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Born to Run
- The Hidden Tribe, the Ultra-Runners, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
- Narrated by: Fred Sanders
- Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins
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Summary
Full of incredible characters, amazing athletic achievements, cutting-edge science, and, most of all, pure inspiration, Born to Run is an epic adventure that began with one simple question: Why does my foot hurt?
In search of an answer, Christopher McDougall sets off to find a tribe of the world's greatest distance runners and learn their secrets - and in the process shows us that everything we thought we knew about running is wrong.
Isolated by the most savage terrain in North America, the reclusive Tarahumara Indians of Mexico's deadly Copper Canyons are custodians of a lost art. For centuries they have practiced techniques that allow them to run hundreds of miles without rest and chase down anything from a deer to an Olympic marathoner while enjoying every mile of it. Their superhuman talent is matched by uncanny health and serenity, leaving the Tarahumara immune to the diseases and strife that plague modern existence.
With the help of Caballo Blanco, a mysterious loner who lives among the tribe, the author was able not only to uncover the secrets of the Tarahumara but also to find his own inner ultra-athlete, as he trained for the challenge of a lifetime: a 50-mile race through the heart of Tarahumara country pitting the tribe against an odd band of Americans, including a star ultramarathoner, a beautiful young surfer, and a barefoot wonder. With a sharp wit and wild exuberance, McDougall takes us from the high-tech science labs at Harvard to the sun-baked valleys and freezing peaks across North America, where ever-growing numbers of ultra runners are pushing their bodies to the limit, and, finally, to the climactic race in the Copper Canyons.
Born to Run is that rare book that will not only engage your mind but inspire your body when you realize that the secret to happiness is right at your feet, and that you, indeed all of us, were born to run.
Critic reviews
"Hugely entertaining.... One of the most joyful and engaging books about running to appear for many years." (Times)
"Equal parts quest, physiology treatise, and running history.... [McDougall] seeks to learn the secrets of the Tarahumara the old-fashioned way: He tracks them down....The climactic race reads like a sprint....It simply makes you want to run." (Outside magazine)
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What listeners say about Born to Run
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Tony
- 14-02-16
Gripping, inspiring and informative
What a surprise this book was!
I only read it by chance but it has inspired me to be a better runner- plus a fun story in the bargain.
And "shame on you Nike" - you'll have to read the book to find out why...
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- Alan W.
- 15-01-19
great listen when travelling to a race!
loved the different avenues that are explored along the main story line.
sometimes hard to keep track of where and who you are with.
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- LasagneMan
- 20-03-18
I'd love to write a review but I'm off to run
I'm a runner, albeit fairly short distance in comparison to the distances they run in this book. After getting through this in a matter of days, I've never been more inspired to get out and start running more and further.
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- Amazon Customer
- 04-11-18
very entertaining and inspirational
I thought the narrator was excellent. The story was very informative. the language at times riddled with adjectives (might be too flowery for some) but for me it was bringing scenes and situations too live.
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- Anonymous User
- 20-09-18
Loved it!
I have been a runner for many years. After a serious back injury I found this book. It helped with my recovery and I found my love of running again. well worth a listen.
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- Christina Silver
- 13-05-19
It's stunning
This book is amazingly written, a stunning story and interesting factually. I loved every moment.
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- B Hull
- 22-10-22
A great story
I expected this book to go into great detail about barefoot running but it was so much better than that. There’s a beautiful story to it that’s very rewarding. It does talk about barefoot running but not to beat you around the head about it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it’s probably one of my favourites.
The narration was also well done.
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- Martin Pennock
- 25-01-23
Inspiring and entertaining
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, new to ultra-running it has inspired me even more to pursue my passion.
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- Amazon Customer
- 07-01-23
Whoa.
Honestly after the first quarter I was not into it at all and by the end I thought it was one of the best books I’ve read. Excellent, excellent, EXCELLENT book. Great story. Well written.
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- A.Longstaff
- 14-12-22
Brilliant
So well written, a beautiful voice who reads it and so inspiring. I can’t wait to start running again
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