This is the first in a series of book reviews I'm going to do about running books. I love to read running books not only to learn new things, but to inspire me in my own running. I hope you'll pick some of these books up and give them a chance. They're worth it. So here goes...
Born to Run
A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race
the World Has Never Seen
By: Christopher McDougall
I started with this book for a reason. If you’re going to read one running book, it should be this one. Not only is it super entertaining, I think it’s one of the most influential running books since Jogging was published in 1967 and started the modern running craze.
The story follows several top ultra runners from the US going to Mexico to run against the Tarahumara Indians, who are a an isolated tribe who is known for their excellent running skills. This race was set up by the mysterious Caballo Blanco. McDougall does a fantastic job of furthering the story while intermingling stories about the runners, the Tarahumara, and science about barefoot running and how man was born to run. Due to this book, minimalist running became a huge fad for several years.
I would suggest this book purely on the basis of it’s entertainment, but the science he explores is also super interesting. I loved it from cover to finish.
Bonus: Watch this video of Christoper McDougall talking about why we as humans were born to run.