Born To Run
Author – Chris McDougall
Through blogs and friends, I received many suggestions to get a copy of this book. I’d seen it and heard great things, but it wasn’t until recently that I purchased the book for myself. What a great decision! So far, it was my favorite summer reading material. I loved everything about it.
Born To Run was written by Chris McDougall, a journalist, researcher, and runner. McDougall wrote for Runner’s World, Men’s Health, and the Associated Press. While writing, he ran. Running left McDougall riddled with injury. He went to doctors. He went to specialists. They had cortisone shots, orthodics, and advice: Stop running! McDougall did not accept the answers he was given. Instead, he searched for answers himself. His quest led to this book.
In writing Born To Run, the author carefully crafted a story filled with history, science, intrigue, and suspense. He painted vibrant pictures of the people, places, and things he encountered on his running journey.
The History.
The central figures in McDougall’s story are the Running People – the Tarahumara tribe in the Copper Canyons of Mexico. They are a mysterious group, remaining far removed from the outside world…and they run. They run miles upon miles. They don’t have Garmins. They don’t have Goo. Instead, the have sandals, chia, and pinole. McDougall sought to reveal the mystery behind this tribe and their superhuman ability. He takes the reader on an incredible journey through the uncharted terrain of the Mexican canyons to learn about these people.
The Science.
Throughout the book, McDougall veers off into the science behind running. He gets leads and he follows them. He travels from California to South Africa to learn about the Running People. The book introduces readers to quirky scientists and the evolutionary timeline of running. While it may sound useless, the information was so thought-provoking, interesting, and enlightening to a Western runner.
The Races.
McDougall’s story follows a series of races. He did not study the local 5K. Born To Run focuses on ultra-marathons – 50-100 mile races that take place in some of the world’s most brutal and unforgiving lands. These races are underground. They are not for medals. They are not for money. They are intense and completely different from any race I’ve ever experienced.
The Cast.
One of the biggest pieces of the running puzzle that is Born To Run is the cast of characters. McDougall did not fabricate stories of runners. He met them. He drank beer with them. He became one of them. McDougall introduces readers to the runners behind the races. He has a way of making you feel like you’ve met them. Ultra runners are a different species. That’s clear….and I loved them!
Born To Run was about running, but it was also about a lot more than that. It was about passion, adventure, freedom, and understanding our bodies. It was about humans and our innate superpower. We are all Running People. After reading this book, I had so many thoughts swirling in my head:
- Consumerism and the commercialization of running has not only changed the way we see running; it has changed the way we run. Physical changes have taken place over time.
- The amount of running injuries skyrocketed after shoe companies came out with solutions to our running issues. Suspect…very suspect!
- It is possible to correct the changes that have taken place. It may be uncomfortable and it may take time, but it can be done.
- I want to kick off my shoes, run through the grass, and feel the earth beneath my feet.
- Ultra-marathons are intense, fierce, and incredible! I may never run an ultra, but I want to be there to experience it someday. Roadtrip to Leadville! Any takers?!
The passion in this book is contagious! Personally, I think it would be an enjoyable read for runners and non-runners alike. I highly recommend it. It seemed that many of you were as excited about Born To Run as I was. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
