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  • Born to Run

  • The Hidden Tribe, the Ultra-Runners, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
  • By: Christopher McDougall
  • Narrated by: Fred Sanders
  • Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,190 ratings)

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Born to Run

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
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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)

What listeners say about Born to Run

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Amazing - A must read!

This audiobook had me absolutely hooked. Informative, intelligent and heartwarming book that shows great compassion in presenting a unique perspective on running. If you are looking for a reason to run and enjoy doing it, this is the book for you.

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An enjoyable surprise

I accidentally hit download on this book but thought I'd go ahead and listen to it anyway. I'm not a runner but this turned out to be an entertaining, enjoyable and most of all inspiring piece of work! I loved the mystery and integrity of the Taru O Mara tribe and the book was one of a great storyteller. I would highly recommend it.

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Amazing read!

Could not stop listening to this riveting account of ancient running history, harrowing adventures and informative research on how we all can channel our inner “running people” origins. You must listen to this!

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Inspiring and Informative

I enjoyed and appreciated this book enormously. It covers a lot of clear, scientific information while moving through an interesting narrative.
I read the book as someone who has been a distance runner. I do wonder how the book would connect with someone who has never run should they choose to read it. They would learn something but probably not 'feel' some parts of the story.

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what a bargain

I am no runner. This was fantastic. inspiring, thought provoking and enjoyable. will recommend to my friends.

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    4 out of 5 stars

Great book

Fantastic story and a revelation
Really interesting take on a whole lot of things from shoes to food

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Great book about running

Top 3 favourite books about running. Loved the audiobook so much I’m going to buy a hard copy!

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Love this book

Love this book. Can't wait to read it again. Great story and loads of good information.

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Well worth listening to.

Loved the book, it seemed a little disjointed at times, but was a good listen.

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Emotional, for a lifetime runner like me to read

Loved it Again.
Twice in 10 years.
I want my buddy to read it next.

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