Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Book Review: "Born To Run"

I wish I hadn't waited so long to read this book by Christopher McDougall. It was fantastic and I would read it again if it wasn't due back to the library! This may be a book about runners and running, but it is also about life, finding a purpose, finding happiness, and trusting yourself.

No doubt a lot of you have read this book already, but if you haven't, I highly suggest you add it to your 'must read' list. McDougall, a journalist, former war correspondent and recreational runner plagued by running injuries, set out on a quest to find a way to overcome his injuries and keep running. Especially while I'm recovering from a foot injury which hit me just after I started running again after getting through a stress fracture, I found this book incredibly interesting, thought provoking and encouraging.

Throughout the book we follow McDougall on his quest as he travels into the depths of the Mexico's Copper Canyons in search of the Tarahumara tribe of running people. Between stories of him dodging drug cartels, scaling cliffs and looking for people who invented the art of being invisible, he tells accounts about endurance runners and races that I could hardly wrap my mind around and proves through the support of various doctors, anthropologists, and researchers why humans are, in fact, built for running long distances. As someone who hasn't paid a lot of attention to the theory of barefoot running, I found the background and research on it very interesting.

The book ended leaving me wanting more but feeling completely satisfied at the same time. McDougall's writing style is smooth and engaging, pulling the reader into the stories. All I can say is that you need to read this book if you haven't already!

For more information on Christopher McDougall and pictures, read his blog.


Now that I've finished "Born to Run" I need something else to read! Have any suggestions? I'd prefer something related to running, health and/or nutrition.

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Workout Stats -
13.2 mi bike
2 mi elliptical
3x12 cable pull twists
250 various crunches (w/ and w/o stability ball)
2x cobra pose
2x full locust pose
2x plank
stretching