Christopher McDougall on why he was BORN TO RUN

[TheseApples]

Just finished the book. Gonna get off my ass now and go for my first run in months!

[whitecarnation75]

Thumbs up if this book got you Barefoot Running!

[ryanliondyinsupplyin]

@korvix Killer input bro, baahaha. My guess is you didn't read the book, you're not a runner, and therefore your opinion is meaningless and irrelevant.

[msalazar37]

I'm a 5'10" 235lb gym rat/meat head. Added running to my cardio workouts about 3 years ago. As I began running several days a week (5 miles 3x/wk), it was taking a toll on my knees.

I read the book.

Fast forward a couple of years, I have a handful of half marathons under my belt, and in June of 2011, I ran my first 26.2 in San Diego - pain and injury free! All I did was follow his lead, changed my stride, and put on a pair of Vibrams.

All I can say is that it worked for me.

[mtnrunner2]

Really interesting, informative -- and funny -- book. Thanks!

[carrotsnthrowup]

Just finished your book, loved it so much I want to read again & probably will. Just started running seriously now for a couple of months, I have done a couple of 10K's but I want to go farther & faster! This book is truly inspiring - what an amazing experience

[korvix]

872, 5 star reviews for his book on amazon prove to the stupidity the human race has come to

Humans clearly are born to walk, you can walk every day for 10 hours for 100 days straight if necessary. You can't do it by running. Only few crazy bastards that then have heart problems and other shit

All the marathoners run half dead, can't do shit to survive if something attacks them

However a man that walks through a hill and sees danger, can sprint , pull up to a tree and hope for best

[elchicho25]

@korvix thats cuz of their $300 running shoes..lol

[123gwf]

I'm pretty sure I was born to drink beer.

[philinmotion]

I just finished listening to the audiobook. Was awesome.

[travlgent1]

I will be 50 years old in 2 months and have been a runner all my life. I've slowed down, backed off my mileage, and have not run anything farther than a half marathon for 10 years. I just started toying with this new style of running, ditched my rigid orthotics, and WOW have my lower leg muscles awakened! Hopefully the plantar fasciitis (sp) will be kept at bay, also. Going for a minimalist shoe next...probably the NB Minimus. Fabulous book.

[mrgoatkicker]

@sarvlog. I am no expert, but the point of this style running is to avoid injury and pain. So i don't think you'd be risking injusring yourself as much as you think. My litter brother is one of the top cross country/track runner in his area and he loves to run with the 5 finger toe shoes, he uses nothing else these days, even for meets.

[SARSVLOG]

I've heard of this book. Seems very interesting because I like all things running related. But I still don't think I could do the whole barefoot thing. I run a lot. Twice a day about 15 miles total. And I'm 16. Another reason I don't think I can do it is that I'm one of the varsity runners at my high school, which is one of the best in the state of Arizona, and I don't think I could risk getting injured. But maybe when I graduate. Any advice? Inbox me bros.

[elchicho25]

@SARSVLOG Try walking barefoot around the house for a couple hours a day.. eventually walk around outside.. Try a pair of Vibrams... cant hurt... much..

[jwenzell]

It is a great book. I've read it a few times and am using it for one of my classes this fall. It has a little bit of everything. I'll never buy expensive running shoes again.

[n2nie]

i love your book. i could only wish i was there to witness it. goodspeed.

[iTube108]

I have been very inspired by "Born to Run" and started running barefoot the day before yesterday and on Bikila Vikram this morning. What I like best is the coming together of all the research material on running, the off the wall characters and the point that the runners nurture a culture of compassion.

When is your next book coming out?

[L0VE2TROLL]

I ran for two years straight and never got injured

[jojo173849]

@L0VE2TROLL ...how'd you sleep?

[L0VE2TROLL]

@jojo173849 lol that comment came out wrong. I ran competetively for two years.

[glelrod1]

If you run in five finger shoes and are experiencing ball of foot pain, it means you're keeping your foot on the ground too long and pushing off with the foot instead of pulling up the foot. You should barely hear your feet hit the ground and your supported foot should stay under your hips. Just my advice.

[IAFitness]

Great Author, Great book, Great Writing, Wonderful stories!

[quaidnomore]

@campbpar shut the fuck up you racist piece of sh!t!

if it wasn't for white people you wouldn't be leaving big comments on the internet or eating KFC for breakfast lunch and tea! So think about that next time you talk about the redemption of white people!

