Born To Run Book Review

Born to Run
A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
Written by Christopher McDougall

Publication Date: May 5, 2009

"Running Should be Free" - Caballo Blanco

Christopher McDougall contacted me a few months back and asked if I would be interested in reviewing and writing about his book.  I was intrigued and knew just a little about the content so, of course, I said yes.   And was glad I did!

This wildly entertaining book takes you on an adventurous thrill ride with author Christopher McDougall.  McDougall is a great story teller and weaves varied tales all together as they intertwine into one great book.

The book starts with McDougall's journey into Mexico's Copper Canyon that begins with the question "Why does my foot hurt?"  In his quest for answers, McDougall discovers the Tarahumara Indians, who are quite possibly the most intriguing (and greatest) distance runners on the planet.  Their real name "Raramuri" translates into "The Running People".

The Tarahumara are literally born to run and from an early age Taramuhara children play running games which continue well into their old age.  It is not uncommon for 80 year old Tarahumara to run litterally all day long through rough, mountainous terrain on little more than Pinole (a corn mixture used as a type of superfuel - There are no gels in the Copper Canyon!)  Not only are the Tarahumara excellent runners, they are also known for incredible health, long lives, serenity, and their peaceful and reclusive nature.

Born to run tackles many issues issues, including why are so many runners injured every year (some data suggests as many as 80% of runners get injured every year), does running make a great man or woman or does a great man or woman make a great runner, and ultimately - aren't we all "Born to Run" by our very nature, history and bio-mechanical makeup?

Ultra and trail runners will also be fascinated with stories that include many of today's well known names in ultra running such as Scott Jurek, Ann Trason (there is a great account of the history 1994 Leadville 100 showdown between Ann and the Tarahumara), Barefoot Ted, Jenn Shelton and Luis Escobar, among others.   All these runners (aside from Ann) are involved in the final climatic story of this book which centers around the first ultra-distance race in Mexico's Copper Canyon.  Luis Escobar has pictures here from this momentous event. The Copper Canyon Ultra (50 miles) still exists today and recently finished it's 4th annual event.  I've always been intrigued by this event and after reading the book it's now on my "Run To-do" list (and I am currently planning on running it in 2010).  You can read more about the Tarahumra and the Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon here.

Born To Run is a must-have book that belongs in anyone's library who is even remotely interested in running, or for that matter the human race.  After all, we are all really Born to Run aren't we?

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Check out the soon-to-be-live website for Born to Run

Comments

[Stuart]

Great stuff I'm always looking for new reading material. I was in Copper Canyon in 04, it makes the Grand Canyon look like a pot hole!

[caballo blanco]

Truth is beauty
Beauty is truth
This is all we really know in life
And all we need to know.
May the Raramuri and all of us
continue to run free.

Keats y Caballo Blanco

[Billy Burger]

I've been fascinated by this book (not to mention possibly getting a pair of the huaraches they run in) and finally took the plunge and purchased a copy off of Amazon.

Hearing nothing but great things about it and will definitely have to look up Mr McDougall at the LA Marathon expo!

[Dick Gardner]

I have been to the Copper Canyon, seen this tribe of Indians, and they are nothing like what is described in this book. Their health is bad, death rate is very high in children, mainly with TB.

[Iris H Thompson]

I saw the interview with Jon Stewart... as a native of the great state of Chihuahua, I feel deeply touch to see the Tarahumaras being portrayed in this book and presented to the rest of the world. Thank you Christopher McDougall for honoring such a wonderful ancient culture. Thank you also for exposing how little the Mexican government has done to preserve our roots.

[caballo blanco]

It is True that infant mortality runs high in the land of the Tarahumara. And that not all villages share an equally healthy life. We are wanting to help change that. May the Raramuri and all of us continue to Run free.

Caballo Blanco

[Terry Schuman]

I just finished reading this book (I saw McDougall on the Daily Show a few weeks ago which sparked my interest).
In my opinion, it's one of the best books ever written with running as its theme.
If you're a runner, or like me, an ex-runner, this book will truly inspire you in many ways.
It's a book that is part running history, part science/technology, and reads like a spellbinding novel at times.
And to top it off, "the greatest race ever run" is a riveting finish to a really great book!
I'm truly inspired to get back out there and begin running again, and because of this book, have hope that I can do it without suffering from injuries that have plagued me in the past.

[steve]

This book inspired me to start running again. I tried some of the basics that are mentioned in the book and my first impression was they worked for me.
The first step towards change is awareness, and this book definatly raised my awareness of some of my own problems, and the peoples of the world.