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Title: Why We Run: A Natural History by Bernd Heinrich ISBN: 0-06-095870-7 Publisher: Ecco Pub. Date: 07 May, 2002 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $12.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.12 (8 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: Why we run
Comment: "Why We Run A Natural History" By: Bernd Heinrich (Author)
This is not a new book it is simply a new titled version of Bernd Heinrich's book "Racing The Antelope" so if you have already bought the older version or read it don't rush out to buy this new titled edition.
The beginning of this book is Bernd's autobiography about his childhood in Germany, and in the Maine woods. In this section he writes about his undefeated cross-country career and his college running career at UMO (University of Maine at Orono). Despite his very unique and almost bizarre childhood, he seems very human and easy to relate to from in two major ways in my life. The first is as a Mainer who has always enjoyed the outdoors, and the second is as a high school cross-country runner. This is mostly because as Bernd alluded to, running itself is very natural especially in the Maine woods.
The middle chapters at first appeared to have just been thrown in, but once you have finished the book his reasons for putting in several chapters about animal biology as well as physiology and psychology become readily apparent. This intriguing and random section goes into scientific detail about several animals such as wolves, dogs, cats (canines, felines), camels and antelopes as well as many more, in relation to running and what we can learn from them.
The final section of his book is filled with details of his preparation and racing in a 100 k (62.2 miles) ultra marathon, which he won and set a world record in. In this section you understand why he had the section on animal biology when he tries to improve his performance by using many different running techniques and fuels, such as Ocean Spray Cranberry juice, which he used and was sponsored by in the Chicago ultra marathon. It is surprising that as a runner you can still relate to him when it comes to the pain he must overcome to succeed. When you look at the distances he trains at and races at you realize just how far away his is with his crazy endurance. To run like he does you have to be in unbelievable shape and be a little crazy.
This was a great blend of Bernd's autobiography, biology and his practice and racing in the Chicago ultra marathon. At times it grew a little dull for me but I still highly recommend it for any runner, at any level as well as anyone interested biology. If you're curious about why we run read this book.
Rating: 4
Summary: interesting exploration of the biology of running
Comment: In "Why We Run" (previously titled "Racing the Antelope"), Heinrich presents us with an exploration of the biological features that make running and other types of activity (for example sprinting, flying, and even marathon bouts of mating calls amongst male frogs) possible. He devotes the middle chapters of the book to individual animals (insects, birds, pronghorn antelopes, camels, frogs, dogs, cats, and more) and the biological characteristics which allow them to develop incredible endurance or speed.
The beginning and end of the book are concerned with the story of Heinrich's own experiences with running, an activity which has been for him an integral part of life. This autobiographical story is a bit disjointed, though. At the beginning of the book, we learn about the role running plays during Heinrich's childhood, through his school and college years, and on into graduate school. The end of the book details his preparation for, and participation in, a 100K race (62.2 miles). It is only at the end of the book that its structure becomes readily apparent. Preparation for the race is what ties everything together; Heinrich looked to the examples of the animals discussed in the middle of the book for ideas that would help him as he trained for his ultramarathon. I would liked to have seen the structure of the book be a bit more apparent to the reader throughout.
That said, this book is a nice overview of the incredible variety of--and potential for--endurance and speed present in animals (including humans) today. I read this book because I was looking for something to inspire and motivate my own running; this book isn't quite what I was looking for. However, once I finished it I found myself thinking about my running from a perspective I had not previously considered. Recommended for those with interests in biology, distance running, or both.
Rating: 5
Summary: Inspiring to runners and anyone else
Comment: This book gives a facinating account of an unusual life and an amazing accomplishment. Anyone who like me struggles through their 3-6 miles will be inspired by how the author conquered 62 miles at better than 6:30 miles by considerable talent and extraordinary courage. The other animals are interesting too.
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Title: Winter World : The Ingenuity of Animal Survival by Bernd Heinrich ISBN: 0060197447 Publisher: Ecco Pub. Date: 07 January, 2003 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
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Title: Racing the Antelope: What Animals Can Teach Us About Running and Life by Bernd Heinrich ISBN: 0060199210 Publisher: Cliff Street Books Pub. Date: 24 April, 2001 List Price(USD): $23.00 |
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Title: Mind of the Raven : Investigations and Adventures with Wolf-Birds by Bernd Heinrich ISBN: 0060930632 Publisher: Ecco Pub. Date: 04 April, 2000 List Price(USD): $13.00 |
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Title: The Thermal Warriors: Strategies of Insect Survival by Bernd Heinrich ISBN: 0674883411 Publisher: Harvard Univ Pr Pub. Date: April, 1999 List Price(USD): $20.50 |
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Title: The Trees in My Forest by Bernd Heinrich ISBN: 0060929421 Publisher: Perennial Pub. Date: 01 October, 1998 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
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