The human body is built for running (and Richard Dawkins develops a crack in his misotheist armor!)

Science Literature Blog ^ | October 29, 2009 | David Tyler, Ph.D.

[GodGunsGuts]

Alongside all the public interest in sporting prowess, recent research has added significantly to our knowledge of how the human body actually works. Many characteristics we take for granted now appear to be critical success factors. Take, for example, our toes. We do not need long toes, like monkeys and apes, because our toes are not used for grasping branches. But are they vestigial - withered remnants of once-grand appendages? The answer is: most definitely not! Whilst it is possible to walk comfortably with longer toes, running is different. Increase toe length by just 20% and there is a doubling of the peak digital flexor impulses and the mechanical work required.

It emerges that the human body has numerous traits that all support the ability to run...

[rdl6989]

I must not be human. I was definitely not born to run. I try hard not to even walk very fast.

Me too.

[NicknamedBob]

"Thank you Moderator for at least trying to do your job, and placing blogspam where it belongs and can do less harm to this site’s reputation."

"Science Literature Blog"

A blog's a blog, and that ain't news.

[Wacka]

Well,
according to editor-surveyor, you took those evil medicines that doctors proscribed and didn’t have people pray for you so that the other leg would grow longer.

I suggest getting the longer leg shortened.

[mamelukesabre]

Not without stopping he didn’t.

[GodGunsGuts]

==I suggest getting the longer leg shortened.

I wouldn’t expect anything less from Darwiniac “science”.

[GodGunsGuts]

Actually, you are encouraging the mods NOT to do their job, as Jim Robinson has explicitly stated that the Christian Right (a major pillar of the Reagan Coalition) be allowed to post their concern in News/Activism just like everybody else. The fact that you would like to see such a large percentage of the Reagan Coalition marginalized either means you are A) IGNORANT or B) you want to see the conservative movement suffer permanent defeat.

[GodGunsGuts]

Thanks for your kind reply. I’m mainly interested in learning if I can find a way to compensate without going to the doctor. For instance, are there any running stores that specialize in evening things out?

[GodGunsGuts]

All kinds of blogs get posted in News/Activism. It just depends on the blog. Michelle Malkin’s blog get’s posted in News, as does Sarah Palin’s facebook page. Please!

[NicknamedBob]

In your case it isn't news, but activism.

Oh, by the way, I think Wacka was pulling your leg, which is another way of getting you balanced.

Legs can be lengthened, but that's generally for adolescents with a growth abnormality problem.

[NicknamedBob]

And don’t let Dr. Procrustes operate on you.

You could lose your sole.

[metmom]

And now banned to the blogs. What is next!

What is next?

GGG: 1

CW: FAIL

[metmom]

And now banned to the blogs. What is next!

What is next? It got moved back to News/Activism.

GGG: 1

CW: FAIL

[VOA]

bump

[GodGunsGuts]

I don’t think it bothers CW all that much, as he freely admits that he is not here for political, philosophical, or religious reasons, but rather to make fun of FReepers while he downs rum and cokes.

[GodGunsGuts]

Forgot to ping mr. rum and coke.

[metmom]

Horses can’t out distance a human. Not even close. Even an average specimen human in top health can walk a domestic horse to death.

Reality is, how many average human specimens are in top health?

All this talk about what a human being is theoretically capable of doing is meaningless.

What we have to deal with is what reality is and reality is, that if the human can't endure like that, or out run the bear or tiger in a sprint, then bear or tiger poop it is.

Endurance is meaningless if you can't avoid the short term dangers.

[inpajamas]

ping!

[metmom]

"The theory of evolution really has no bearing on what I'm trying to accomplish with FR anyway. "

So, why are you posting stealth posts on FR?

Just what is it that you are trying to accomplish on FR anyway?

If the crevo debates aren't part of your agenda, then why are you on them?

[mamelukesabre]

endurance is everything.

Primitive humans killed tiger and bear all the time. they didn’t need to run away. All it takes is a couple good dogs and 3 strong men with long sharp spears. The only running involved is the chasing of the tiger/bear when it attempts to escape.

The key to survival is in managing and monopolizing the greatest possible territory. That requires endurance. Also teamwork and communication. Next to man, the most fearsome creatures on land are wolves. Intelligence, endurance, teamwork, territorial instincts, and very large territories.

[NicknamedBob]

"... if the human can't endure like that, or out run the bear or tiger in a sprint, then bear or tiger poop it is. Endurance is meaningless if you can't avoid the short term dangers."

Humans are endurance runners and winners, in the chase; in running down the prey. As such, any animal they pick will ultimately fall if they are also skillful trackers.

For humans as prey animals, on the other hand, running is no defense.