So you're thinking about running but not sure how to take the first step. My name is Brian Patterson and I'm here to help. Welcome to Brian's RunPod. And it's me, brian Patterson, I'm your host, brian's RunPod and today's episode. Let's talk about what running means in other communities.
Speaker 1:So I was kind of scrabbling around about what to talk about this week and I thought, well, what does running mean to other communities all over the world? So I thought that might be a good thing. So what we're going to be looking at in terms of looking over the show notes what is it that the Kenyans? Why is it the Kenyans are so good at running? What is it that the Kenyans? Why is it the Kenyans are so good at running? Why are the Finns so good at running as well? I remember growing up and watching Lassie Viren at the 1972 and 76 Olympics and also going back over the years. The Finns have been brilliant running in the 1920s, and so I just wanted to find out, dig a little deeper as to why that is. So the other things we'll be looking at we'll be looking at to explore the cross-cultural experiences in races abroad, from quirky races in Belgium to a marathon in Rwanda, aimed at demonstrating the solidarity and progress since genocide. We'll examine the role of running in Native American cultures, where it has been integral for millennia, connecting individuals to landscape, serving as a spiritual exercise and even raising awareness for pressing issues. We'll also consider some cultures where running is a way of life essential to survival, deeply ingrained in the hearts of natives, like the marathon monks of Maitai in Japan, and that's an incredible story. So anyway, without further ado, let's get into it Now. I know running in different parts of the world and we've talked about park runs and marathons, right, well, today we're seeing the rise in popularity of ultramarathons. But here's the thing Running might mean different things in other parts of the world. We usually think of running as a way to stay healthy, both physically and mentally, and I've talked about the benefits of running on this podcast countless times mentally and physically, and I've even had the chance to meet some amazing guests who shared how running has positively impacted their lives. So let's take a look at some things, some areas. I mean this is kind of a little bit of a flavor of what does the areas I'll be looking at um mount high in japan. Now, I just couldn't believe this particular story and I'll probably put a link in the show notes about this.
Speaker 1:They're marathon monks. These monks known as goi goya and undertake incredible feats of endurance. They embark on a journey called the Kayahoga, circling a mountain in demanding physical rituals I cannot apologize for completely destroying the names there. So demanding physical rituals. Clad in simple attire, they cover approximately 50 kilometres daily, which is the equivalent of a marathon dedicating themselves to meditation and physical rigour, completing this for 100 to 700 or even 1,000 days. That's amazing. Following hundreds of days of running, they commence a fast, spending nine days in a meditation position without any intake. Only 46 men have completed this 1000 day quest. So running is a form of moving meditation where they focus on the present moment with each step. Cooper Canyon, mexico.
Speaker 1:Tarahumara, also known as Rarumuri or running people. They choose running as a way of life, dwelling on the isolated Copper Canyon. For Tarahumara, running is an integral to their existence. They navigate the rugged terrain, sometimes without the assurance of water, and compete in unique games that span distances over 50 miles. They run minimal footwear, demonstrating an efficient design refined over centuries. While modernisation poses a threat, their spirit endures poses a threat. Their spirit endures.
Speaker 1:In Kenya, as we have just said, the land of runners. Running is a deeply ingrained in Kenyan culture. Although the Maasai no longer rely on running for hunting, running is a source of national pride and a path to success, something that we're going to be talking about later. On. The Bushmen of the Kalahari, these hunter-gatherers rely on running for survival, literally running animals to death. They work as a group to herd animals over long distances with the animals cannot continue. These cultures remind us that running can be more than just exercise. It can be a spiritual journey as a means of survival and a way to connect with our heritage.
Speaker 1:Now let's have a look at a couple of countries that are famous for their runners. As I've said about the Kenyans, why are they such good runners? It's a question that has fascinated sports enthusiasts for years. Is it nature, nurture or something else entirely? Some Kenyans believe it's simply in their nature. But let's dive deeper. The Kalenji factor. While Kenya is known for its runners, the Kalenjin ethnic group, making up for 12% of the population, produces the majority of the country's athletic champions. That's a tiny fraction of the world's population 0.06, producing record breakers.
Speaker 1:Altitude advantage you get many olympic marathon runners going to kenya or that part of the world for altitude training. So the many kalenjin people live in the rift valley, which is about 2 400 meters above sea level. At that altitude the body compensates for thinner oxygen by producing more red blood cells, which helps our muscles get oxygen faster. But if altitude is a key, why aren't there more top runners from many mountainous countries? So I know what happens is is that when you do come to sea level, then because you've got more red blood cells, it makes your endurance a lot better. Genes and body type there's speculation about the running gene, but it's never been proven. However, top runners often have low body mass index and a light build, and Kenyan runners tend to have longer legs, lighter bones compared to the European counterparts, giving them an energy saving advantage. Diet and lifestyle the traditional Kenyan diet, featuring Ugali, cornmeal porridge, leafy greens and beans, is high in carbohydrates and low in fats, so producing a good source of energy.
