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| Why We Run: A Natural History | 
| Author: Bernd Heinrich
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Category: Book
List Price: $12.95
Buy New: $4.37
You Save: $8.58 (66%)
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Avg. Customer Rating:  18 reviews
Sales Rank: 72043
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 304
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 8.1 x 5.5 x 0.7
ISBN: 0060958707
Dewey Decimal Number: 612.044
EAN: 9780060958701
ASIN: 0060958707
Publication Date: May 1, 2002
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
In Why We Run, biologist, award-winning nature writer, and ultramarathoner Bernd Heinrich explores a new perspective on human evolution by examining the phenomenon of ultraendurance and makes surprising discoveries about the physical, spiritual -- and primal -- drive to win. At once lyrical and scientific, Why We Run shows Heinrich's signature blend of biology, anthropology, psychology, and philosophy, infused with his passion to discover how and why we can achieve superhuman abilities.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 13 more reviews...
 Classic Book on Running March 16, 2008
Why We Run is for runners what Lives of a Cell (by Lewis Thomas) is for scientists. It's a classic book on running, well enjoyed by the casual runner to the elite. If you are a runner or love a runner, this is a "must read".
What a great book . . . November 28, 2007
. . . is what I said involuntarily just after finishing the book. This is a very well written book that compares the physiological aspects between animals and humans as they pertain to running and endurance. It covers a wide breadth of material ranging from bird migration to the running differences between prey and predators, but it all comes around to answering the question of why humans run and have a very high level of endurance. A good part of the book is autobiographical as the author begins by discussing the effect that running and nature had on his earlier life and ends with describing his experience competing in a 100-kilometer race. This book would appeal greatly to runners who want (or need) to go beyond the run-a-bunch-of-intervals and drink-a-bunch-of-sugar-water style of running books. It would also appeal greatly to readers who generally enjoy popular science or nature books.
 Interesting February 7, 2007
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
This book was interesting, though a little too dry at times. Glad I purchased it though.
Unique in the genre January 9, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I am an ultrarunner, and read this book expecting a book on ultrarunning.
I have recommended this book to runner and non-runner friends alike. When they ask what it's about, I describe it as 1/3 personal memoir, 1/3 biology book, and 1/3 training log. The author's accomplishment he writes about is extraordinary, and his portrayal of "the race" at the end will be re-read by me many times.
Some of the "biology book" sections are a little drawn out and tough to slog through, but it all comes together by the end of the book. I acknowledge some of the criticisms posted here, but I guess I wasn't as sensitive to them.
I enjoyed the book and will read it again.
Great Justification for Nutso Runners Like Me September 26, 2006
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This book is truly a classic on the biology and anthropology of exercise. I first stumbled upon it in the bookstore when I was just looking for some more books on running. I wasn't looking for anything in particular and I picked up "Why We Run" off the shelf to give it a chance.
It was just what I was looking for.
The exploration of human anthropology and the scientific explanations of why we run were in exact alignment with my beliefs. Heinrich's basic assertion is that we run because we're supposed to run. Our systems are made to use fatty acids and glycerol as fuels for long distance, nomadic type activities, not quick glucose intensive activity.
This clearly sheds light on the heart rate formula for weight loss and what is particularly best for any specific person. If Heinrich's points are correct, then the conclusion would be a lower heart rate is most effective for weight loss and the preferred zone for any type of exercise. Any exercise in the higher heart rate zones could be classified as survival training--or expending energy that is meant for fight or flight type activities, like running away from tigers or the like. This is clearly not anything we have to do in our modern times.
Heinrich goes to great lengths to explore his arguments. He takes the biology of the other animals and compares them to ours in a very "easy-to-read," unscientific way--something that is relieving for anyone who's spent hours with their nose buried in anatomy books.
The book is anecdotal, because Heinrich bookends the story with his own 100K run. This makes the book entertaining as well and not just a dry scientific read. It's also great biological justification (translated: "excuse") to tell a spouse who thinks you spend too much time training for the next big race!
Perfect for runners and walkers who want to understand their body and what is best for optimal health!
Kevin Gianni, NCSF-CPT
Author, Personal Trainer
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