How running satisfies our need for adventure

In this episode of The Runners World Podcast, Ben Hobson engages with Alex Hutchinson, a journalist and author, who discusses his latest book 'The Explorer's Gene'. This book delves into the fascinating connections between the human inclination for exploration, our evolutionary past, and the practice of running. Alex explains that while he's known for his work on endurance sports, this new project emerges from a desire to understand why humans are drawn to new challenges and experiences.

The conversation highlights the idea that humans have a deep-seated curiosity that drives them towards exploration, both in geography and personally in their fitness tasks, such as running. Hutchinson describes his experiences in running, including the significance of the unknown that makes every race an adventure. He explains that evolution has possibly wired some of us to seek novelty more than others, a trait evidenced by genetic markers such as the DRD4 gene.

The podcast also touches on safety in long-distance running, revealing improved survival rates in cases of cardiac incidents during marathons due to advancements in CPR training and access to defibrillators. The discussion emphasizes the need for runners to be informed about these life-saving skills.

Wrapping up, Hutchinson argues for the importance of active exploration and its role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, contrasting it against modern sedentary habits fueled by digital entertainment. He posits that running serves not only as a physical activity but also as a way for individuals to engage in personal challenges and self-discovery. As they conclude, Hutchinson encourages listeners to prioritize active involvement in their explorations, showcasing running as a means of both personal and geographic discovery.