As a bare foot runner myself i've been meaning to read this book for a very long time, but it just kept on sitting in my to-read pile always being overlooked for some exciting fiction to read instead.   But now, finally, i dived in and got it read.

And it's really good.   Christopher has a way of writing that is just captivating and really takes the reader into the depths of the Copper Canyons to meet the Tarahumara and to experience a world that was left behind a long time ago.

To be able to look back in time in this way with the Tarahumara and to see just what super healthy, wonderful, running machines, Natural humans truly are when they're not pampered by modern appliances and poisoned by modern diets.

This book is a must for anyone who runs, especially for anyone who is even thinking about taking up running, and also for anyone remotely interested in Human evolution and what makes a Homo sapien so special amongst all other animals.

So if you haven't read it yet, just do so.   It's wonderfully written and a super page turning read meeting some really interesting characters (all true life characters) along the way.   It's not only a great read but a great journey.

And, having enjoyed his writing soooo much, i'm now very much looking forward to reading Christopher's other books.

Bye for now. ( )

Well, as a lifetime runner I loved this book. But it's a book that even non runners will love. It's informative, inspirational, and with a cast of strange but fascinating characters; often extremely funny. ( )

You can get Born to Run: by Christopher McDougall for free if you enter through the link I posted.
https://www.amazon.com/Born-Run-Hidden-Superathletes-Greatest/dp/B0028TY1D8/ref=...

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen, written by Christopher McDougall, is a captivating exploration of human endurance, the joy of running, and the secrets of the Tarahumara tribe, a reclusive indigenous community from the Copper Canyons of Mexico. Through vivid storytelling and a mix of anthropology, science, and personal experiences, McDougall takes readers on an incredible journey that challenges conventional wisdom about running and illuminates the transformative power of the sport.

Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen by Christopher McDougall

The book begins with McDougall’s personal struggle with chronic foot pain as a runner. Frustrated with traditional running shoes and seeking a solution, he sets out on a quest to find the Tarahumara, a tribe known for their remarkable running abilities and their ability to run great distances effortlessly, without suffering from the common injuries that plague many runners.

As the story unfolds, McDougall introduces us to a colorful cast of characters who play a significant role in unraveling the mysteries of the Tarahumara and their extraordinary athletic feats. One such character is Caballo Blanco, a mysterious American ultrarunner who lives among the Tarahumara and organizes a race called the Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon. McDougall decides to participate in this race, hoping to learn from the Tarahumara and understand their running secrets.

Throughout the book, McDougall delves into the science and history of human endurance. He explores the evolution of the human body, arguing that humans are inherently built to run. He challenges the prevailing belief that cushioned shoes are necessary for running and uncovers the role of modern running shoes in causing injuries by altering our natural running mechanics. McDougall also examines the importance of nutrition and diet in fueling endurance, shedding light on the Tarahumara’s simple yet highly nutritious diet.

Evolution, Science, Evolution, Human body

As McDougall gets to know the Tarahumara and their way of life, he discovers that running is not merely a physical activity for them; it is deeply ingrained in their culture and spirituality. He unveils the Tarahumara’s joy and passion for running, emphasizing the importance of finding pleasure in the act itself rather than focusing solely on competition and achievement. McDougall’s experiences with the Tarahumara and their infectious love for running inspire him to rethink his own relationship with the sport.

The climax of the book revolves around the Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon, a race that brings together Tarahumara runners, professional athletes, and amateur enthusiasts from around the world. McDougall vividly describes the race, its grueling terrain, and the incredible athletic performances that unfold. Through this race, he showcases the Tarahumara’s extraordinary endurance, highlighting their ability to run hundreds of miles without rest and their unrivaled mental strength.

Run hundreds of miles without rest and their unrivaled mental strength.

Born to Run is not just a book about running; it is a reflection on the human spirit and our innate potential for greatness. It challenges our assumptions about our own limitations and encourages us to reconnect with the joy and freedom of running. McDougall’s writing is engaging and energetic, blending adventure, science, and personal anecdotes seamlessly. By the end of the book, readers are left with a profound appreciation for the power of running and a newfound curiosity about the untapped potential within themselves.

In conclusion, Born to Run by Christopher McDougall is a captivating exploration of human endurance and the transformative power of running. Through his encounters with the Tarahumara tribe and their remarkable running abilities, McDougall challenges conventional wisdom about running, unearths the secrets to their incredible endurance, and inspires readers to embrace the joy of running. This book is a must-read for both running enthusiasts and those interested in exploring the limits of human potential.

You can get Born to Run: by Christopher McDougall for free if you enter through the link I posted.

https://www.amazon.com/Born-Run-Hidden-Superathletes-Greatest/dp/B0028TY1D8/ref=... ( )

I can't believe I only discovered this book in early 2023 after a lifetime of running dating back to the mid 1970s. As much as I knew about the sport and many of the characters woven into the larger story, Christopher McDougall tells a compelling story with so many examples to build a complete picture of distance running whether it is for sport, meditation, or survival. ( )

Ann Trason. The Tarahumara runners. Caballo Blanco. Scott Jurek. These names spark my running imagination. Then there is Mexico and the allure of a different country's culture. Christopher McDougall writes as if he has stepped beside you in the middle of a twenty mile run and launches into telling you of his adventures in the jungles of Mexico chasing the mythology of Gordy Ainsleigh. His tone is casual, conversational, and warm. The reporting reporter has been left behind for the moment, but he has an ulterior motive. Yes, he will tell you about a race you have probably never heard of, and he'll talk about people you are vaguely familiar with, but what he really wants to do is tell you about barefoot running. As a long-distance runner he was always injured. He learned of the Tarahumara runners and how they ran with only thin sandals, but they never knew a single injury. ( )