Speaker 1:The culture of running in kenya, athletes are celebrities. Many children grow up aspiring to be like them, jogging to school with dreams of olympic gold, and running is ingrained in the culture with a running mentality. And it's very much the same in Jamaica, where running or sprinting is very much ingrained in their culture. It's like a national sport. It's bigger than football, where sometimes you'll get these national championships taking place and you get a massive media focus, and I think that's that really helps. And you think of all the. You know Usain Bolt from Jamaica and some of many other famous sprinters, and I think that's because it's ingrained in the culture and it's been made so popular that really helps. I remember thinking about Brendan Foster, who came from the North East and he was kind of like the Pied Piper of middle distance, middle or long distance running in the 1970s and he really got a running culture going. So that's a small example of what happened over here.
Speaker 1:Then we have the Finnish runners. I remember growing up in the 70s I was an avid watcher of the Olympics. One of my heroes with distance running was Lassi Viren. Now he was a great runner. I think I may have done an episode about him before. Anyway, I did wonder why is it that Finns have such a rich history in running?
Speaker 1:This small country with a population of approximately 5 million stood at the forefront of long-distance running for decades, whether a track, cross-country or road. Before World War II, finnish runners won every Olympic 10,000 metre except one, and between 1920 and 1936 they had won almost every other middle and long distance event in the Games as well. Paavo Nurmi won nine Olympic gold medals and set countless world records, putting a new spin on the term the roaring 20s. During the decade, the finns ruled the european racing circuit and sent many runners to the us with the likes of willie ridola was a runner up to claren, put a link in the show notes as to an article on about that. An article in Runner's World said that Finding Sisu explores the concept of sisu a Finnish term for guts or spirit through the lens of the legendary Finnish runner Lassi Viren and the history of Finnish distance running dominance.
Speaker 1:The author embarks on a quest to understand Sisu, interviewing Viren and delving into the factors that contributed to Finland's success in the sport. Key aspects of the article Lassi Viren's legacy. Viren is celebrated for his unprecedented achievements in winning the 5,000 and 10,000 gold medals in two consecutive Olympics and despite facing scrutiny and high expectations, viren's modesty and accomplishments embodied the Finnish spirit, the Flying Finns. Before the World War II, finnish runners, as I've just said, dominated long distance running, with parva nurmi winning nine olympic gold medals and, after a drought, the nation rebuilt its talent, exemplified by olave sunilamin who, despite winning the 1972 boston marathon, was left off the olympic team to make a space for Viren, sisu and Finnish culture. Sisu is described as the key component of the Finnish identity, demonstrated by the nation's runners and their understated approach to victory, the Finns' ability to endure pain, such as in the sauna. In another example of sisu in action, viren's training. Viren's success attributed to his coach, by rov haikola, who combined various training methods. Viren also experimented with altitude training in kenya, would you believe, and columbia and sources of sisu.
Speaker 1:Viren believes believes that Finland's Sisu stems from its relationship with Russia and Sweden. Their rivalry with Sweden in athletics and the tension with Russia have motivated Finnish runners. Sisu lost Well, viren suggests that Finnish runners today lack the drive of past generations, partly due to modern distractions. The author questions whether Sisu can be replicated or passed down, suggesting it may arise individually through hard work, modesty and competition. So that's just one aspect of how Lassie Viren chose this term in Finding Sisu to help with his training and give this kind of how would you describe it being? A kind of form of how he would embody his training, a kind of philosophy of his training. I think that's the word I'm looking for. So, basically he gave him the motivation to begin to being the number one in the world. Um, I think it was in 1972. I think the 5 000 meters where he fell over and then he ran to the front, um and uh, is either the five or,000 metres, and so incredible determination. I think he may have been a maths student or he ran a certain way on the track where he kind of reduced the distance. I'd have to look that up and give you a link in the show notes to it. But no stone was not unturned, he was unturned. He. Basically it was about small gains and it was about making the most of how he could improve his technique and nothing was left to chance.
Speaker 1:Cross-culture running. Now, in a recent article there were some journalists who found that there have been different reactions to running. Cross-cultural running experiences can bridge the cultural divides and provide unique experiences. Jonathan Beverley moved to Brussels and used running to explore the city, join a local running club and appreciate the Belgian culture and running scene and running scene. I mean, I know that whenever I've gone on holiday. It's a great excuse to explore and to feel that you're energised about your running. However, just make sure that you tell someone where you're going and also make sure that it's safe. I know when I was running in France once it was in the middle of the culling season for the World War and I just think personally it gives you a new running route in your strava or whichever you app, you map it to, and also it means that you just feel that you're I don't know. It just gives you much more energy for your run and you can do different kind of training sessions.
