I just finished Born to Run, by Christopher McDougall, and I’m really impressed–not necessarily with his writing. His writing is middle-of-the-road, but his passion and enthusiasm for the sport of ultra running carry this book. In some sense, Born to Run is about the famed Tarahumara, a race of super athletes who live in the Copper Canyons of Mexico. In another sense, it’s a history of ultra running and McDougall’s love affair with it. It’s a compelling read. I think if you’ve ever wondered why people who are running continue to run even when they look miserable, you might find this book worth reading. If you’ve ever wondered why doctors keep telling us running is bad for us when we’re the only simians with achilles tendons, you might find this book worth reading. If you want to learn how you might simultaneously avoid heart disease, arthritis, cancer, hypertension and diabetes while hunting a deer with just a knife and a pair of sandals–well, you might find this book worth reading.
The anthropological and physiological charges this man makes are bold. His story telling is superb.
I am suddenly impelled to pursue running as a new part of my life. It just makes sense.