Are modern men and women born to run, or must our 21st century bodies be carefully cross-trained to stay fit and healthy?
When it comes to care and training of the modern distance runner, expert opinions are mixed.
Jay Dicharry, author of the new book Anatomy for Runners, believes that to be a better runner, running is not enough.
"Running is typically a one-dimensional sport," said Dicharry, a physical therapist and the director of Biomechanics at Rebound Physical Therapy in Bend, Oregon.
"You're basically just moving forward. You're not really developing as a true athlete."
As a consequence, he said, studies have shown that one third of runners are hurt every single year.
"So many runners just run," he said. "So many people look at a [fitness] magazine and say 'I can do that.' Then they get hurt and wonder why," he said.
"If we prepare ourselves we'll do a better job."
His book focuses on identifying weaknesses, with detailed tools for gait analysis, tips for injury prevention and corrective and complementary exercises that range from yogalike toe strengtheners to core and stability work.
"What are your problems? Do you over-stride? Do you have posture issues? Poor foot control?" he said. "Find out what you biggest problem is and fix it. That will improve where you are."
Dicharry said that, while many books focus on the runner's cardiovascular system, or engine, he zeros in on the biomechanical body, or chassis.
"Coaches get lots of information on how to train the heart and lungs. But we don't get enough on how to keep the body healthy," he said. "The more stable the chassis, the more efficient you can be. The book focuses on what's wrong and how to fix it."
In the 30 years Robert Forster has practised sports physical therapy in Santa Monica, California, he has treated world record holders, injured athletes and grandmothers recovering from hip surgery.
The most common running mistake he sees involves stride length, or the distance of the foot on the ground.
"Everyone is over-striding," he explained. "You want to land under your centre of gravity, or as close to it as possible. We tend to take too few steps per minute. Less time on the ground would take care of a lot of problems."