[sweatpig]

@cryptdweller66 , i went through the same stage also, the calf injuries are caused by the over use of the calf muscle itself. For all those years you were running you were bearly using your calf, now that you are running on your toes your calf is being used a whole lot more and therefore need more rest to recover as it is like you have started running all over again for your calf. hope this helps.

[augusta776]

thumbs up if hyperbole and a half sent you here [=

[0gracefulgirl0]

@augusta776 it did indeed, but why did she send us here?

[NiouMasaharu]

@0gracefulgirl0 The way he's pronouncing the tribe's name, with a heavy accent :P

[augusta776]

@0gracefulgirl0 adhd+Youtube=this

[Phyrie]

@augusta776 Hyperbole and a Half all the way! LOL!

[magicdruidm]

It is a very good book and I do wish it was a lot longer also.

[cryptdweller66]

I started running in vibram 5fingers and love it as i've had knee problems and was unable to run or even walk with out knee pain but since i've changed how I walk and run its great except I keep getting calf injuries now it feels like my calves are tearing and it hurts really bad .Is there something I should be doing or is this normal how long does it take to become acustom to this style of running ?

[capath]

Tarahumaras are great, but there are also some other cultures in northern Mexico that are also great runners. The Seris, for example, that hunt deers by running them until exhaustion.

[akXIII]

I never questioned why we wear shoes before. Such a widespread social norm.

I loved the book. Thank you very much.

[tubermann1]

does he have to pronounce tarahumara with the accent like that every single time? It makes you sound like a tool and doesn't impress people

[PsychoFreke]

@tubermann1 I think his goal is to say it right, not to impress people. I tend to use proper accents on different syllables not because "I'm a tool trying to impress people" but because the word is a spanish word and I'm properly enunciating. If speaking properly makes someone a tool, you should just go speak ebonics. There's nothing proper about that, and involves totally destroying proper english.

[tubermann1]

@PsychoFreke

the reason why it is useless to pronounce it "right" to an english speaking crowd is because it is hard to understand. I could pronounce every french or german word properly when speaking in an english conversation, but it would only confuse the people I was talking to because english does not have the same vowel shifts and tempo other languages do. It actually makes things less clear when you say a word in its native pronunciation when speaking in an english conversation not less

[PsychoFreke]

@tubermann1 Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

[shydog420]

I am injured after running with my Fivefingers from Vibram! Deep bruise under ball of right foot ... swimming now.

[PsychoFreke]

@shydog420 This can happen. You're so used to wearing supportive shoes that you have to take small steps and get used to them a little at a time. You can't just jump into them and go.

[shydog420]

@PsychoFreke Uh, the switch was over a year and a half ago ... FYI, I was a State champion cross country runner, in Massachusetts ... ran in all kinds of shoes and barefoot. My experience with the vibram product is one you might not like to hear, but not a case of operator error. Thanks anyway.

[PsychoFreke]

@shydog420 I was just trying to help, sorry they didn't work for you. I've been wondering if they would work for me. I haven't tried them yet, but I've heard they're not made for wide widths :\

[AKstezzy]

you dont no shit!

[PsychedelicSexDream]

After reading the book i am wondering what the main cause of death for tarahumara people is?

[reings12]

is it just my computer or is there no voice after the first sentence?

[TheBestThomasJay]

@reings12 Same here. Anybody know why?

[PsychoFreke]

@reings12 Must be you

[jarelynmonroe]

douche.

[pallab1234]

a great book !

[andyr798ken]

@Jouwl his running form is awesme!

[Jouwl]

@andyr798ken

It's ok but not really awesome.

[xxxDAPROBLEMxxx]

the only reasons I dont run barefoot: 1) look a little dumb 2) blisters on bottom foot

It feels amazingggg though.

[freetruckin]

The sound isn't coming out right?

[beerad2]

I bought the book and have enjoyed it immensely. I am almost done!

[BobaFart1138]

I spy some VFFs at the end of that video :D

[LaTortuga07]

Great book! I highly recommend it.

[KVandendriessche]

I have a slight sway in my lower back. I love walking but I am finding that it is very painful on my back. I had to give up running years ago for walking and now I have to give that up as well for swimming. Does anyone know if barefoot running is kind to the lower back?

