Born To Run

In Born To Run, Christopher McDougall dives into the world of extreme running.  It's a nonfiction book that serves as an entertaining documentary that takes the reader to Mexico's deadly Copper Canyons to meet the Tarahumara Indian runners and explores various ultramarathons of North America.  All the while, he exposes the interesting, if not quirky, mindset of runners and what makes them tick.  The book starts with a treacherous trip to Mexico to find Coballo Blanco, the White Horse, an enigma of a man who lives among the tribe.  Eventually it comes full circle with an exciting commentary on a grass roots race pitting the top American runners with the Tarahumars runners on what must be the most difficult course in the world, the Copper Canyons. 

Overall, I found this book very entertaining.  At times, I was disappointed in how it went off on some tangents that left me wondering where it was heading and why it was even included (such as an in depth analysis of the evolution of man going from Neanderthals to runners, implying the whole purpose of human life is to run).  He also got a little too gung-ho about barefoot running.  Interesting, but if a novice runner took this too seriously, he/she would be a set up for injuries.  The author claims running shoes are the cause of all running injuries, and if we'd all just run barefoot, injuries would be abolished.  As a runner and sports medicine physician, I find the science behind this claim pretty faulty.  Yes, occasional barefoot runs on grass would help strengthen the feet, but that's as far as I would go to support the claim. 

My favorite part of the book was the play by play of the Leadville 100 ultramarathon.  I crewed James in this race twice, one year ending in DNF (did not finish) at mile 40 due to high altitude pulmonary edema, and another year, pacing him the last 40 miles to a redeeming finish.  With such a great description of the race, this book made me feel like I was right there again, reliving that incredible experience. 

Overall, I rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars.