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  • Born to Run

  • The Hidden Tribe, the Ultra-Runners, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
  • Written by: Christopher McDougall
  • Narrated by: Fred Sanders
  • Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (147 ratings)

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Born to Run cover art

Born to Run

Written by: Christopher McDougall
Narrated by: Fred Sanders
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Publisher's 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.

©2009 Christopher McDougall (P)2012 Audible Ltd

What the critics say

"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)

What listeners say about Born to Run

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Captivating and informative. A great story.

This book kind of feels like it has it all. Easy to just listen and listen to all 11 hours. Enjoyed every minute.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Fascinating

Good non-fiction blend of information and narrative exposition. I'm not a runner, but I enjoyed the story all the same. Very interesting read. Picked it up after it was referenced in Christopher Ryan's "Civilized to Death."

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one of the most inspiring books I read.

I loved the book from the beginning and didn't want it to come to an end.
Fred Sanders made it even more enjoyable.
The author's journey is inspiring, the story is captivating. I wanted to put on my running shoes and go for a run with the other tarahumara and the other runners.
it gave me hope that after all those years of trying to run, I will actually be able to run.

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Awesome Book

A must ready for any runner! Great story and enlightening perspective on running and humans in general.

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not what I expected which was a good thing!

first chapter had me confused last chapter made me wanting more. good book to put on while out for a run.

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Great story; loves it

Kept me running and listening with a smile. Gonna listen to this at least twice more.

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This book makes me want to love running

I really want to love running and this book makes me want to put on my five fingeted shoes and get out there on some trails. The authors weaves a compelling tale about man's true nature and why we are born to run, told through the lens of the Tarahumara and the authors journey to them through running.

It was read excellently.

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Loved it!

Amazingly well written story. After listening to this book, I want to start running and research more about barefoot running.

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Shockingly interesting for a book on running.

Great storytelling and solid writing combined to make this an enjoyable, informative and entertaining ride. I felt part of the action and was always left wanting more. If I find myself running barefoot over natural oaths, I'll blame this book for the inspiration.

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that was something

as a new runner this was an emotional and captivating story. excellent performance of the reader. incredible story. i loved every bit of it. it almost unbelievable.

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