[SNo356]

@KVandendriessche

yeah try it out it should be better for your lower back. Give it a go and see

[scoopsterd]

@KVandendriessche, Just read the book, that was the chief complaint of "barefoot ted" when he used regular shoes.

[XvxBERSERKxvX]

Lol, hey, I just saw this guy on HBO.

[imgloda]

i ran cross country 2.5 mile 1969 barefoot then the ethiopian runners got gold running barefoot not new power to you born in a greenhouse barefoot and surfing barefoot

[anubis6th]

am reading your book right now! awesome! i barefoot run, actually i just bought a pair of vibrams ;-)

[AmericanCritiquer]

I read his book and now I run barefoot pain free. I put on a pair of shoes for a run today to see how it felt after the barefooting and I couldn't even make it a mile because my feet hurt so bad. Forget about shoes.

[MrRmk25]

GREAT BOOK!!

[dudestube]

My only complaint about the book Born To Run is that I wish it was 800 pages longer !!!

One of my favorite books of ALL TIME !

Thank You Christopher !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-Forever grateful,

-jS

[BLACKSTARSHABACH]

@dudestube RIGHT ON!!!!...I'm on page 153 and can't put it down.

[SalvadorLosAngeles]

This book changed my life. My Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendonitis are gone and I now run 5Ks barefoot. Asphalt is the best. Yes, I said the street is the best for barefoot. Running is fun again. I wear Vibram Five Fingers around town and to lift weights at the gym.

Thanks Christopher! Big ups to Barefoot Ken Bob and Barefoot Ted!

-Barefoot Sal, North Hollywood, CA, USA

[tamborcillo84]

Let me tell you, Nike can produce any sneaker that is similar to huaraches that the raramuri use to run, but the thing they're missing is not only how to explain how to use them, but the whole concept of the culture that gives not only ease to the runner, but peace and happiness.

[cynathm]

Well said tamorcillo84. Couldn't agree more. I'm reminded of the story of King Midas, turning everything touched into gold. Only thing was, not everything's meant to be gold. Take that midas mentality and you have a great (expensive) shoe but nothing that really counts.

[theskillet111]

That book is AWESOME!!!

[canadaent]

I've run about 100 miles over the past two months in my vibram five fingers. I was a sprinter in college and always hated running longer than 400m b/c of the pain I would feel in my back and knees. Monday I ran 11.5 miles at a 7:30 pace. That was the longest and fastest run I have ever done (in the cold with nothing but a slip of rubber between me and the road). No back pain no knee pain. Minimalist running has turned me on to a new past time.

[Aheyne]

@canadaent  It's crazy isn't it? I never could run long distances my whole life even though I have a long-distance runner build. In college on the crew team I always experience knee pain even after just a mile of running, and running was a chore. The other day, I put on some vibrams and ran 30 minutes in the cold - no problem. No pain. I've never been able to run more than 10 minutes in my life.

[MuminGrottan]

@Aheyne

Didnt you get muscular ache in your legs from running barefoot for 30 whole minutes?

People who has run barefoot says that the first times you run barefoot you should only run for 5 minutes otherwise you might damage your feet and you will most definetly get muscular ache in ur legs xD, but that didnt happen to you?

[Aheyne]

@MuminGrottan

I wasn't running completely barefoot -- I'm using Vibram Fivefingers since it's good for trail running, concrete, etc.

I started off with about 10 minute runs (2-3 times a week).

Just yesterday I ran for almost an hour (concrete), and had little to no discomfort.

Aches in my legs, not really; At first, my ankles and foot muscles were very tired and sometimes sore the next day. My achilles has never been sore thus far, even with almost zero heel striking (mostly forefoot).

[MuminGrottan]

@Aheyne

Okay man thats awesome :D

I have been running on my forefoot for a few months now using shoes, so perhaps I wont really get any aches in my legs by going barefoot, only thing I need to worry about going barefoot is not do get my feet injured cause they arent used to being barefoot haha.

Tomorrow I will try running for about 20 minutes barefoot and see how it goes :D

[Aheyne]

@MuminGrottan

The most important thing is this: LISTEN to your BODY. If you feel pain change your stride, if you are achey and sore, rest. Play it by ear, and let your body be the guide.

I never was a runner, so I'm very cautious about taking it easy and listening to my body for pain or injuries. Today, my right foot muscles are a little sore, and my left achilles tendon is a little tight from running a few days with no rest -- so I won't run for a few days.

