According to author Christopher McDougall the basis for this book and the fast-moving adventure story he tells, was a question? Why does my foot hurt? Why do I and other runners eventually sustain all types of injuries? But this story has a lot more going for it than why runners get injuries. It’s a great read and hard to put down at times even if you’re the type of person who fights off the urge to exercise by lying down.
You will immediately be pulled into the Born To Run story, as if you’re sitting there with McDougall in “the dim lobby of an old hotel on the edge of the desert” in Mexico, as McDougall obsessively waits on the slim chance that the a man he doesn’t even know exists might appear. Caballo Blanco, the mystery man of Mexico’s Sierra Nevada region and Copper Canyon is that man.
McDougal’s style of writing is first person. He tells you the story as if you were sitting down having a bear with him. He weaves together a great nonfiction story that covers his experience and introduces a cast of real live characters including famous distance runners, trainers, scientists, drug dealers, and the fabled running Tarahumara Indians who live in the Copper Canyon region of Mexico’s Sierra Nevada mountains.
For me, someone who has run for thirty years, this story hits home. Coincidentally my son gave me Born To Run as a present for my recent birthday. After all those ears of running my right knee started aching along with nearby muscles in that leg. I have always ran for exercise. I’ve run a few 5K’s and a 10K once. People have criticized my running style for my lack of “heal/toe” action. But until now I never had an injury or ache. Getting into a more natural style of running, as described in the book along with switching to a more minimalist type of running shoe alleviated the problems with my knee.
Born To Run is not only a great story it introduces a number of ideas and concepts about running that I never knew about. Good story and some great information and tips on running. What’s not to like?
Review written by Jim Martin
For additional information on Caballo Blanco – Caballo Blanco’s Last Run: The Micah True Story
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