Endurance running, which can also be termed as long-distance running, by definition is running over long distances, usually not less than 1.8 miles. This type of running requires stamina and endurance, since it is usually aerobic in nature (Burfoot, 2020). For one to be successful in this type of running, they have to be consistent in practicing and eat the right foods. Endurance running has so many advantages, ranging from improving the body posture and keeping fit. According to Burfoot (2020), endurance running helps in improving the immunity of the body. Running helps in lowering inflammation and refining the antibody response. Another research by Junior et al., (2015), shows that endurance running helped in improving the heartrate of participants. Also, the article shows that through consistent training one is assured to gain more health benefits. Endurance running has impacted many cultures in the society, through changes in lifestyle and normal behavior. This essay aims to analyze how endurance running has impacted the United States modern culture.
In the past, people did not see running as a recreational activity. Instead, they saw it as a very boring activity that made people waste a lot of time. But as time went on, people started understanding the health benefits they stand to gain if they took part in endurance running. As a result, in the 1960s, people started taking place in outdoor pursuits like jogging (Bridel et al., 2015). Despite this, endurance running had not yet gained popularity, as people still saw it as a disruption on the streets. People were only seen on the streets running, on the condition that they were in a hurry to get somewhere, but not as a recreational activity. People who took part in running were seen as misfits in the existing popular culture (Westfall, 2012). This period did not last for long, as a decade later, there was an increase in endurance running, due to track stars like Steve Prefontaine. People started taking endurance running as an outdoor pursuit. This even pushed women to start participating in track events (Fisher, 2012). As a result of these evolutions in running, today endurance running is considered a popular culture and every country in the world takes part in track events. For example, there are more people on foot paths who are always running, as opposed to the past (Morgan, 2020). People now wear running shoes and other accessories publicly, instead of only reserving them for running alone. As opposed to the past, when running was considered old-fashioned, currently, anyone who participates in running and other track events is considered fashionable. Running has now been incorporated in the new popular culture.
In conclusion, endurance running is amongst the largest growing sports in the world, with many countries participating in it. Taking part in this sport brings more advantages than disadvantages to the sports person. The athlete is likely to enjoy good health like improved heart rate. In the past, running was not considered a lucrative sporting activity, as people had not yet realized the health benefits they could gain from the sport. In the later years is when they realized the advantages, influencing many people and countries to take part in the sport. Currently, all athletes who take part in endurance running activities are celebrities and role models to children in the society. endurance running has been incorporated in the current popular culture, and everyone wants to fit in.