Everyone is different.

[Hoob22]

We may have technology, but in many cases technology is a horrible crutch.Switching to running barefoot won't make you into a superhuman. I agree.

The main reason Tarahumara are such tough bastards is because instead of sitting on there ass all day, like even exercising westerners do, they are forced by there lifestyle and enviroment to run relentlessly from an early age, and the human body's ability to adapt is amazing.

Certainly not having restrictive footwear to hold them back is a bonus.

[batley1]

wow what a load of rubbish. Running is unnecessary in modern society, we have evolved beyond this.

Evolution involves the use of technology which thankfully we have done, which is why we don't need to run hundreds of miles after a deer to catch one.

Basically this is all witchcraft bullshit anyway, the guy has tapped into human stupidity...just offer them something and add some pseudoscience. ta-da result!

[krazibon3]

1/10

1 mark for effort.

[HeadoftheHydra]

@batley1

We have not "evolved beyond running" simply because we don't necessarily HAVE to do it.

Our bodies are still made FOR it and it is what we evolved to do.

[cuauhtemoc14]

Aliendisorder... the vibram five finger are essentially sandals if you tried them they are trying to accomplish the same thing as the sandals accomplish... The goal is to try to mimic barefoot running as much as possible without cutting the bottom of your feet... Weren't you paying attention???

[mondaytheblack]

@cuauhtemoc14 the point is that they are also expensive which makes his ragging on expensive shoes look douchey

[kristenstanton]

This man can WRITE! It's all too rare to find books like this - pure joy in the reading. Recommended to get non-reader types who always watch the movie instead to - read!

[cuauhtemoc14]

Don't Hate bkeefe81... this was an awesome book with inspirational stories and great insight on running history, present and future...

[bkeefe81]

I can't believe how many people bought this guy's rap hook, line and sinker! As a trail runner I found the book entertaining but written like a 300 page magazine article. His Orientalist reverence for the Tarahuamara borders on delusional. Sure they're amazing, but there's no Utopia anywhere....

[aliendisorder]

It is kind of funny how he rags on the ultra-expensive running shoes that he says people don't need, and then he goes and purchases the vibram-five fingers which are almost a hundred bucks....

[chuckthelumberjack]

They live in peace. Isn't that already way way better than anything we have in America?

[PercTeacher]

I just finished this book tonight. It is one of the best books I've ever read (and I read a lot!). Thank you very much. I hope to lose my PF soon!

[cherylkemp]

Just finished the book and LOVED it!

[bwfirth]

One of the best books I've read. Well written and inspiring.

I'm not a runner, never even enjoyed it - until after the book. Before the book it never occurred to me that running is enjoyable not just for fitness. Enlightening.

[thejollysin]

I desperately want to see a higher res video of him running. I'm trying to train myself to run barefoot, and I want to watch someone who has the form down pat.

[toby099]

just make sure you land mid sole not arch or heel and let your foot take its natural course. you'll never to gradually do this.

[tenor529]

Guys, this book is amazing. Anyone with even a passing interest in running needs to read it.

[electricdaisy333]

excellent book!

[NahTekNuhCheck]

Brilliant read. Very eye opening and counter intuitive.

I'm not much of a runner, but will definately try some barefoot running.

So much information in the book its unreal. Practically had to Google large sections of the book I found it so hard to get my head around some of its claims. Love some of the areas the book delves into such as diet, anatomical aspects of the foot and sports footwear development.

Thoroughly recommend it to anyone who thinking of buying it.

[pattywolford]

First, watching the videos of Christopher McDougall, also his interview on the Daily Show, doesn't even touch the greatness of this book! It really SHOULD be made into a movie...the characters so vivid, the locations of the runs so compelling.

[TheArgenta2009]

this is absolutely true. physicians told me, our feet are made to run without getting injured. The shape of our feet like the arch and the balls of the feet are engineered so they absorb energy and transfer it up the body and out of the head. Most back problems start with incorrect positioning of the foot. What's hard is to find places to run barefoot because obviously our feet are not made to run on concrete. Beach would be the best place.

[Unbathed]

Feet work fine on concrete.

[TheArgenta2009]

of course they do but concrete doesn't absorb the energy of your body when it hits the ground, instead it bounces back. If you run on concrete and then go run on sand or any other soft terrain, you'll feel an enormous difference.

