Humans may not be the fastest sprinters among living beings, but throughout evolution, they have made remarkable strides in endurance running.
In the lead-up to the Summer Olympics in Paris, a team from the University of California, Davis, has published new research on this topic. According to their findings, a key hunting strategy honed by our ancient ancestors helps modern athletes tackle grueling marathon distances.
Our running muscles are predominantly made up of slow-twitch fibers that are resistant to fatigue. These fibers can sweat and dissipate heat, allowing us to maintain a steady pace over long distances, even in the heat.
Previous studies have shown that the traits that enable endurance running developed in our ancestors around two million years ago and likely played a significant role in shaping the human body. These traits allowed hunters to relentlessly pursue their prey until it was exhausted, as reported by the Independent.
What Did the Authors of the New Study Discover?
In this new research, scientists analyzed around 400 descriptions of hunting practices dating from 1527 to the early 20th century. The data was collected from 272 locations around the world.
The team found that one of the most successful key strategies was chasing prey until it was fatigued, particularly in hot weather and snowy conditions. Researchers also identified instances where hunting groups employed social tactics.
For example, there were cases where a person would climb a hill and point in the direction the animal was heading, allowing another hunter to cut across and save energy, explained co-author Bruce Winterholder.
The researchers assert that for ancient people, who did not yet possess ballistic weapons like bows and arrows, endurance hunting provided significant advantages. Demonstrating tactical sporting skills was also a way to enhance social status and increase the chances of finding a mate.
“Running long distances and having an evolutionary endurance gait is quite unusual in the animal kingdom. If this inspires you to go for a run, that’s fantastic,” Dr. Winterholder noted.
The team believes that the upcoming Olympics in Paris will further develop this human capability, as it features the most grueling marathon course in history. Unlike the courses of recent Olympics, this one does not have repeating loops. Instead, it is a complete loop from Paris to Versailles, which includes three very steep and long climbs.
This course was the site of the historic march of thousands of men and women in October 1789, which led King Louis XVI to ratify the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.
According to the scientists, further research will help them learn more about the origins of human gait and the delightful sensation known as the “runner’s high.”