The Cool Impossible

May 1, 2014

Elite runner and endurance coach Orton gained widespread attention by training author Christopher MacDougall of Born To Run fame. Here his focus is on helping listeners create strong bodies, facilitating faster, nimbler running. The content is good, but Orton's folksy tone will put off some listeners. Tuning in to this material that is presented as a personal coaching session, readers imagine activities (e.g., running trails in the Grand Tetons, dunking one's feet in a cold stream) and receive minilectures about their importance. Recommended stability and strength exercises, derived from the barefoot-running movement, are intended to correct muscular imbalances and poor form. The advice, e.g., that stretching helps excessive muscle tightness feel better but will "not take care of the problem," is high quality but often runs counter to popular wisdom. Additional chapters about chasing dreams and eating healthily provide solid, if introductory, advice. Nick Cordero's excellent narration has a crisp, clean delivery that is measured and confident. VERDICT This title will find an appreciative audience among endurance athletes; recommended for large public libraries and special collections. For a more methodical approach, consider Danny Dreyer's ChiRunning.--Douglas C. Lord, New Britain P.L., CT

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