Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen

I came to this book in the most weird way, drawn to it by the awesome narrative. One day, reading a book on leadership by John Maxwell, I found a famous quote about a lion and a gazelle, which I knew, but did not know that it was attributed to Roger Bannister. This prompted me to re-visit the Bannister entry on Wikipedia, which linked to a Washington Post page excerpting Chapter 1 of the book. That sampler was enough to buy it. So good is, in my opinion, McDougall's narrative. I had not read anything from him before, but this book has a great story to tell, and does so in a way that hijacks your imagination. I was not aware, until after reading it, that it weighs in at about 280 pages. It surprised me a lot, given that I went through it on one day from 6 PM to about 2 AM and then 10 AM to 2 PM the next day. It was that good a read to me. Something I appreciated is that, even though you may get an impression that some racy bits (of the sexual kind) are given away in the product descriptions, the book doesn't dwell deeply at all in those subjects. It is a passionate story that stands on its own without having to resort to artificial topics outside its main subject to keep the reader engaged. I really value that. Other than the literary qualities, McDougall puts his research journalism skills to good use and comes up with some very thought-provoking and even defying statements. If you have, like me until a few months ago, been hesitant against running because you read or were told that we humans are not meant to, this book may shake your ground a little bit. Or a lot. Going as far as exposing scientific evolutionary evidence for the fact that we are not only able, but actually supposed to run, you'll see many interesting ideas that should at least put some doubt in your mind about running, our capabilities about it, and the importance and endurance of its benefits (not just physical) beyond what seems to be a fad or fashion that comes and goes every so often. I am not able to test the book's theories about running right now, as I recently suffered some back problems (casued by my sedentary lifestyle, apparently...) and have been told not to run for now. But I must confess whatever little desire of running I might have had before reading this book has now grown explosively, and I look forward to enjoy that outcome as much as, or more than, I enjoyed getting pumped up about it in the first place. Well worth your ten or so bucks!

Christopher McDougall's "Born to Run" contains an epic tale about a race between some of the greatest modern ultra-runners pitted against the original (and elusive) extreme distance-runners, the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico. I was impressed on multiple levels and look forward to re-reading this book in the future. I chose to read this book at this time because I am in the middle of training for my second half-marathon and thought it would give me an extra boost of inspiration for my training. Not only was the book helpful for my training, it was educational and thrilling at the same time. This book pack quite a punch — certainly more than I bargained for, which was a pleasant surprise. The Tarahumara Indians are a group of native Mexicans that are well-known for their ability to run ultra-marathon distances. They are difficult to locate due to their ability to camouflage their homesteads, and prefer hermet-like isolation to interacting with the outside world. It is difficult to earn their trust, and McDougall explains the process that he went through to locate them and then cultivate a positive relationship with them. I found the story of the Tarahumara fascinating and even jaw-dropping at times, and McDougall does an excellent job describing their background to his readers. There is a character in the book named Caballo Blanco, who is a former-American that lives primarily in the Copper Canyons where the Tarahumara are located. He is capable of running ultra-marathon distances daily, just like the Tarahumara, and he has befriended the Indians over a long period of time. "Born to Run" begins with the search for Caballo, who takes McDougall under his wing and eventually orchestrates an incredibly unique ultra-marathon race between the Tarahumara and a small ragtag group of modern ultra-runners. The book takes a brief detour to discuss the correlation between modern running shoes and injuries. I was very interested in this section and absorbed a lot of helpful information that I plan to gradually incorporate into my running practice. Next there is a section that offers evolutionary evidence that shows that our species may have evolved the ability to run long distances specifically for persistence hunting (running animals to death by exhaustion). Is it really possible that modern-day humans are built for long-distance running because it provided an evolutionary advantage over the Neanderthals? I will have to reserve my judgment for this theory until I read more scientific evidence, but it is certainly an interesting theory. And it inspires me to encourage everyone I know to pick up running, since we may have literally been built for it! The climax of the book centers on the race between the Tarahumara Indians and modern ultra-runners. The race sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and McDougall's description of it is enough to make any runner salivate with desire to take part. "Born to Run" is an excellent book that provides a thrilling yarn, a history of an ancient group of ultra-runners, an in-depth look into the possibility that modern running shoes cause running-related injuries, and an evolutionary theory about our ancestors' ability to run long distance for hunting animals. I would advise any runner who is interested to give it a read, and look forward to reading it again in the future.

