Born to Run

A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen

By: Christopher McDougall

Narrated by: Fred Sanders

Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • The astonishing 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?

“Equal parts quest, physiology treatise, and running history.... The climactic race reads like a sprint.... It simply makes you want to run.” —Outside Magazine

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.

©2009 Knopf (P)2009 Random House

Critic reviews

“Compelling. . . . Entertaining. . . . [McDougall] uses an extended portrait of one of the world's least known cultures, the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico's Copper Canyons, to put modern American running under an exacting magnifying glass.”—San Francisco Chronicle

“Equal parts quest, physiology treatise, and running history. . . . [McDougall] seeks to learn the secrets of the Tarahumara the old-fashioned way: He tracks them down. . . . The climactic race reads like a sprint. . . . It simply makes you want to run.”—Outside Magazine

“Hugely entertaining. . . . One of the most joyful and engaging books about running to appear for many years.”—The Irish Times

Gonzo journalism and a bit naive but beautiful

Embellished facsimiles of real people add luster to a fascinating philosophy of distance running. Excellent narration with every character given a distinct style of speech. Make sure to research the claims made in this book before adding them to your own regimen. A lovely appeal to humanity lies under its naive admiration of the primitive lifestyle.

Great story but need to listen through again

I found the author's writing style a little too colorful and he did some flashbacks that were so subtle at times it was hard to follow. But the individual stories and characters portrayals were pretty good.

Best book ever

must read for anyone that has run. Loved how he told the story and made it so exciting.

magnificent story

when buying the book I thought this is some wishy washy mantra about running, but I wanted to see why this book is number one everywhere. I was so mistaken.

Spectacular!

I really loved this book. There’s story, diet, running form, the race, mystery, drama. It’s just fabulous!

What an inspiring book

I love everything about this book, humble people sharing the art of running, definitely one of my new favorites

Absolutely phenomenal story!

Did not struggle to finish. Enjoyed every moment. I would recommend you anyone who wants to understand running but enjoys a great story.

if this book doesn't make you want to run...

if this book doesn't make you want to run.... nothing will.
mesmerizing .....and leaves you wanting more

Still relevant and great to listen to!

What a great book. The perfect balance of adventure and mishap; history and crazy characters; information and laughs. Have been recommending it to all my friends who run!

Run with love within your heart is the whole story

The spirit of running...
The greatest ultra running athletes and their stories, their thoughts and spirits.
The story about those who live for running...
And all about running that will make you go out and enjoy
running :-)