Born to run

13. Born to Run. (audio) Christopher McDougall

This book had a drastic impact on me, and I hope it lasts. In the second half of 2011 this book made me a runner, with few exceptions, I’ve kept to a running discipline, getting i shape, loosing weight (with the right light you can kind of see I have a six pack now), and on the process connecting with other runners, talked about it  at length with anyone who would hear. Furthermore, it made me feel I take advantage of living in High Park, as at least three times a week during the fall and start of I’ve been there, going through every trail, getting familiar with each area of the park, seeing how it changes with the seasons, the leaves changing colors and then starting to fall, the light, the pond, the sunsets, the other people who uses the park. To be outside with a purpose is a beautiful thing.  But ok, what if you are not a runner, nor you’d like to become one?

It is still a must read for several reasons. First, is well written and documented (except one minor assumption about why drug lords kill singers); second, it tells it like it is, no ‘bon savage’ myth; third it does expose not one, but two very interesting theories, one about the the capitalist society (we all buy running shoes because of the advertising, even if is likely those cushioned expensive shoes are the cause of most running injuries), and the second is the theory that persistence hunting is the explanation to a few of the reasons of why humans evolved the way they did.

Ah, forgot, there is one more very important and interesting theory: am open and loving hearth being a requisite to become an endurance athlete.

There are so many things I loved about the book that I don’t know where to start, the story of the Chech athlete, who loved to run above everything, and who gave away his gold medal. The description of the first ultramarathon where Tarahumara runners participated is one of the most exciting description of a sport event I’ve heard or read in a while. Of course, the narrative of his trip to canion del Cobre for the Tarahumara race. the individual stories of the other ultramarathoners and how they got started. I can see myself re-reading this to motivate me again to run. And if you know me personally, chances are I have already told you to go and read this book. So, go and read it!