Self-growth
Business & Career
Success
Communication
Healing
Relationships
Psychology
HappinessYou’ll learn
- How shoes impact running
- What makes Tarahumaras unique
- Why you should run during crises
- What diet fuels long runs
Table of contents
first KEY POINT
Foot injuries: Running's paradox
8 out of every 10 runners are hurt every year. Hurt here means ripped hamstrings, strained Achilles tendons, sprained ankles, aching arches, and the likes. No human invention has been good enough to stem the tide, not even sophisticated spring-embedded, microchip-cushioned running shoes. Jogging is akin to inebriated driving – it may seem enjoyable and harmless initially, but disaster is always imminent.According to “Sports Injury Bulletin,” every step a runner takes exerts a massive load on their legs, equivalent to over double their body weight. This repeated impact eventually wears down bones, cartilage, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, much like a rock eventually turns to dust under persistent hammering.
Our approach to fitness and footwear may need a fundamental rethinking in light of traditional practices.
We have a primal attachment to running. We run when we are scared, and also when we are ecstatic. We often run to escape our problems and to feel better about ourselves. And when things take a nosedive around us, we run. For example, distance running in the US skyrocketed during periods of national crisis — the Great Depression, the resistance to the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Race Riots of the 1960s, 911.That our feet hurt because we run doesn’t make sense. Antelopes or wild mustangs don’t get disabled by impact injuries. What are we missing here?Christopher McDougall, the author of “Born to Run” went in search of answers amongst the Tarahumarans — a tribe reputed for their ability to run ultra distances without rest, and without hurt.
second KEY POINT
A perilous quest
The author, accompanied by Salvador, a 33-year-old local who acted as a guide, embarked on a danger-filled trek into Tarahumara land; commissioned by “The Runner’s World” magazine. The quest was to reach Arnulfo Quimar, reputed to be the greatest living Tarahumaran runner ever, to pay homage and ask of him the secrets of his tribe’s ability.The Tarahumara lived inside the cliffs of the caves that make up the Barrancas del Cobre — the Copper Canyon, a group of remote mountains in the wilderness. These cliffs are reachable only by long climbing poles which they pull up once inside. The trails that run through their villages are hidden — most disappear into the ground if one follows them. The few that remain visible track over suicidally steep terrain. One misstep would send a climber plunging 200 to 300 feet to the bottom of the Canyon.Because the Barrancas are impossible to police, ruthless drug cartels — the Los Zetas and the New Bloods — operate from the extensive marijuana plantations they own in the forests at the edge of Tarahumara land. According to statistics, six murders are committed in the Barrancas every week.
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first KEY POINT
Secrets of the tarahumara tribe
second KEY POINT
An uninvited guest in Copper Canyons
third KEY POINT
Caballo Blanco: Embracing Tarahumara Life
fourth KEY POINT
Unveiling Caballo Blanco's Tale
fifth KEY POINT
Simple rules
sixth KEY POINT
The truth about running shoes
seventh KEY POINT
Conclusion
Related summaries
Frequently asked questions
What is Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen about?
Born to Run explores the extraordinary running culture of the Tarahumara tribe in Mexico and examines how natural running can unlock the potential within us all. Author Christopher McDougall delves into the science of running, principles of endurance, and the history of human athletics, blending storytelling with insightful research.
What are the key takeaways from Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen?
Key takeaways include the idea that running is fundamental to the human experience, the benefits of minimalist footwear, and the importance of community in sports. McDougall emphasizes that understanding our innate ability to run can inspire both casual joggers and elite athletes alike.
Is Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen worth reading?
Yes, Born to Run is highly regarded for its engaging narrative and insightful lessons on running and health. Readers appreciate its blend of adventure, science, and motivation, making it a must-read for anyone interested in athletics or personal wellness.
How many pages is Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen and when was it published?
Born to Run spans approximately 304 pages and was published on January 20, 2009. This engaging read offers a wealth of knowledge about running and endurance sports.
What themes are explored in Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen?
Themes in Born to Run include the exploration of human endurance, the importance of connection to nature, and the celebration of community. McDougall’s narrative uncovers how passion and culture can motivate individuals to push their limits and achieve incredible feats.