Born to Run

Part Wade Davis meets Carlos Castaneda shot through a gonzo filter, I blazed through this in a weekend.

People kept waving this book in my face, it was their call to action, their inspiration. But they weren't desk bound, corporate 9 to 5'ers living a sedentary, middle aged existence. What the hell could be of interest here? An elusive Mexican tribe of runners called the Tarahumaras, evolutionary science, ultramarathons and reconsidering the way we run. Not a lot to recommend this book to me.

I loved it. McDougall goes off in so many directions but manages to hold it all together. A testament to the compelling nature of this read, it's even got me signed up for Couch to 5K - (heavy emphasis on couch). I just love the idea of running not as torture or a means to a (tight) end but as an evolutionary birthright. A potentially joyous, zenlike state of being that can recall our true selves. McDougall does this without going all “The Secret” on you and maintains high geek cred.

What was the last book you read that actually got you off your ass?