Evolved to Run

Recently, I had occasion to read the best-seller Born to Run.  I decided I needed to read the book when an acquaintance began describing the contents.  He talked about events I was a part of, since I've run with the Raramuri (Tarahumara) Indians in the Leadville 100 mile run.  While the book was a mixed bag, it makes some good points that are relevant to our current situation and our future.

Shortly after I acquired the book, I learned Micah True, one of principal figures in the account, was scheduled to give a talk at a local running shop.  I attended and enjoyed the evening.  From what I heard, running has declined amongst the Raramuri as roads and vehicular transport has penetrated to their villages.  The Raramuri have a history of putting on races that pit village against village.  Top runners are higher-status members of society.  Yet even so, easier modes of transport stop the running.

Likewise for our society.  Despite all the evidence that high levels of activity and exercise have enormous physical and mental benefits, most people will take advantage of labor-saving devices and transport.  And even among the fit, most transport uses internal combustion vehicles, not feet or bicycles.

So I'm very curious to watch the reaction and evolution of behavior as it gets more and more expensive to use vehicles.  Since so many of us are in dug into a hole of poor fitness and excessive weight due to inactivity, digging out will be difficult.