It all started with a simple e-mail from Sara a couple of months back, who linked the following article. I read it. Then I read it again. Barefoot running? A tribe consisting of some of the best ultrarunners in the world? Who were these people? And how could barefoot running possibly be better than running in nice, cushy shoes?
The research began. I started Google-ing about the Tarahumara tribe, posting in the barefoot forums, found out about Vibram Five Fingers, and all of this research invariably led me to Born to Run, a new book by Christopher McDougall. It also just so happens that he wrote the aforementioned article, which I didn't connect initially.
For Chris, or 'Oso' as he's referred to by the tribe given his large stature, it all started with a simple question: How come my foot hurts?
Author Chris McDougall running in the Copper Canyons
Little did he know that the answer lied somewhere deep in the recesses of Copper Canyon, an unforgiving and treacherous terrain down in Mexico where the mythical Tarahumara reside. Home of the best ultrarunners in the world, the book chronicles Chris' quest to track down this elusive tribe with the aid of Caballo Blanco, a mysterious loner who lives amongst them in the vast canyons.
Beyond uncovering how these reclusive people are able to cover hundreds of miles in just a pair of huarache sandals, the book also examines their philosophy and way of life that is so integrally tied in with their running. While most Americans treat it as a means to an end, to the Tarahumara it is truly a cherished art form and a passion that spans generations. With the aid of the Caballo Blanco, their adventurous leads to a climactic 50-mile race in the heart of Tarahumara Land, pitting famed ultrarunners like Scott Jurek and Jenn Shelton against the band of these elite nomadic runners.Not only has this book quickly risen to the top of my list of favorite running books, but dare I say it has already cracked my top-5 list of favorite all-time books, period. Filled with adventure and wit, this is a page-turner in every sense of the word and will in all likelihood, leave you wanting more by the last page.
I probably "dog-eared" about 20-30 pages and underlined numerous passages so I could go back and focus on them during my 2nd reading (which happened immediately after finishing). I now have a completely renewed philosophy and approach to my running and realize that there is so much more to be extracted from running besides PRs and medals.
Regardless of whether you're a runner or couch potato, I think you will enjoy this book and enjoy it immensely.
*images courtesy of Luis Escobar
6 comments:
OK, another book to add to my must read list. Thanks for sharing.
"I now have a completely renewed philosophy and approach to my running and realize that there is so much more to be extracted from running besides PRs and medals" won me over.
recently i have been thinking more about running as a whole, and less about my insane goals/dreams. of course i'd love to qualify for the olympics, but maybe i should start being realistic with myself. i also have other big running goals/desires that don't involve speed i don't have, and maybe i should switch my mindset... i just may need to check this book out. thanks for the share.
Wow Billy, this explains your obsession with the vibrams. I will have to look into this book and I can totally see you googling and researching. ha ha
this book sounds so awesome. after my recent marathon experience and coming out of it with the whole "every race doesn't have to be a PR" mentality, it sounds like it would be a really great read. sometimes there is just more to running than all of that (although PRs, BQs, goals, etc are very nice too). i will definitely check it out!
Born to Run is next on my reading list - really looking forward to it. Thanks for the recommendation.
Has running barefoot affected your speed - faster, slower?
That's so cool - thanks for the reading recommendation. How are the Vibram Five Fingers working for you?
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