Why We Run

A Natural History

By: Bernd Heinrich

Narrated by: Jonathan Beville

When Bernd Heinrich decided to write a memoir of his ultramarathon running experience, he realized that the preparation for the race was as important, if not more so, than the race itself. Considering the physiology and motivation of running from a scientific point of view, he wondered what he could learn from other animals.

In Why We Run, Heinrich considers the flight endurance of birds, the antelope's running prowess and limitations, and the ultra-endurance of camels to understand how human physiology can or cannot replicate these adaptations. With his characteristic blend of scientific inquiry and philosophical musings, Heinrich offers an original and provocative work combining the rigors of science with the passion of running.

©2001 Bernd Heinrich (P)2022 Tantor

Fascinating Read for Runners and Non-Runners alike

This was a fascinating book (more science and personal journey) than running. The authors love and fascination with nature shines through in ever chapter. Not only did this book and its narrator keep me interested and entertained, I learned something in just about every chapter. I'm not a runner, but I do enjoy a morning walk in the woods. Listening to this book, I find myself looking at the animals I get a chance to see in an entirely different way. "What can you do?" and "How do you do it."

Autobiography plus science, excellent

I read it for the ape to human evolution aspects, secondly for the expert exercise physiology, all presented very well indeed. But the storyline that carries the reader along is the autobiography of a runner building up to 100 km races at age 41.

Eloquently written

Bernd Heinrich looks at life as though through a microscope seeing what underlies what makes us tick.

Bernd Heinrich Embodies the Evolution of Homo Sapiens as Endurance Hunters

Bernd Heinrich speaks with a lyrically captivating voice melding lifelong observations as a physiologist, naturalist and human/animist

remembering your ‘why’?

a lovely memoir/manual/inspiration!!! i listened to this while running and it was a treat. thank you Bernd Heinrich for sharing this beautiful story