RACING THE CLOCK

The award-winning biologist chronicles his experiences with long-distance running.

Heinrich has two main passions: biology and running. In his latest book, similar in spirit to Why We Run (2001), he takes us back to his childhood in the woods of Maine, where his love for both began. After moving to the U.S. from Germany, running provided the author with an in to American society, allowing him to forge friendships with other running enthusiasts. Heinrich discusses his educational pursuits in the field of biology and his career as a professor at the University of California and the University of Vermont. Through his scientific research, he writes, the author became aware of similarities between humans and other animals. Throughout the book, he examines many of his theories, including concepts related to speed and endurance, temperature regulation, and the effects of body rejuvenation, exercise, and aging. Heinrich switches gears frequently, weaving details about his professional research and published works into accounts of his successful career as a runner. At age 39, Heinrich won his first marathon. Beginning with his first victory, he longed for more, aiming to increase his speed and endurance with each passing race. Heinrich went on to compete in numerous ultramarathon events, and though he experienced setbacks, like any runner or athlete, he also set numerous records. In 1986, he appeared on the front cover of Running Times, which featured an “unreal headline” that read, “Ultra-Fast: At Age 45, Bern Heinrich Is the Best Runner in America at Four Different Distances.” Of course, as time has passed, the effects of aging have forced him to pace himself more efficiently. Fittingly, at age 80, Heinrich’s most-recent race (and last, according to him) was a 50K trail race, which offered him the opportunity to combine his love of running and nature.

Passionate meditations on the pleasures and pains of a lifetime of running, with greatest appeal to fellow runners.