Why We Run

A Natural History

De: Bernd Heinrich

Narrado por: 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

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.

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."

Enjoyed

Bernd was a wild man. I can hardly believe he got his body to do that 100k. I’m a runner but I’m not built like an ultra runner. I’ve struggled through some marathons but being a weight lifter who is not willing to give up the gym I am destined to struggle with long runs. He did speak to this in this book and it opened my eyes a bit.

I also do mostly veg in my diet but after this I am adding more meat (fish) in hoping that will help my running a bit.

Anyway - good story.

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

Meandering Self Indulgent Poetry, that misses the point

While the author is very eloquent in his turn of phrase, the content drones on and on as he describes every minute detail of his observations and life story but fails to get to the point of the title the book alluded to. I wanted to read a book about the scientific and social basis for Why We Run, not listen to somebody speak to hear themselves. Overall, I don’t think that I can even continue listening to this book, as its persistent need to drone on and on about minutia is insufferable.