About this title: 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.
Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is described below.
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Date Published: 5/7/2002
ISBN-13:9780060958701ISBN:0060958707
Description: Fine. 0060958707 NEW/UNREAD! ! ! Text is Clean and Unmarked! --Be Sure to Compare Seller Feedback and Ratings before Purchasing--Has a small black line on bottom/exterior edge of pages. May have light shelf wear to cover from storage, if any. read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Date Published: 2002
ISBN-13:9780060958701ISBN:0060958707
Description: New. Brand New! Buy with confidence-your satisfaction is guaranteed at B-Logistics! Due to the large scale of our operation, we do not have access to the specific contents/condition of our items. Please note that Expedited shipping is not available at this time. read more
Binding: Softcover
Publisher: Ecco Pr
Date Published: 2002-05-01
ISBN-13:9780060958701ISBN:0060958707
Description: NEW. Softcover. From an inventory that is 100% brand-new, 100% direct from the publishers' distribution channel. We carry NO pre-owned, NO remaindered. We pack in CARDBOARD to ensure the pristine quality is maintained. (Bubble-wrap alone is NOT sufficient to protect from USPS equipment. ) Guaranteed brand-NEW, protected with CARDBOARD, your satisfaction is guaranteed. BKLUVID: 9780060958701. read more
Description: Good. Book shows minor use. Cover and Binding have minimal wear and the pages have only minimal creases. A tradition of southern quality and service. All books guaranteed at the Atlanta Book Company. read more
Description: Good. Minimal damage to cover and binding. Pages show light use. With pride from Motor City. All books guaranteed. Best Service, Best Prices. read more
Edition: Reprint
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: ECCO
Date Published: 2002
ISBN-13:9780060958701ISBN:0060958707
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--... read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Date Published: 2002-05-01
ISBN-13:9780060958701ISBN:0060958707
Description: Good. SHIPS IMMEDIATELY from CA. Including w/ends. Clean Text, Tight Binding & Crisp Pages. Minor Shelf-wear. Excellent customer service. Order inquiries handled promptly. Satisfaction Guaranteed. read more
"Know what you're getting into. The cover and title are misleading.
I loved Winter World and felt that Heinrich was a magnificent writer and scientist. This book muchly undid that feeling.
Firstly, what this book is not about: antelope, prehistorical man, the Olympics, modern running, Bernd's life, how to run, or why we run.
It is, instead, partially about all of these things and more. It sounds like they might combine fabulously. But if you look at the other reviews, you'll see that for many it falls piteously short, because it tries to cover several topics without smoothly combining them. It seems distinctly cut into near-disconnected chunks, and never covers any one topic completely.
The main reason it comes off this way is simple: people interested in competitive running aren't usually interested in the complex physiology of animals; and people interested in explanatory, descriptive nature writing aren't usually interested in the names, times, and general specifics of competitive running. As a result, most people feel that only half or less of the book was of interest.
But as others have opined, the writing isn't that good either. In fact, I'll go so far as to say that if Bernd wasn't already well-established, this book would not be in print, or at the very least doing anywhere near as well as it is. It almost seems unfair, honestly. If my rating (which is due to the book having many insightful comments and containing interesting biological information) weren't a 3, it wouldn't be a 4, if you take my meaning.
If this all weren't enough, Bernd comes off as egotistical yet tries to seem humble, and it detracts from the book. His continual determination to win is sometimes weakly masked by comments like, "I did not record my finishing pace (I think I was third)..." and his praise for his opponents followed by his pleasure at defeating them is especially annoying. I just wish he'd be more upfront about the fact that he wanted to be first and the best in everything he attempted.
Finally, I love animals in the lovey sense, not just the "you are cool" sense. For some scientists, animals are wonderful and fascinating; and they're even more fascinating once you grind them up whole to measure lactic acid or shoot them down and observe them in detail. Don't think I didn't notice your brazen justification for meat-eating and hunting, Bernd, cuz there's only one group one would feel the need to argue against on that point. So...I normally don't mind these things (I did find the frog-grinding highly disturbing), but once that justification was added, I definitely felt a little annoyed.
In short, most people would benefit by skipping this book. I don't have much interest in running (I picked it up thinking it involved early man and animals like antelopes, which I love), so I haven't gone into this, but I suggest looking up a book that better covers that interest, or whichever one you have. If you're strongly interested in Heinrich, how animals expend energy, AND competitive running, then give it a shot."
"An interesting take on why humans run from a biologcal standpoint. "It doesn't matter if you're the prey or the predator, just as long as you are the fastest one.""
"I thought this book would be more a "natural history" and less about Heinrich's life and running experiences. I felt like I was mislead by the title and the description. The writing itself is also not very good. I stopped reading after about 100 pages."
We guarantee every item's condition, as described on Alibris. If you are not satisfied that an item is as described, return your purchase for a refund.
rating