[Unbathed]

@TheArgenta2009 Yes, concrete feels different than sand, but concrete is a perfectly adequate running surface if you're not landing on your heel.

[batley1]

The roman empire discovered this over 2000 years ago, its not like you are telling us anything new....there is a reason they conquered the entire known world.

Fact of the matter is that you as a citizen in a modern society don't need to run these sort of distances, humans rely on TECHNOLOGY...its called evolution stop trying to take steps back.

[ahendepe]

the steps forward are fundamentally destructive to human nature. Go to walmarts on a saturday afternoon and see western civilization in all its glory

[kate424]

@ahendepe You put it so beautifully.

[hesafred]

batley1: modern society does not require us to run. physical fitness does. your concept of evolution is completely wrong. technology does not fit into evolution, evolution is based in nature. also, the romans did not discover running, and they did not conquer the known world, they barely got into africa. but thanks for sharing.

[pointybongo]

I'm enjoying the book. Very captivating.

[NorwalkPost]

So if the secret is to run barefoot or in those sandals, where can I get a pair of the right sandals?

[chuckwier]

google barefoot Ted

[MrRobGordon]

It's an excellent book - very interesting and wonderfully written. The shots at Dean Karnazes come off as cheap, though. He's the reason a lot of folk have started running marathons and the like. I think that deserves massive amounts of respect in itself

[autumn1231]

I'm so glad you thought so too. The book is wonderful and I believe Dean to be a great guy.

[stevehammond]

Hi Chris

Totally agree with you mate - I've been running for five years barefooted and never had any injuries. I was the first to run the London Marathon barefooted and plan to walk the length of Britain without shoes. Wish you all the best.

Steve

[stevehammond]

Hi Chris

Totally agree with you mate - I've been running for five years barefooted and never had any injuries. I was the first to run the London Marathon barefooted and plan to walk the length of Britain without shoes. Wish you all the best.

Steve

[GetLikeShadow]

me and this guy have the same name christopher mcdougall i thought i was the only one in the world with it

[PseudonymousRex]

An incredible and eye-opening book. Its inspired me to get off my butt and begin running, but I'm stuck at footwear. In the book Chris runs in Nike Pegasus (and tried the Free), and Barefoot Ted runs either, well, barefoot or in Vibram Fivefingers. All those shoes are $80+. What's the point of this sport being inexpensive if you still have to buy expensive running shoes? Should I start out in sandals? Where could I get a pair of huaraches?

[GameK]

I'm reading it at the moment and snce I started i've only been running in my old shoes.

[klyxzblybgirl2]

My one word discription of this book is, "Rich". It is so full of information that is so well presented.. it rolls. Within a week of reading Born to Run, I had ditched my $129.00 running shoes and started wearing my $6.00 water shoes. My Plantar Fasciitis has yet to return. I have also lost weight. Best damn diet book ever! I thank you, Chris Mc Dougall. With great respect and appreciation, N. Cooper

[Pelonetillo]

how do you run? what is the secret?

[MrOppidum]

The secret is to run barefoot.

[Pelonetillo]

yes, but is there a trick to it. do you run as you would if you had running shoes on? no technique?

[masterexploder83]

His book is really eye-opening. Hard to stop reading, and very motivating, as well as informative.

[mdaniel30152]

LOVED the book, couldn't put it down! Just ordered 2 pounds of chia seeds. Have been walking around the house barefoot, will start doing one or two workouts per week with no shoes. And when my running shoes wear out, I'll keep running in them.

[LKennedy777]

This is without a doubt the BEST book I've ever read. Phenomenal information delivered in a way that even "I" enjoyed.

You're awesome! Thanks.

[brilliantcorners]

This video is only for lip-readers.

[BevoHookem]

Masterpeice of a book! Eye-opening education! Bye, bye new running shoes.

Thanks Chris!!

[Johnfern99]

I started running with bare feet on my treadmill and didn't have any trouble. My wife said, "Put some shoes on, fool!"

So, I did, and I hard a very hard time. I ran out of energy, I felt stifled, I never even made it to 45 minutes. The next time I went back to bare feet and went a whole hour with no problem. I have heard there are marathon runners who run bare-footed also. I think it was meant to be that way. As kids, we practically spent the whole summer in our bare feet.

Watch the sparklers