Essential Reading for Running Enthusiasts: Top 10 Reasons to Read "Born to Run"
Introduction
Over the years of coaching, I've encountered numerous students hitting a plateau in their running, struggling to find ways to break through. I remember one training session where a student, let's call him John, was panting heavily, his face pale. I had to stop the session and ask what was wrong. He replied, "Coach, I feel like I can't run anymore, my legs feel like lead." At that moment, I thought of "Born to Run," where the concept of the "running wall" is discussed—a psychological and physiological barrier many runners face.
As a seasoned coach, I've realized that many of the issues runners face can be mitigated. Running isn't just about physical exertion; it's also a journey of the soul. This brings to mind a profound insight from "Born to Run": running is an innate human ability, and what we need to do is awaken this instinct. The book highlights how the Tarahumara Indians find meaning and joy in running, which contrasts significantly with modern running philosophies.
So today, I want to share with you the top ten reasons why "Born to Run" is a must-read, hoping it will help you find joy in running, overcome your barriers, and truly enjoy the process.
Core Content
1. The Essence of Running: Returning to Nature
"Born to Run" teaches us that running is an innate human ability. The Tarahumara Indians run to find meaning and joy in life, not just for speed. I recall a training session where a student, Mike, asked, "Coach, why do I struggle so much while the Tarahumara run so effortlessly?" I explained that running isn't just a race against time; it's a conversation with nature.
Practical Experience: I often tell my students to relax while running, not to tense up. Just like the Tarahumara, who maintain a natural rhythm, light steps, and steady breathing. One of my students, Sarah, used to run with a lot of tension. After teaching her to relax her running style, her performance significantly improved.
Recommendation: Try to relax your body during your run, keep a natural stride, and enjoy the process. Don't focus too much on speed; instead, feel the earth beneath your feet and breathe in the fresh air.
2. The Joy of Running: Enjoy the Journey
"Born to Run" emphasizes that the joy of running lies in the journey, not the destination. The Tarahumara run while chatting or even playing games. This reminds me of a session where one of my students, Alex, was always running with a stern face. I told him, "Running isn't just training; it's a lifestyle. You can enjoy the scenery, feel the joy running brings."
Practical Experience: Over the years, I've seen too many students treat running as a chore rather than a pleasure. Reading alone isn't enough; you need to practice. I encourage my students to relax, enjoy the process, and maybe even listen to music or chat with friends while running. Alex started to run more freely, and his performance improved noticeably.
Recommendation: Relax your mind while running, enjoy the journey. Listen to music, take in the sights, or chat with friends. Running is more than just training; it's a way of life.
3. The Philosophy of Running: A Spiritual Practice
"Born to Run" delves into not just the techniques but also the philosophy of running. It suggests that running can be a spiritual practice, helping us find life's meaning. I remember a session where a student, Emma, was struggling with academic stress, impacting her running. I advised her, "Running isn't just physical; it's a spiritual journey. Through running, you can find inner peace and release stress."
Practical Experience: I often tell my students to clear their minds while running, not to be bogged down by external pressures. Like the Tarahumara, who find life's meaning through running, Emma learned to use running as a way to relax, and her performance improved.
Recommendation: Try to clear your mind during your run, find peace through running. It's not just about physical exercise; it's a spiritual journey.
4. The Science of Running: Body Adaptation
"Born to Run" explains through scientific research why humans are naturally suited for running. This reminds me of when Mike asked, "Why do I struggle so much while the Tarahumara run so effortlessly?" I explained that running isn't just about speed; it's about engaging with nature.
Practical Experience: I encourage my students to relax, not to overthink their running. Like the Tarahumara, who maintain a natural rhythm, Sarah learned to run more naturally, and her performance improved.
Recommendation: Relax your body, keep a natural stride, and enjoy the process. Don't focus too much on speed; instead, feel the earth beneath your feet and breathe in the fresh air.
Practical Guidance
Detailed Training Methods

Natural Running Technique: Inspired by "Born to Run," try adopting a natural running style:

Keep your body upright, head naturally lifted.
Maintain light steps, landing on the balls of your feet before transitioning to the midfoot.
Keep a natural breathing rhythm, don't force it.


Relaxation Training: Incorporate relaxation into your running:

After running a segment, stop for simple relaxation exercises like stretching or deep breathing.
Try to relax your shoulders, arms, and leg muscles during the run.


Spiritual Training: Use running to relax your mind:

Meditate while running, feel the environment around you.
Listen to music or audiobooks to help relax your mind.



Solutions to Common Problems

Hitting the Wall: When you hit the wall, don't force yourself to keep going. Slow down or take a break. Remember, the Tarahumara find meaning in running, not just speed.
Muscle Soreness: Post-run, stretch and massage to aid recovery. The Tarahumara maintain health and flexibility through running.
Mental Stress: Use running to release stress and find inner peace. Running is a spiritual practice.

Advanced Training Suggestions

Interval Training: Incorporate intervals to boost endurance and speed:

Run for a distance, then rest briefly before continuing.
Try different intervals like 30 seconds run/30 seconds walk or 1 minute run/1 minute walk.


Long Distance Running: Gradually increase your running distance to improve body adaptation. The Tarahumara maintain health through long-distance running.

Strength Training: Add strength exercises to enhance muscle power and reduce running injuries. The Tarahumara keep their bodies healthy through running.


Important Reminders

Nutrition: Pay attention to your diet before and after running, ensuring you have enough energy and hydration. The Tarahumara maintain their energy through diet.
Gear: Choose the right running shoes and attire to prevent unnecessary injuries. The Tarahumara keep running fun with simple gear.
Rest: Ensure you rest after running to avoid fatigue and injury. Running is a lifestyle, balancing training with rest.

Advanced Content
Training Methods for Elite Athletes
For elite athletes, training needs to be more scientific and systematic:

Scientific Training Plan: Develop a detailed plan including speed, endurance, strength, and recovery training. The Tarahumara maintain health through running.
Technical Training: Focus on running technique to improve efficiency and reduce injuries. The Tarahumara maintain health through running.
Mental Training: Enhance mental resilience and performance under pressure. Running is a spiritual practice.

My Unique Training Philosophy
As an experienced coach, here are some unique training philosophies I've developed:

Natural Running: I emphasize natural running, keeping steps light and avoiding overexertion. The Tarahumara maintain health through running.
Spiritual Practice: Running isn't just physical; it's a spiritual journey. Students can find inner peace and release stress through running.
Enjoy the Process: The joy of running lies in the journey, not the result. Encourage students to enjoy the scenery and the joy running brings.

New Training Methods to Try

Barefoot Running: Try running barefoot to feel the ground, strengthening foot muscles. The Tarahumara maintain health through barefoot running.
Running Games: Incorporate games into training to add fun and reduce monotony. The Tarahumara run while chatting or playing games.

Future Development Suggestions

Technology Assistance: Use technology like heart rate monitors or gait analysis to enhance training effectiveness. The Tarahumara maintain health through running.
Community Running: Encourage joining running communities for mutual motivation and progress. Running is a lifestyle, balancing training with rest.

Conclusion
As an experienced coach, I recommend you learn to relax and enjoy the process of running. It's not just about physical exertion; it's a spiritual journey. Through running, you can find life's meaning, release stress, and enjoy the joy it brings.
"Born to Run" has given me many insights, not only redefining the essence of running but also providing new methods and philosophies for training. I hope you too can benefit from it, finding your own joy in running. Remember, running is an innate human ability; we just need to awaken it.
Lastly, I wish you all the best on your running journey, may you run further and with more joy!