Why We Run: A Natural History
Bernd Heinrich | 2002-05-01 00:00:00 | Harper Perennial | 304 | Physiology
In Why We Run, biologist, award-winning nature writer, and ultramarathoner Bernd Heinrich explores a new perspective on human evolution by examining the phenomenon of ultraendurance and makes surprising discoveries about the physical, spiritual -- and primal -- drive to win. At once lyrical and scientific, Why We Run shows Heinrich's signature blend of biology, anthropology, psychology, and philosophy, infused with his passion to discover how and why we can achieve superhuman abilities.
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It is good to read a book that gives the reasons for humans to run based on not only personal experience, but scientific data and study. Bernd lived and studied what he wrote about, and that makes for a great book.
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I will get flamed for the title of this review but I honestly thought this was a way better running book.
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Great book - but I have to say I was extremely disappointed when I ordered and received this book only to find out that I had already read it under a different title.
What kind of CRAP is this?? - re-release *Racing The Antelope* with a different title!
Regrettably before I noticed this foist I had scribbled some notes in the back cover (unrelated to the book) so I guess I can't return it!
If you haven't yet read *Racing The Antelope* by all means order this wonderful, amazing book - but if you have aready read *Racing The Antelope* don't be fooled!
Or more eloquently:
"There's an old saying in Tennessee -- I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee -- that says, fool me once, shame on -- shame on you. Fool me -- you can't get fooled again."
Reviews
The first part of the book, the author's childhood, is too poetic from my point of view. But then he actually embarks on a journey through the physiology of endurance in multiple animal species that is very, very interesting for long-distance runners.
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This book was thoroughly enjoyable and what I expected/hoped as opposed to the Bicycle Diaries. The author's understanding of biology and the biology of running was fascinating. The fact that this guy did not just run marathons but ultramarathons was just sick. That is about 62.3 miles to the rest of us.
The tale flowed nicely. At times, the writing felt awkward but this generally occurred during the science explanations and I can only surmise that the editor might have had a hand in this. I think it was a function of editing because when the author talked of his youth, growing up, and races, the writing was tight and had a good flow.
I am still not sure if this book inspired me though. Why? He might as well as described how he flies as that is about as likely for me to do as run an ultra. I did like his narrative when he focused on his feelings while running and the most fascinating aspect is there is a scientific reason behind `the wall' that most distance runners hit.
The only thing that I could not fathom is that since he resides in the northeast of the U.S.A., he has to run in the winter to maintain his training. How does he run in the cold? For some of us, our lungs collapse down into little raisins when it gets cold and even after attempting it for several weeks, there is no work around. This is something for which I would have liked to have a science based solution.
Lastly, the book explored his many theories on running preparation and diet and provided scientific theories for just about everything he consumed. It was nice to not hear pseudo science but the real deal from this amazing athlete.
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