26 January 2011

did you know that we were all born to run?

This book will tell you all the reasons why too - even if you don't believe it. I'm convinced anyway.

I was never good at book reports.

Which may surprise my students. Shhh, don't tell them.

Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that I finished this book and it was ridiculously good.

And if you run you should read it because you'll want to memorize every word. Interestingly enough, I think non-runners would appreciate it too since McDougall approaches it initially as a non-runner and explores why many people HATE running.

It's just so great. Even when the author rambles a little off on tangents that you find yourself being entirely interested in. But maybe that's just me. I also love Into the Wild, which is another book criticized for it's tangents. I think a well placed tangent adds perspective and delicious side dishes to the giant thanksgiving turkey plot.

Also this book makes me want to eat and run like the Tarahumara. And write with an easy style like Christopher McDougall. He writes like a journalistic storyteller. I like it. I need to use my words more.

Ok, book report done and I didn't even tell you about any of the characters or rising action and leave you with a reading rainbow cliff hanger! Dang.

12 comments:

Emily said...

I agree! I listened to this on my ipod last summer while running around in the woods -- giggling to myself during his funny stories. It was fantastic! And totally a Thanksgiving feast. Good description! I think I might even try running barefoot or with Vibrams next time my belly doesn't look like a basketball.

Stephanie said...

I bought a pair of Vibrams yesterday! I have to take them back for a different size though. I'm excited to get started! I love imagining you giggling through the woods my friend.

melissa said...

you bought the vibrams!!!??? stephanie, you're for real. i just can't get over the fact that they want me to pay $80 to run "barefoot."

i'm so glad you read it and loved it. it's really well written for being so conversational, isn't it? that's my favorite kind of writing.

Stephanie said...

Yeah, I run better without shoes- less injury and faster...etc and so I don't really want to use running shoes anymore AND I have a race coming up and I would like to not actually be barefoot on various terrain for 8 miles so I thought, what the heck! I've been dragging my feet...so to speak... for a while on buying them, but they are great for all surfaces and so I am just gonna go for it!

Stephanie said...

by the way mel p- i think you have that kind of writing style from what i've read- i like it!

liko said...

psh, born to run, whatever.
easy for you to say...

;-)

Megan and Keli'i said...

May I borrow it? Pretty please?

Stephanie said...

Indeed you may! It's not due til Feb11th. Come get it anytime!

jen said...

Just wanted to say that I've been really inspired by your blog and all your creativity lately. Thanks for doing stuff. And thanks for sharing.

Rachel said...

I am going to read this! I went running in the park and I wanted to die and take all my clothes off. My chest felt like it was going to explode and my body was 500 degrees, but the next two days my body felt so good. p.s do you run barefoot on the beach? I would like running barefoot too.

boo face mcjones said...

Goodness, I feel that by the time I can get around to commenting you already have three new posts! Here they are:

All your beautiful projects are ridiculous.
The beasts are gorgeous. I want to see them again.
Betty is awesome.
Vibrams are silly looking, but I can see their function.

Yep, I think I'm caught up now. Whew!

ashley said...

ok, what happened to the dancing kids post?

sounds like a good read! i have gotten out and had a good pound on the pavement a few times the last week and it has made me so happy. might just have to read this one!