Hidden in the isolated and dangerous Copper Canyons of Mexico, the reclusive Tarahumara Native Mexican tribe seem to have the secret to running. Not only do they run hundreds of miles without rest or injury, they do it effortlessly...and at incredible speeds. Journalist Christopher McDougall, plagued with a chronic foot injury, seeks to find the Tarahumara and learn their secret to injury-free running.
The readers follow McDougall along his journey from his initial meeting of a few tribesmen, witnessing firsthand their superhuman ability, to his search for Caballo Blanco - a strange gringo, friend of the Tarahumara, living alone in the canyons and modeling their way of life. Caballo is set on organizing a race in the Tarahumara homeland for those who embody the spirit of these running people. Finally we follow the trek to the Copper Canyons for the race itself with an unusual group of ultrarunners, for the world’s greatest race the world has never seen...
In the narrative, the reader learns about the growth of the ultra running community and its superstars, as well as the coaches and science behind the running movement. The book has received attention in the sporting world for McDougall’s account of overcoming injury by modeling his running after the Tarahumara. The idea of barefoot running or minimal shoewear is emphasized with McDougall asserting the modern cushioned running shoes are to blame for many of the injuries of American runners. He points to the thin sandals worn by the Tarahumara runners and the explosion of running-related injuries since the development of modern running shoes in the 1970s. We also learn two important lessons from the Tarahumara way: “Don’t fight the trail, take what it gives you” and “Think Easy, Light, Smooth, and Fast.
“When you run on the earth and run with the earth, you can run forever”. As we learn about the spirit of the Tarahumara, McDougall also explores the evolution of humans - developing traits meant for endurance running. Not only is it an engaging book, but inspirational as he asserts we were all, born to run.
