Running with Sherman : Book review



Title: Running with Sherman
Author: Christopher McDougall
Genre: Memoir

Running with Sherman is a delightful story of Sherman, a rescue donkey and how it ran one of the the toughest races in America.

On his daughter’s insistence, Christopher McDougall agrees to adopt a donkey. When he comes across Sherman, he finds the animal almost at the brink of death. With the help of his friends who are farmers in the Amish community, he understands that Sherman needs a purpose to keep him going.

Christopher gets this unique idea to enroll themselves in the Burro race. Burro means donkey in Spanish.  Burro racing is a unique race where humans and donkeys run side by side over the mountains and streams at an high altitude in Colorado.

Christopher begins his training with a team that includes Christopher’s wife Mika and Zeke- a family friend suffering from depression.

During the course of the training, Christopher makes certain references to his earlier book ‘Born to run’. He addresses certain interesting aspects such as the instinctive ability of humans to connect with animals. He showcases how animal therapy is vital in curing certain mental health issues. He also explains how  running is shown to restore a certain purpose in life by citing some inspiring examples of people in endurance sports.

What makes the book interesting is getting to delve deep into the psyche of an animal and understanding the true essence of running with them. We learn the importance of being in tune with the Burros and listening to their signals during a race. Its essential to  make the donkeys think that it’s their idea  in order to make them do something. Running with them especially on the trails is a humbling experience. As a line from the book says “If you get too cocky, they will most definitely humiliate you. “

Running with Sherman is inspiring, uplifting and endearing. The author in his inimitable style takes the readers through the high altitude terrains of Colorado and the entire race.  You can’t help but adore Sherman the burro for his ability to fight his way through those steep ravines in an unrelenting manner.

A book that showcases how animals bring out the best in everybody.  A must read for all runners and animal lovers!

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