Why this book?

In the spring of 2011, I bought this book at my favorite bookstore in New York City, McNally Jackson at Prince St. At that time, after having run the Valencia`s half marathon in November of the previous year, I ran every evening along the riverside of the East River. After a long break, I resumed running eight months ago, so a few weeks ago, I finally decided to read this book. I write this review, one month after having run the Madrid´s half marathon, knee injured since kilometer three. I finished the race, despite the intense pain I suffered for eighteen kilometers. Reason why I haven’t been able to run for a month.

The author

Cristopher McDougall is a former war correspondent for The Associated Press in Rwanda, Angola, and Congo. Author and journalist, he  is one of the  America’s most popular adventure-sport writers. His book Born tu run remains the number one running title of all time, spending four years on the New York Times bestseller list and earning selection as one of Amazon’s 100 Books to Read in a Lifetime

The book

The author, like many other runners, asks himself the following question:  Why does my foot hurt? Then, he starts a research about a mexican tribe named Tarahumara. They have honed the ability to run hundreds of kilometres without rest or get injured in the Copper Canyons.

He discovers a strange runner, nicknamed Caballo Blanco (White Horse) who lives in a cave, surrounded by mystery and knows a lot about the Tarahumara runners.

He discovers the epic Leadville race in which an intrepid ultra runner woman, Ann,  was very close to beating the unbeatable Tarahumara team of Juan and Martimano. They nicknamed her «la bruja».

I have really enjoyed this fun, absorbing and non-stop reading. The adventures of Caballo, Jenn (the new Brujita), Billy, Scott, Barefoot Ted and the Tarahumara team has engached me

This book is the result of an extensive research put into practice running with some of its protagonists. Christopher analyzes the theory that states that the main cause of injuries suffered by runners are the modern sports shoes, and tells us about the different theories that deal with the advantages of running barefoot. In fact, this book is considered as the bible for the barefoot running community.

The author also tells us about the theories, which give the book its title, that man is born to run. Unlike other animal species, instead of sprinting for short distances, the human body is prepared to long distances at a lower and constant speed.

The author of the review during the 2024 Madrid Half Marathon

What I’ve learned from running and from this book

Like any other activity in personal or professional life, running requires Planning, Execution and Control. Set a goal, plan your workouts, evaluate progress, and adjust and make any necessary changes.

In the amateur running, you compete against yourself, and, normally, the results are directly related to the previous preparation. Apart from training, mental strength, enthusiasm and passion will be your best allies.

Born to run

Christopher McDougall

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