Why We Run: A Natural History Book

Average Rating:

WHY WE RUN has all sorts of biological discussions that remind me of the worst of Stephen J. Gould's pieces. Unfortunately the biological passages for the most are incoherent although tantalizing. For example, and there are many like this: "Eating is controlled by psychological drives, which in turn are influenced by blood chemistry. Just thinking about a hamburger can change your blood chemistry." But wait a minute, the blood chemistry was supposed to influence the thinking (i.e. psychological drives?). Much of the writing and thinking is mushy like this.

The strong points of the book are that despite the self-indulgent and poorly connected and developed thinking, Heinrich is a passionate and engaging person and this comes across in his writing. He has also led an interesting and bizarre life.

To me the book is most valuable as an inspirational story. His inspirational attitude is deeper than the "if you just believe and try hard enough you can do it" variety. Heinrich has a kind of hard-knuckled, gritty attitude toward life (and at the same time a love of nature and animals--although he is also an avid and skilled hunter). He manages to communicate a holistic view of human nature and biology that I found encouraging and inspiring, and at the same time realistic.

As a 20 mile a week runner nearing 60, I found the book helpful to my puny efforts. Heinrich, however, is so far beyond anything that any ordinary runner could ever even dream about in his wildest dreams, that it is hard to connect with him. Frankly his running seems super-human, and not just a little crazy, but downright insane. Unlike some other writers, Heinrich never makes the reader feel inferior and I appreciate that. He is modest and humble. Fine traits, I'd say in a world class athlete.

BTW: The author explains in the preface why the book has been retitled. Several other non-related books had been published at the same time with "antelope" in the title.