I picked up a sample of "Born to Run" on my Kindle and before I was halfway done with the sample, I went back and purchased the entire book. I am new to running, a sport that I have always HATED with a passion. I have always been surrounded by runners and my build did not allow for me to run for any great distance. In the past year I discovered how wrong I was and I am slowly developing a love for running... ...and that is the common theme in all the characters in the book. Yes, this book is about the Tarahumara, a tribe of ultra-healthy, seclusive Mexican Indians who have survived through the centuries by running. Whether it was outrunning trouble or outrunning dinner, these people's culture surrounded itself on outperforming everything around them. This book is also about other people outside of the Tarahumara nation who share that same love. People who enjoy pushing their bodies to the limits, and what happens when both of these worlds get together to race. Peppered within the story, Mr. McDougall also refers to the historical and sociological implications of running. At times, these can be a bit distracting from the main story, but they do allow the reader to develop an appreciation (or further appreciation) for how running has shaped humanity, even when talking about cultures which have rarely intertwined. A few times I found myself saying "yeah, yeah, I get it, now let's get back to the story", but to be fair, I always got my wish after only a couple of pages. I highly recommend this book. The story is well told and I found myself wanting to go out for a run after each chapter. A few of my friends have picked it up based on my recommendation and they have all come back to thank me for it. Today we are heading over to a book signing and I intend to thank Christopher McDougall for writing this book. It has already inspired me to run further and more often and I am discovering the runner inside of me.

"A hidden tribe, superathletes, and the greatest race the world has never seen" Thought provoking - Entertaining - Motivating - A must read for runners and non-runners alike! Once I started reading this book I could not put it down. It has been a while since I have sacrificed night time TV watching for a book, but this one became an addiction. I devoured it in two days and was raving about it non-stop afterwards. I must admit that after reading the first few chapters I was questioning whether this was a fictional book. I am not that familiar with the ins and outs and personalities within US running circles. This coupled with high tales of the Tarahumaran Indians and a reclusive gringo gone grunge in the deadly Copper Canyons going by the name of Caballo Blanco just threw me for a six. As I eased into the story however I realized that what the author Christopher McDougall was doing was representing every character and their story. If something didn't make sense, it wasn't meant to as there more was to come and loose ends would be tied when they needed to be. He did an outstanding job of not only weaving a magnificent tale but also intertwining tidbits and findings about running science, history and anthropology. For the reader each character comes alive and you empathize and sympathize with them during their part of the journey. You also begin to question everything that you think you know about running that has been fed to you by the big brand names. Do I need stabilizing shoes to minimize injury or does the shoe in fact cause the injuries? Will running over twenty miles kill my joints or will it set me free? This book has also been the catalyst for a miracle... my husband has started to run and has been enjoying it. Now, he hasn't read the book (yet) but he has spent a few hours on and off with me discussing a lot of the pertinent issues and findings brought up in the book. I think the enthusiasm and excitement I displayed along with the gleam in my eye as I shared this tale convinced him (or at least tweaked his curiosity) that there was some sense behind running. This book has inspired me to believe that I was in fact born to run. Oh - and that I want a pair of Vibram Five Fingers (or the like) for Christmas (please Santa).

(This review refers to the hardcover edition.) 5-stars -- A page-turner that may change your views on running and of life. This book is a true story. This book is a fun adventure. This book is an education. This book is a journey. This book is a serendipity. This book may change your life. There are four stories in the book. The author searches for a cure to the pain in his foot. Along the way, he meets a number of interesting characters whose life stories are each adventures in themselves. He ultimately gets an education in evidenced-based, experiential, and peer-reviewed research that turns mainstream theories of running bio-mechanics, extreme endurance and the evolution of man on their sides. And finally, as you relive the events of his story, you may write the final story comprised of your own realization and then your own personal quest for the joy of running and the joy of life. One of the top reader reviews of this book highlights four chapters that cover, in the reviewer's opinion, the key information comprising the meat of the book, the "must-read" chapters (chapters, 15, 25, 27, 28). But the reviewer tires of the narrative rambling through the remainder of the 300 pages, and wishes that the author would simply get to the point, further suggesting that busy readers bypass the excess and skip right to these four chapters. May I propose that this reviewer may have missed the whole point of the book. Although enthusiastic about the material he highlights that encouraged him to try running again, the reviewer may not experience all the serendipitous moments of the story since he was not enamored with the journey of the book, a journey necessary in toto to lead the reader to the full joy of running. You do not have to be an extreme endurance practitioner or enthusiast to realize and experience the thesis of the book, that man was born to run. What you learn here can still give you joy in running and in life even if taken in only modest amounts. The only (very minor) critique I have is that no bibliography was provided so as to more easily examine the research and background stories referenced. Fortunately, Wikipedia and Google search make short work of that task as long as you don't reside in the Copper Canyons of Mexico (their internet coverage is not quite as ubiquitous as elsewhere). (This review is only my preliminary draft of first-impressions. I intend to write a more detailed exposition focusing particularly on the research referenced throughout the book, but that will require a second reading, and no doubt a few more runs under my belt.) Run to the nearest library or bookstore to read this book. Then read this book to run for your life.

