Digest

This podcast episode follows Nicole's journey as she grapples with epilepsy and seeks to outrun a horse, inspired by the endurance running hypothesis and persistence hunting. The episode begins with Nicole experiencing a seizure, which triggers a vivid vision of horses and a mysterious horse offering guidance. This vision fuels her desire to outrun a horse in real life, despite her epilepsy. Nicole seeks advice from Dr. Daniel Lieberman, a paleoanthropologist who explains the endurance running hypothesis, highlighting key adaptations that make humans endurance runners. She then interviews Kuntta Oma, a persistence hunter in Namibia, who shares his insights on the practice of wearing down prey over long distances. Nicole's journey takes her to Arizona, where she searches for wild horses and learns about the history of man vs. horse races. She attends a modern man vs. horse race, observing the competitors and the race dynamics. While inspired by the race, she realizes it's not suitable for her own goals. Nicole ultimately discovers that the endurance ride portion of the race is a better option, as it involves long distances and vet checks for the horses. She and her partner, Mary L., celebrate their anniversary by running a turkey trot 5K together, marking a new chapter in Nicole's running journey. Despite her progress, Nicole still feels the pull to run alone against the horses, recognizing that she needs to confront her inner horses and find a more effective treatment for her epilepsy. The episode ends with a cliffhanger, hinting at a challenging experience in the next episode.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Vision and the Challenge

Nicole experiences a seizure, leading to a vision of horses and a desire to outrun a horse in real life, despite her epilepsy.

00:05:16

The Science of Endurance Running

Nicole learns about the endurance running hypothesis and key adaptations that make humans endurance runners.

00:09:41

Persistence Hunting in Namibia

Kuntta Oma, a persistence hunter in Namibia, shares his insights on the practice of wearing down prey over long distances.

00:13:51

Finding a Way Back to Running

Nicole struggles to run alone due to her epilepsy, but Mary L. helps her build a running routine by biking alongside her.

00:17:51

The Quest for Wild Horses and the History of Man vs. Horse Races

Nicole searches for wild horses in Arizona and learns about the history of man vs. horse races, including the famous Jesse Owens race.

00:33:21

A New Beginning and a New Race

Nicole recognizes that the man vs. horse race is not the right fit for her, but finds a new race in the endurance ride portion. She and Mary L. celebrate their anniversary by running a turkey trot 5K together.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the endurance running hypothesis and how does it relate to Nicole's journey?

  The endurance running hypothesis suggests that humans evolved specific adaptations for endurance running, such as sweat, short toes, and enlarged hearts, to facilitate persistence hunting. Nicole uses this hypothesis to understand her own body's potential for endurance and to find a way to outrun a horse, a challenge that symbolizes her fight against epilepsy.

• How does persistence hunting work and what are its key elements?

  Persistence hunting involves wearing down prey over long distances by maintaining a slow but consistent pace. Key elements include relentless pursuit, as the animal will take breaks, but the hunter must keep going, and the ability to handle heat and regulate body temperature through sweating.

• What is the significance of Nicole's vision of the horses and the mysterious horse?

  The vision represents Nicole's internal struggle with epilepsy, symbolized by the herd of horses that trample her. The mysterious horse offers guidance and encourages her to find her way back to her former self, suggesting that she can overcome her challenges through endurance and determination.

• How does Nicole's relationship with Mary L. support her running journey?

  Mary L. provides unwavering support and encouragement, helping Nicole to rebuild her running routine by biking alongside her during runs. Their shared passion for running and their strong bond create a positive and supportive environment for Nicole's recovery.

• What is Nicole's ultimate goal in her race against the horses?

  Nicole's race against the horses is a metaphor for her fight against epilepsy. She wants to outrun the "horses" inside her, representing the seizures and their impact on her life. By running alone, she aims to confront her fears and find a way to regain control over her body and her life.

Show Notes