I suspect Christopher McDougall's Born to Run has inspired more than a few non-runners to hit the pavement or the trail for the first time, just as I imagine his book has enhanced the running experience of many who already had mileage on their legs when they read the first page. I know it has mine.
Among the insights and observations in the book I find most stimulating are those relating to the notion that running aids us in connecting with others (and our environment). On this theme McDougall writes of the humanitarian work performed by one of America's top female ultra-marathoners (Jenn Shelton?). Furthermore, characterizing the philosophy of legendary ultra-marathoner Scott Jurek, McDougall writes, "The reason we race isn't so much to beat each other, he understood, as to be with each other." And not just those with whom we are running or whom we encounter during the run, but those not physically present as well.
In an earlier post I included a link to Back On My Feet, an organization in the US promoting running among homeless individuals and providing housing and other assistance to those in need. The following links will help you connect with aid agencies desperately trying to help some of the world's most vulnerable, particularly the residents of the Eastern Ghouta enclave outside Damascus, Syria, innocent civilians caught in a conflict that continues to claim the lives of so many throughout the country.
The Union of Medical Care and Relief Agencies: http://www.uossm.us/
unicef: https://www.unicef.org/
World Food Programme: http://www1.wfp.org/
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