Wednesday, May 19, 2010

You'll Want to Sprint to the Finish

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Born to Run is quite possibly the best new book I've read in over a year. McDougall is an engaging writer with a sharp sense of humor. As the author seeks out answers to what makes injury-free running, he discovers unbelievable - though perfectly real - cultures where running (not walking or sitting) is the norm. The individual characters in his book jump off the pages in full 3D - appropriate, though rare, in a book about running. The bottom line of the book: 1) humans evolved/were designed to run; 2) running makes us better, more compassionate people. The story and storytelling are educational, hilarious, heartbreaking and consummately inspirational. Those who do not run will want to start. Those who do will find themselves questioning the mentally self-imposed limitations we put on ourselves, both in running and in all aspects of our lives. Highly recommended.

[The book contains a tiny bit of non-family-friendly-language and adult content which may make a young audience uncomfortable. Read it first before deciding to whom to recommend it.:]


3 comments:

Harles said...

Hrm.... I remember a time, some years ago, when I tried to get our humble reviewer to run. Spectacularly unsuccessful in the attempts, but they were made in good faith. Has Ahenobarbus, perhaps, had a sleight change of heart?

Chris said...

As an ex-runner, and someone who has a more-than passing understanding of human physiology and anatomy, I can say that while I agree with some of the observations made by the reviewer, not everyone is made to run. Just cause it doesn't strike you, don't forget that there are other ways to exercise and gain those same benefits that are mentioned. I'm just saying... and yes Aheno- I'm glad you're enjoying your running.

Mindy said...

This is next on my reading list. Thanks for the recommendation.

Try this one. I loved it!
My Life on the Run by Bart Yasso