WOW! On so many levels. How do you learn from a book that starts in a dirty mexican town with an intrepid sports magazine writer looking for 'Caballo Blanco' (white horse) and follows the writer, a ghost runner with a hazy background, and other crazy and charming (and sometimes, stinky) ultra-runners in a journey that ends in the greatest running race the world has never seen. NO that wasn't a typo, it is called the Greatest Race the World has NEVER Seen. I asked my brother for advice after years of not running due to injuries. Injuries that keep you in Podiatrists offices and the office of the greatest "running Orthopedist" in the lower Central States. All say: "damn genetics, I don't care what your brother runs - take up swimming" I don't think so... I was a bit intimidated at first. My brother, an "ultra-distance runner" (50+ miles) told me to read this book, in fact he put it out there for the world to see on FB. So I got the book. AMAZING... it is a great and easy read that kept my interest from beginning to end. Mr. McDougall keeps you entertained with a great story and inserts running advice and motivation into every page. As well as a host of very different characters (based on real life). He puts in the book- his struggles, and the latest studies on barefoot running and his journey from a 5K runner who hurts - and ends by becoming a participant in the first Copper Canyon Run that Never Was. Along the way we find and follow Caballo and the sports writer as he searches out The mexican tribe of 'lost runners' buried deep in the Sierra Madre's canyons, and we learn about the Tumahara Indians who live on a sparse diet and live every moment as though we are meant to be running mammals, like a panther. Finally, at the end of the book, we find out the story behind Caballo Blanco. A story that will only increase interest in him (Caballo) since his disappearance while running in New Mexico in March 2012. This is written now (then) so we have no idea of the future for Caballo Blanco. Only his past - and MORE importantly - his current. If you want a motivational book - get this one. If you want a great book to read - get this one. If you want advice on running or adaptation of the human body over the last million years (give or take)- GET AND READ THIS BOOK. This is not just a book for runners, there is something to be found in it for everyone. A little difficult to follow, at first, you will be absorbed in the story by the end of 2 chapters.

I read this book in 2009 and again now in 2023. The book is part Indiana Jones style adventure in search of hidden relics, part examination of human characters and part science and medicine of running. All in all, it is an enjoyable read and a real page turner. Author McDougall begins with the common whine of a runner - "my foot hurts when I run!". He hopes the answer to his miserly lies with the reclusive Tarahumara, an Indian tribe living in the Copper Canyons of Mexico. Colorful life stories of interesting human characters are what makes this book very interesting. Of the multiple characters like young Jenny and BIlly, well known Vegan ultra runner Scott Jurek, barefoot runner Ted and the mysterious runner Cabalo Blanco (white horse). Cabalo Blanco remains a central character from the beginning to the end of this book. This book raises interesting question, "by the early 80's the Greater Boston Track Club had a half dozen guys who could run a 2h:12m marathon. That is six guys, in one amateur club, in one city. Twenty years later, you couldn't find a single 2:12 marathoner anywhere in the country." What caused it? The author speculates it is the Billion Dollar industry of Running Shoes. He revisits the history of increasing running injuries with the introduction of cushioned shoes, arch support and high heels. As the story progresses, he brings in the heavy weight science from evolutionary biologists, sports medicine specialists, ethnographers and anthropologists. The science establishes that humans have evolved to run! And we have the most efficient air cooled engine among all running mammals! So running is not a contrived exercise like say, soccer, tennis or football. As a result of reading this book, i started running barefoot since 2012 and continue to run barefoot. One of my keepsake quote from this book is from a runner, Jack Kirk known as "Dipsea Demon". He passed away at age 100 in 2007. The quote: "You don't stop running because you get old. You get old because you stop running!" I must point out that this book has no Table Of Contents or at end no Index.

OK, I may be late to the party, but I feel I have an important point to make about this book. It's very, very dangerous. It's likely that you're already a runner, if you're interested in reading "Born to Run." So, you're probably already enjoying the rewards as well as the pitfalls of the running lifestyle: the crisp early morning runs, the thrill of race day, and the constant niggling (and maybe not so niggling) injuries that we just accept as a price for our passion. You may come to the book with little more knowledge than the blurbs on the cover or a friend's recommendation that it's an awesome book. So you dive in, and McDougall begins to spin his tale. The book reads like a 4-minute miler, and you find yourself engrossed in a story that just gets better and better as each chapter unfolds. Then, with subtlety and cunning, the author begins planting these notions in your head that maybe, just maybe, what you've thought about running, about YOUR running, has been wrong. That maybe those injuries that you have accepted forever might be your own damn fault, or, more specifically, Nike's damn fault. You begin to wonder, really really wonder, if perhaps this tribe of noble people have something to say directly to you about your own way of meeting the world, sole-wise. And before you know it, you've tossed your running shoes, and starting running in bare feet. Though you've been running for years, you start again, at square one, and learn a new way of running. And it's joyous and light, and you find yourself actually smiling when you run, and your legs tingle for hours afterward, and you decide that you'll never wear shoes on your run again. In short, the book changes your damn life. "Born to Run" is that kind of book. Well-written, passionate, intelligent, and thoroughly enjoyable. I read it twice, back to back, and still return to favorite chapters often. The cast of characters is terrific, the story unfolds at a wonderful pace, and the writing is solid. But I should warn you, and I think the publishers should too: this book will make you look at your running life in a very different way. It will make you want to run freely and with joy, to recapture that feeling that you had as a child when running was a spontaneous reaction to your place in the world, instead of something you endured to stay fit. It is a great celebration of running, and a cogent argument that we were built to be runners, that our place is on our feet, moving forward, and doing so with little to nothing on our feet. I loved this book. You will, too. But be warned: it could change your life. If it does, be sure to send Mr. McDougall your letter of thanks.