Comments on: Review: Born to Run

By: Kevin Wright

Kevin Wright — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 08:51:44 +0000

So why is the science suspect? There may be tension between our faith and science on these matters, but the science is consistent.

By: dan d

dan d — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 03:16:51 +0000

I got the book in October and devoured it. I am really curious about the barefoot thing and have been trying it. I am a sort of runner and have been for about 20 years…it gets harder as you get older.

My impression of the evolutionary comments is that McDougal buys into that whole scheme. Apart from the evolutionary-process assumptions, I did find his physiological distinctions fascinating and would love to learn more about them. Evidentally people have something that helps maintain balance while running and the fact that we are self-cooling gives us an endurance edge over animals that only cool by panting.

Waiting for the warmer weather (no ice or snow) and then want to try the five fingers.

By: Jim

Jim — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:39:43 +0000

Tim, thanks for the review. I received this book for Christmas and as a runner I loved it. I’ve learned a great deal from it, and been inspired and challenged to make some changes in my style/stride etc (I’ve even started doing some barefoot running). I share your concern about the author’s acceptance of the theory of evolution as fact. But I noticed he did mention a few interesting things in the chapters that discussed physiology and bio mechanics. He mentions a number of human physical attributes that are not found in any other primates and which make humans unique amongst all mammals – the fact that we are ‘hairless’ and cool down by perspiring through our skin (enabling us to run long distances without stopping – all other mammals have to regulate their body temperature by breathing, and to cool down they actually have to stop running – hence why a man can always beat a horse over long distances); the way our legs are uniquely sprung with tendons and ligaments; and (from memory) a particular tendon at the base of the skull that is also unique amongst primates and which also lends itself to equipping us better for running long distances. It struck me that these are all things that help point to just how unique humans are amongst all creation.

By: Tim Challies

Tim Challies — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:18:11 +0000

That’s correct. When I refer to science I (mostly) refer to the evolutionary science the author mentions in several places.

By: Tad

Tad — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:15:25 +0000

I cant speak for him but I would hazard a guess that he is referring to evolutionary science. If God created man like the Bible says he did then man did not evolve.

By: ash

ash — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:48:15 +0000

Interesting book, thanks for the review. Seems in line with the recent research and interest in barefoot running. I know I swear by my Vibram Five Fingers (next best thing to bare feet), and my feet and knee/hip joints have never felt better.

By: Kevin Wright

Kevin Wright — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 05:44:35 +0000

Interesting review Tim, can you clarify what you mean by “While the science is suspect…”?

By: Joel Conrad

Joel Conrad — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:26:37 +0000

Thanks for the review! Some great observations. As one who has occasionally made running an idol in my own life, I can identify with the author turning running into a religion… I’ll never forget John Piper’s quote in regards to the disciplines of running and exercise: “You should exercise… some.” Only under the authority of Christ, with the fear of the Lord, do these things come into balance.