Speaker 1:In another example, matthew chico and his wife moved to Rwanda to work and he found that running made him more approachable to the locals. Rwandans were more curious about why he ran and often suggesting that he get a car instead. A little bit of a backstory to Rwanda. And Chico experienced differences in the marathon route. He said with no great exposition about the excitement in the air. The marathon course was basically a 10K circuit, so I think marathon is 40 kilometers. So you had to go around there four times and there was a range of footwear on display among the participants. And there was a range of footwear on display among the participants. You also know to the generosity of Rwandans in the wake of the genocide, where people were opening up their homes to orphans, which were paled in comparison to probably other cultures. So in the wake of the genocide, thousands and thousands of children were orphaned, a generation of youngsters. So Tutsi and Hutu both could have been lost to the streets, but had survivors and returned exiles not opened up their homes. And they did.
Speaker 1:Faye Berger ran a 10k in Mexico and encountered very cultural differences such as gender inequality in race categories and only two women's categories she found, which was the under 35s and then the over 35s, and the cash prices were quite sizable for such a small race, but were more geared for the men. So back home, of course there's a woman. She noted that there was a women's 50 to 59 category, was not only alive and well but very competitive. So I decided that, age group or not. She says that it was time for women of the world, over any age group, to step up to the line. Yet another concern nagged her on a very primal level, and I'm embarrassed to say that what about the pre-race restroom facilities? In all my years travelling Mexico, restrooms were always limited, to say the least, and never once had I seen a port or potty or a porter cabin. How would I cope without the comfort of such facilities. At the start, berger also dealt with a limited, as I said, limited restroom facilities and a water stop whenever water was provided in the baggies instead of the cups.
Speaker 1:Despite challenges, she felt a sense of connection and a common bond with the local culture through running. That sort of transitions very nicely to celebrating diversity, inclusivity in running, which I think is becoming more prevalent the world over. So running has an incredible ability to unite people. However, the running world hasn't always been welcome to everyone. Embracing diversity brings different ages, genders, races, abilities and socioeconomic backgrounds together. These runners can bring diverse perspectives, experiences and insights and that can inspire, motivate and challenge one another. This makes running much more dynamic and engaging, allowing everyone to find their place.
Speaker 1:But achieving diversity and inclusivity isn't easy. Unconscious biases, systemic barriers, systemic barriers, lack of representation can, can exclude certain groups and we need to address these issues head on creating safe, safe, safe spaces where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered. This involves running. This involves examining our biases, offering diversity and inclusive training for running group leaders, encouraging open conversations and amplifying diverse voices. What actions can running communities take? We can ensure physical and logistical aspects of running events are accessible to all abilities and backgrounds. This includes childcare, transportation, inclusive marketing materials, running groups catering to specific demographics like women, lgbtq plus individuals or people with disabilities, host inclusive events and races with diverse representation among organisers, volunteers and participants. Actively invite and support diverse runners through targeted outreach and mentorship programmes.
Speaker 1:A diverse and inclusive running community offers many benefits. Runners feel more welcomed, accepted, improving self-esteem, reducing stress, sharing ideas and experiences leads to personal growth and a deeper understanding of others. Diverse communities can foster social harmony, increase civic engagement and build community resilience. So how can people get involved? Join a local running group promoting inclusivity. Find running buddies who share your commitment to diversity. Participate in running events that celebrate diversity. There are many examples of inclusive running communities. Women's running groups like Black Girls Run and Latina Girls Run empower unrepresentative women, making running accessible to newcomers. Running clubs like Achilles International support people with disabilities. Online communities, virtual races connect runners from diverse backgrounds. There are resources available to help build inclusivity running communities, and these include running club membership programs, community support organizations such as running platforms and running club camps.
Speaker 1:Remember diversity and inclusivity. Create vibrant and supportive running communities. By celebrating the unique experiences of all runners, we can build a sport that is truly welcoming, and let's commit to fostering greater diversity and inclusivity through our actions, advocacy and passion for running, creating a more equitable future for the sport. And I can only say that, basically, although I did talk about initially different communities, different countries that have fostered running from a very elite level to let's mean, for instance, talking about Kenya and Finland and I'm sure there are other parts of the world which have fostered great runners that have succeeded in an Olympic and at world championship level but at the same time, it's all I feel. It's all about getting we as individuals to take up running, to feel the benefits of running from a mental and physical point of view and to, obviously, to feel better about this, about ourselves.
Speaker 1:These days there's a lot of stress in terms of from online, from what's happening at work, family and to, let's say, use running as a way of therapy, to mb also to be, if running can be more inclusive, we don't have to have the best equipment, the best shoes. It's just about getting out the door and running safely. As I've said, a little bit sort of not haphazard, this particular podcast, basically it was just more about talking about different communities around the world, but also, at the same time, let's not forget, to the what is the root of why we're doing this fantastic sport and to be more to get everyone engaged. Again, it's not for everyone, you know. I know some people don't particularly like running and they may like to do various other sports. It's all about whatever you enjoy and about moving. But if you enjoyed this particular podcast, please like and subscribe on whatever you get the podcast. But, as I said, we will be. I hope to see you next week and just want to say thank you for listening and goodbye.