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2.52k reviews for:
Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
Christopher McDougall
4.26 AVERAGE
2.52k reviews for:
Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
Christopher McDougall
4.26 AVERAGE
I learned about how humans are evolutionarily primed for long distance running in an evolutionary medicine class last fall, and my professors cited a lot of the same research mentioned in the last third of the book which was super cool. I liked the way the author narrated his experience and it was gripping to listen to/read. Makes me want to run more because I am so slow and can’t go very far
Okay, I get the reviews about half baked research and sources. Almost throughout, this book reads like fiction, and the characters are painted so vibrantly you would think it has to be. I didn't mind the chronological jumps around and thought it created balance of the central story and allusions to research and runners' stories. It would have been pretty boring if he started with all the research, then all the back stories, then told about his journey and the books final race, and he wouldn't have gotten my buy-in.
As it is, I loved this book. I listened to it as an audio book while traveling and then during my runs. I got teary at the end. The book is bursting with fire for running, and it's infectious. Honestly, it made me love running again, and I am running better than I ever have. I'm no pro - just short distances for fun - but I'm noticing my form more, enjoying my surroundings and the physical sensation of running, and I take moments to have fun and smile. I've also stopped wearing my knee supports and feel great, which I credit to more attention to my form.
So, I'm a convert. My excitement from the book might fade over time, and life will happen, but I'm grateful to have it on my shelf to bring me back, and for having the experiences of my recent great runs to know how it feels to love to run.
As it is, I loved this book. I listened to it as an audio book while traveling and then during my runs. I got teary at the end. The book is bursting with fire for running, and it's infectious. Honestly, it made me love running again, and I am running better than I ever have. I'm no pro - just short distances for fun - but I'm noticing my form more, enjoying my surroundings and the physical sensation of running, and I take moments to have fun and smile. I've also stopped wearing my knee supports and feel great, which I credit to more attention to my form.
So, I'm a convert. My excitement from the book might fade over time, and life will happen, but I'm grateful to have it on my shelf to bring me back, and for having the experiences of my recent great runs to know how it feels to love to run.
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Great read, super informative but entertaining at the same time. I’ll definitely be thinking about this book and the evolution of running whenever I go on hikes and runs.
Interesting and inspiring. A little too bro-y in some parts
You’ll want to get up and jog for a bit after reading, for sure. Captivating blend of history, ultramarathon descriptions, and explorations.
I’m not a big sports person (I can really only follow baseball and hockey), so this book was a bit outside my comfort zone. However, it was a lot more interesting than I thought it was going to be and actually kept my attention while I was listening/reading. I’m still not into running as a sport or a hobby, but I did learn a thing or two about from this book!
Captivating story with thought provoking ideologies and useful tips inbetween. Hard to know which parts are well researched, though.
adventurous
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
It's a super work of fiction with morsels of fact. The writing is decent enough. The narration makes it all sound like a 00s stoner comedy.
It's a testament to how awesome this book is and how quickly I got through it that I didn't even had time to post that I *wanted* to read it here before I had already finished it!
It has a really colloquial tone, which might annoy some readers but made the reading really quick. It's an adventure story, personal narrative, anthropology, self-help, pop science book all rolled into one completely fun and inspiring package. It will make you want to kick off your shoes and go play in the dirt with some friends. Highly recommended to everyone, especially people who are bored or sedentary. One big catalyst for pulling me out of my winter funk.
Only given four stars because it didn't include a bibliography or references, and for a book with so much science, it's a real pain in the ass to run that stuff down on your own if you're interested in the subject or want to confirm the author's research. Other than that, seriously, epic fun!
It has a really colloquial tone, which might annoy some readers but made the reading really quick. It's an adventure story, personal narrative, anthropology, self-help, pop science book all rolled into one completely fun and inspiring package. It will make you want to kick off your shoes and go play in the dirt with some friends. Highly recommended to everyone, especially people who are bored or sedentary. One big catalyst for pulling me out of my winter funk.
Only given four stars because it didn't include a bibliography or references, and for a book with so much science, it's a real pain in the ass to run that stuff down on your own if you're interested in the subject or want to confirm the author's research. Other than that, seriously, epic fun!