Born To Run, or Not?

Christopher McDougall takes us on an incredible journey through the Copper Canyons into the hearts of the Tahumarans in his well-crafted novel Born To Run. The book radiates with plenty of good information as well as joyfulness that keeps you engaged every page on the way. The excitement is often delivered through the use of hyperbole that sometimes feels overwhelming. However the content of the story is superior to the occasional amplification of the events. Overall the book delivers a roller-coaster-like ride that delivers the truth about modern running shoes among with the secrets of the ultra-long distance runners. There are three specific events in the book that I could really connect with which helped me submerge into the story. At the Leadville race where a few Tarahumarans ran among with Shaggy, now know as the Caballo Blanco, Christopher McDougall describes the "Hopeless Crew". This group was composed of friendly miners who traveled on their llamas and helped all the runners that have made it this close to the finish line. They provided the runners with a warm meal, refreshment, as well as emotional support to complete the race. This closely reminds me of the times I am felling down. In those situations even the slightest bump from a friendly person can motivate me to finish what I have started. Another memorable event in the story is the introduction of Barefoot Ted who according to McDougall is very positive, however his loud voice combined with failure to respect personal space irritate the group. Barefoot ted stood out to me because he closely reminded me of another person that I have meet during an organized school trip. Me and my group of friend minded out own business when he barged in. When he started talking the noise did not ever seem to have an end. The last highlight of the book has to be the final race between American runners and the Tarahumarans. The scene described by McDougall left me imagining the atmosphere of the race. The author also mentioned that the crowd cheered more to the people ran slower and crossed the finish line after someone. This reminds me of my elementary school tournaments, where the atmosphere was filled with the spirit of competition that did not take away form the equality among all the runners. No matter weather you finished first or last there were people cheering joyfully at your arrival. The book is written in such way that anyone could pick it up and get totaly involved with the story. However, Christopher McDougall saw the running culture as his main audience. At the end of the book McDougall finally reveals the story of the legendary Caballo Blanco. Caballo Blanco begins his life as skinny and lonely kid. His life takes his through the boxing rings to the heart of the Mexican jungle. Despite his bicycling accident Caballo makes a recovery and takes on running. It frees him of the struggles he went through during his life like bullying or his wife cheating on him with another man. Through this emotional story McDougall is able to connect with his audience arguing the runnig is more than a sport, but a way of life. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in running or other cardiovascular related sports, or even to the average Joe. This book is truly motivational and fun to read. In my humble opinion on a scale of ten the book would get the perfect score.