“No if’s, no buts. The worst man, period…. As a class we are in fact the sorriest cohort of masculine homo sapiens to ever walk the planet” – Peter McAllister.

How can I possibly write a feel good Friday blog when I am confronted with hard facts from 20,000 years ago from Australian anthropologist Peter McAllister.

McAllister claims to have found evidence in aboriginal footprints that suggest the average Joe’s from 20,000 years ago could run as fast as Usain Bolt! He also believes there is evidence that suggests ancient Tutsi men jumped higher than the current world high jump record of 2.45 meters, just to be called a man!

Surely a combination of evolution and today’s science has meant we have improved as species?

To me the above theory seems quite logical if you just look at society today. Man’s physical prowess has reduced as his life has become physically easier. You only have to look at obesity levels and drive through fast food restaurants to look how our diet has changed our bodies! I enjoy articles like the above because they sound crazy at first but there are so many examples supporting it. Here’s one for your next pub quiz-

Question: Who ran the first sub four-minute mile?

A. A. Roger Bannister

B. B. James Parrott

Answer: "The first four minute mile, was in 1770 by a man called James Parrot, who did it on the streets of London on a course which is still there" states Professor of Sports Studies at Brunel University, Peter Radford, a former 200 metre record holder.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2092987/what_if_roger_bannister_lived_two_centuries.html

Another interesting book you may want to read is ‘Born to Run’ by Christopher McDougall who investigated Indian tribes that had 55 year olds who ran 100 miles races in Sandals!

I could give you many other examples but I think the male ego has taken enough of a bashing for one day.

Looks like we better all cut off our David Beckham haircuts and leave the man bags at home, buy some sandals and get running! In this video Chrisopher McDougall says sandals are for wimps, barefoot running is the name of the game. Try it this weekend and let me know (yeah right!).

Tags: running evolution, first four minute mile, Barefoot running

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