This book was very different than I expected. I though it would be a history of running, perhaps about the Tarahumara.

The first third was biography. Just as I reconciled myself to reading a biography, it switched to the metabolism details of specific insects. Then running metabolism of large mammals.

When we got to the last third of the book it was about his running training as an adult. At least twice he ignored medical advice and pressed on. In his case, he survived without permanent injury. He also told of some training that was misguided & he learned from those mistakes-steps.

Through the course of reading this book I went from disappointment, to learning something, to being interested in the outcome of his training.

He said that ultra distance runners have 1%-6% body fat. Really? I thought 4% was the lowest viable BF% for men.
Research: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/blog/ideal-body-fat-percentage-for-runners/ Says about 8% for elite runners (not ultra). So, perhaps ultra runners do get that low. I didn’t find any numbers for ultra runners in the time that I had available to do research.
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When I picked up this book I was expecting a anthropological and biological look at running. What I got was several chapters of the author's history, which was interesting, but not what I was in the mood for at the time. Finally in the seventh or eighth chapter the book took a turn more to my liking. I found parts of this book extremely interesting. Especially the biological adaptations contrasted in the pronghorn antelope and the camel. Also the theory of why we came to run, namely "persistence scavenging" (my term) and "persistence hunting." The book made me laugh a couple times as well. It ends with a description of his training for an ultramarathon and experience of the subsequent race. Both descriptions left me with respect for the author and an insight into the grit it takes to be a runner. ( )

Really odd, but really interesting. The exercise physiologist in me found it fascinating. The runner in me found it enlightening. The kid in me who grew up with a bit of an oddball science dad who ran long distances well before it was fashionable found it familiar. ( )

If you like long-distance running. Or, if you're obsessed by it. This is the book to read.

"I decided to enter the race, and, if possible, win it." It still sends shivers down my spine. ( )