bornAward-winning writer Christopher McDougall is in town today and in Boulder Wednesday to read from his wonderful new book, Born To Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen.

And, you should go. No, really, you should–even if you don’t run.

Here are four good reasons why:

1) The book’s about running, but it’s not really about running. It’s about life. It’s about characters. It’s a damn good story. For a taste, read an excerpt in this month’s 5280.

2) A good chunk of the tale is rooted in Colorado. In fact, the book in part stemmed from a piece McDougall wrote for 5280 in the summer of 2005.

3) Part of what makes McDougall a tremendous writer and journalist is that he’s such a curious and brilliant dude. The guy loves life. Being around him, listening to him read his yarn and talk about how he came upon his magical characters, you’ll love life a little more, too.

4) McDougall likes a good beer as much as he likes a good run, and after the reading he likely jog to the nearest pub and happily continue the conversation.

Mon,, May 11, 7:30 p.m. Free
Tattered Cover, 2526 Colfax Ave.

Wed., May 13, 7:15 p.m. Free
Boulder Running Company, 2775 Pearl St., Unit 103, Boulder