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Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
by McDougall, Christopher
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$8.49
Used
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Trade Paperback
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9780307279187
Overview
Overview
The astonishing national bestseller and hugely entertaining story that completely changed the way we run. An epic adventure that began with one simple question: Why does my foot hurt? Isolated by Mexico's deadly Copper Canyons, the blissful Tarahumara Indians have honed the ability to run hundreds of miles without rest or injury. In a riveting narrative, award-winning journalist and often-injured runner Christopher McDougall sets out to discover their secrets. In the process, he takes his readers from science labs at Harvard to the sun-baked valleys and freezing peaks across North America, where ever-growing numbers of ultra-runners are pushing their bodies to the limit, and, finally, to a climactic race in the Copper Canyons that pits America's best ultra-runners against the tribe. McDougall's incredible story will not only engage your mind but inspire your body when you realize that you, indeed all of us, were born to run.
- Format: TradePaperback
- Author: McDougall, Christopher
- ISBN: 9780307279187
- Condition: Used
- Dimensions: 7.90 x 1.00
- Number Of Pages: 304
- Publication Year: 2011
Customer Reviews
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Steve L. - 2 years 6 months agoThis is more than a book about running. As a runner, I was drawn in by the premise that humans are designed to run barefoot (or as close to it) as possible. (In fact, I got a little too into that idea and injured myself rushing into minimalist running--but I tempered it and am now a happy and minimally-padded runner.) McDougall's tale, though, is not just a running manifesto or explanation of its science and mechanics. It's also a gripping tale of an ultra-marathon race that pitted American minimalist runners against Tarahumara Indians who came from a long barefoot-running tradition. This one's an exciting tale, for runners and non-runners alike.
HPB Staff Review -
Runner's bible - a must-read
Britt K. - 4 years 8 months agoNot only did I finish this book in under a week because of its fast-paced conversational style writing and wonderful storytelling, but, as a runner, it has become a bible to correct form and endurance. The knowledge listed from the professionals in this tome have reversed old injuries and transformed the way I approach this sport.
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Phenomenal Book! Implemented the lessons and my foot problems and joint pains are gone after two months of training!
Josiah M. - 4 years 9 months agoI've adopted the running techniques shared in this book, and I no longer experience jarring in my hips, spine, and knees during a run, or any knee pain after a run. Since reading this book two months ago I've been gradually easing into training barefoot, and after just a couple months, my over pronation, which had plagued me with knee, foot, ankle, and back pain since childhood, is virtually non-existent now. Maybe I should have a conversation with the podiatrist who sold me the $350 custom orthotics that did nothing. All the muscles in my feet, ankles, and lower legs have strengthened dramatically, my calves are looking more muscular, and my feet are quickly widening. Flat and unsupportive shoes used to be extremely uncomfortable for me, but now it's my supportive shoes that are uncomfortable, and I am most comfortable barefoot, or in shoes that provide zero support. I've had to ditch my Saucony road shoes and trail shoes... well, ALL my shoes for that matter...because my midfoot and forefoot widened so much that my toes were getting pinched. The challenge now is to find good barefoot shoes to replace them. All I have for the time being is a pair of Altra trail shoes, which are amazing, but not ideal for casual wear or business appointments. Ironically, the market for wide and barefoot shoes is quite narrow. My feet are stronger and healthier than they've ever been before, running is actually enjoyable now, and I've decided to train for a half marathon and a marathon this year! If you want to get into barefoot running, do it very gradually so you don't get stress fractures. If you're like most of us, you've been walking on marshmallows your whole life, and your bones need time to strengthen and adapt.
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If you want to get inspired to run farther, learn about an incredible tribe of people, or just want a really good read, pick this up!
Amy R. - 6 years 4 months agoThis was a book that legitimately made me want to strap on some running shoes (or sandals!) and run 50 miles. While there were certain chapters that felt tedious or even unnecessary, if you go into this book expecting it to be an in-depth study of running and its connection to humans, you won't be disappointed. The story that McDougall weaved through the book about the Tarahumara and their incredible skills, culminating in a race that brought together many of the characters that had been introduced in various chapters of the book, kept me turning pages and prospering on through slower chapters about things like human evolution. Highly recommend for anyone who loves running, or wants to, or anyone who enjoys feeling incredibly knowledgable about one subject, as I know do! #SummerReading