Born to Run

I get the impression that the popularity of this book is in part due to its lost wisdoms on running. Barefoot, ultramarathons, hidden tribes, corporate conspiracy etc. etc. And there might be some truth to it all, but ultimately the McDougal does not write with the rigor needed for scientific communication.

He does however write engagingly and he does so about some of the wildest and craziest runners ever. We humans might be excellent endurance runners overall, but the ultra-runners in this book are a different species all together! The gonzo-style journalism captures this so well, weaving the planning of a backcountry race in Mexico together with the recruitment of a collection of the best and bravest ultra-runners. And this ragtag crew seemingly do it just for the hell of it.

The love for running shines through and feats of endurance and persistence are incredible.