History of Running Running is an activity that is akin to breathing and walking. It is an innate ability that we humans, as well as every animal with legs, have. Running is an activity that has many forms and adaptations such as: Running as a symbol (which the Egyptians did for their ceremonial rites); Running as a competition or sport; Running as a profession (couriers in early ages were running to deliver a message) and; Running for exercise. Running, as a sport, was officially born as a sport in 776 B.C.E., in ancient Greece, in the town of Olympia. The first event in the first Olympics ever held was a race. In fact, from its inception to 724 B.C.E., the stadion (Greek for running race) race was the only competition hosted at the Olympics. Before that running was mainly used as something of a skill – a tool that people possessed that allowed them to find food and avoid dangers. But it took many, many centuries to give running its modern forms. Fast-forward to 1896, when organizers for the first-ever international Olympic Games paid tribute to Pheidippides by holding a “marathon” clocking in at 24.85 miles, spanning from Marathon Bridge to Olympic Stadium in Athens. Although only nine out of 25 brave entrants finished the race, it inspired the first-ever Boston Marathon the following year in 1897. It wasn’t until 1908, however, when the marathon was first established as 26.2 miles at the London Olympics. Thirteen years later, the International Amateur Athletic Federation officially declared the marathon a 26.2-mile distance. Frank Shorter, an American, wins the Summer Olympics – and his victory spurred what’s known popularly as the “Running boom of the ’70s.” Approximately twenty-five million people took up running as a hobby or as a sport during that boom – including thenPresident Jimmy Carter. Equipment used in Running When it comes to fitness, you can't find a much cheaper method of exercise than running. Compared to other sports, running requires minimal gears. However, one item is essential, Running shoes. A good running shoe absorbs the shocks and helps to protect your joints. In addition, a good fit allows you to position your feet correctly. While you can run wearing your casual clothes, specialized sportswear attire is very much recommended. Whether you are a professional runner or a beginner, you should wear specialized sportswear so that you can regulate your temperature during training. The clothing is usually made of a lightweight material that absorbs sweat and allows it to evaporate quickly. If you want to put together your perfect running outfit, you can follow these running tips: First, you need the basics like a short-sleeved and a long-sleeved running shirt, short and long-running trousers, a training jacket and good running socks. Women also need a well-fitting sports bra. Your running clothes should always fit snugly. This will help prevent chafing. Breathable, quick-drying material helps regulate your body temperature. Special running or compression socks ensure that no blisters form while running. They also promote blood circulation and thus regeneration. Reflectors should be attached to your running clothes for better visibility. Fundamental Skills Momentum: In running, the greater the force produced from the drive off the back leg, the greater the forward acceleration. That is, the more you push off the ground with your legs, the faster you will go. Direction of force: In running, the direction of force is achieved through a forward lean of the body. Knees move forwards, and arms move forwards and back, to minimize any lateral movements of the body. That is, you lean your body in the direction of the run. Levers: If you shorten your lever arm, the movement will be faster. That is, bending your knees and elbows shortens the lever to increase running speed. To properly run, one must; hold your head up, look ahead lean body slightly forward lift knees bend arms at the elbows, swing arms backward and forwards from shoulders move arms in opposition to leg action land on heels push off with the balls of the feet as running speed is increased, body lean and arm action increases in a fast run, the balls of the feet contact the ground first Rules and Regulations Distance Running- Runners will begin the race in an upright position, and their hands are not allowed to touch the ground. The command to start the race is "On your marks!" and once the runners are at the mark and the command "Go!" is given, they may officially begin the race. Middle Distance Running- Middle distance races are races that are 800 meters or longer. The rules for these races are the same as the distance running rules. Sprint and Hurdles- All relays, sprints, and hurdles use starting blocks to commence events. The command to start the races is "On your marks!" and "Set" and once the runners are at the mark, a gun is fired or a signal is given, they may officially begin the races. In the hurdle and sprint events in the Olympics, all runners must stay in their respective lanes for the duration of the race. If any runner consciously goes outside their assigned lane, they will be disqualified, otherwise, there will not be any disqualifications. If sprinters set forth a starting motion before the signal, that is considered a false start and will result in an immediate and automatic disqualification. Race walking- Race walking athletes are required to make constant contact with the ground. The athlete's advancing leg must also be fully straight from the time they make first contact with the ground until they are back in the vertical upright position. A warning will be given when an athlete bends their knee or any loss of contact with the ground. 3 warnings will result to an automatic disqualification.
