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In “Running Smart,” science writer and recreational runner Mariska van Sprundel delves into the science underpinning widely held beliefs about running. These beliefs range from the type of shoes that prevent injury to the idea that running barefoot emulates our prehistoric ancestors. She interrogates the dichotomy between a high-fat diet and carb-loading before a race, the potential of running to both cure depression and become addictive, and its ability to both save lives and damage knee cartilage.
Faced with such contradicting notions, it can be challenging to discern fact from fiction. As a runner who’s experienced her share of injuries, van Sprundel embarks on a mission to demystify these claims through scientific exploration.
In her journey, she investigates the latest breakthroughs in sports science, engages with a constellation of experts, and experiences a sports lab’s in-depth analysis of her running technique. She uncovers fascinating insights – from the evolutionary biology perspective, humans are perfectly designed for long-distance running, despite our hunter-gatherer ancestors’ frequent injuries.
She discovers the reality of shockwaves generated by running, which may or may not be mitigated by cushioned shoes, and the crucial role of a good sports bra in controlling the “ping pong-like” movements of a female runner’s breasts.
Van Sprundel breaks down the science of how the body burns fuel, the optimal foods to consume pre and post-run, and the likely causes behind the elusive “runner’s high.”
With over fifty million Americans identifying as runners, with a slight majority being women, this enlightening and captivating book will empower both beginner and seasoned runners to run smarter.