No problem amigo, the missing photos from 2006 Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon organised by Caballo Blanco (maybe some of the pictures will somehow find their way into the paperback version later on) by Luis Escobar can be viewed here and here. There are also three slideshows (look for Playground Picture Show in the sidebar) here.
I just finished reading the book that I expected to be very good, but I must say I was mistaken. It is way better than I could ever have imagined!
My initial thought is that at last Scott 'El Venado' Jurek has a fair chance to literally compete - and hands down beat - Dean 'Ultramarathon Man' Karnazes.
Obviously Mr Dougall, a former war correspondent for AP and contributing editor for Men's Health, knows a thing or two about how to pen catchy articles. Still, long-distance running can be a challenging subject for any author attempting a full-length novel.
Dougall pulls it off admirably, like a danbrown of endurance sports, with actually something important to say, and tells his story mimicking the running style of the heroes of his book: easy, light and smooth.
The following description on the sleeve first seemed like the usual ad-lie, but now after reading this masterpiece it feels more like a modest understatement: "With wit and exuberance, McDougall takes us from science labs at Harvard to sun-baked valleys and freezing peaks, where ever-growing numbers of ultra-runners are pushing their bodies to the limit. Born to Run is that rare book that will not only engage your mind but also inspire your body - when you realize that the secret to happiness is right at your feet, and that all of us were born to run."
My recommendation is to get this life-changing book and read it right now, because all runners will eventually do so anyway - and then probably regret the delay.
5 comments:
I live in Finland and picked the book up from Heathrow airport very recently. I finished it almost at one go. I completely agree with the review: the book is absolutely great! It's a captivating mix of an adventure story and the science and art of running - and of being human! A must-read for all runners - and highly recommended for anyone interested in stories about people pushing the boundaries big time. Huge kudos and thanks to Mr. McDougall!
Tapio Hedman
Yes it's an interesting theory that the we runners managed beat the badass Neanderthals. It hasn't been scientifically proven of course (because it might be impossible to prove) but it sure makes for a compelling storyline.
Thanks for the links to the pictures. I haven't quite finished the book, but wanted to put faces to the characters in it. I agree with the other reviewers. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the Amazon blurb for the book. Perhaps more of a technical "how to run" book. In any case, it's informative and highly entertaining. The writing style is smooth, and McDougall ties the real time characters into the "reference material" from various researchers almost seamlessly. A great read, and highly recommended. Now where can I find some pinole ...
You're welcome, Jake.
McD sure can make his case for natural running without saying too much details about running technique. I guess we have to find our own running style through trial and error. Everyone runs a bit differently.
Pinole? I don't get it. What's so special about ground corn anyway? Maybe those poor Mexican indians rely on it only because they haven't had much choice. I eat quinoa from South America, it has very good nutritional value.
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