that having a bowel movement before a race helps participants make significantly better decisions on the course.

If you want to perform better, drop a deuce before your next race. The recommendation is to evacuate your bowels about 60 to 90 minutes before the start for maximum effect. The findings extrapolate to any endeavor that involves a component of brain capacity—if you want to be better at it, poop first.

CrossFit launches society to push for fitness as healthcare

CrossFit’s push comes as the fitness industry continues to fight for a world where physical activity is treated as an essential part of healthcare and disease prevention. CrossFit has launched a membership-based medical society designed to educate healthcare professionals on the effectiveness of the CrossFit fitness regimen and create opportunities for affiliates to become “health homes” for members.

The vision for CrossFit’s new society is to become a true health home by putting lifestyle and education at the forefront of patient care. In this way, a a model for Healthcare 3.0 is built that addresses chronic diseases and promotes improved health outcomes.

Alo to launch VR yoga, pilates & meditation

Alo’s new app allows users to interact with 3D versions of popular fitness coaches with classes including yoga, Pilates, and meditation.

During classes on the app, participants can “walk” around the studio to see instructors from all angles and feel immersed in the environment. Classes take place in supernatural settings, like ocean waters and mountain settings.

The visuals will include 3D instructors who can be moved around the space to easily visualize and reference poses or movements. Classes range from 5 to 25 minutes. The digital fitness app is set to launch later this year.

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