Kiss, Marry or Kill: 16

The most motivational book ever, a sponge for your Twinkie, should you buy from that Instagram ad, "the best hummus I've ever had," were you the favorite child, and the real impact of trigger warnings

This is my weekly series for subscribers only, where I’ll share things that caught my eye this week in a fun and flirty way (kiss), a sustainable way (marry), or a not-so-good way (kill). And yes, this trendy game is technically “f***, marry, or kill” but we run a family-friendly-ish show around here.

Kiss (things I like right now)

Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

True story: In 2019, I was in Santa Monica for an event, and went to grab dinner with friends at a local BBQ joint. When I walked in, I saw a few folks I knew from GoPro sitting at a table in the corner. I went over to say hello, and one of them pointed to the man on his right and said, “Oh, do you know Chris McDougall?" Before he was even done speaking, I said way too loud, “Oh my god did you write Born to Run that is ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS EVER.” Chris smiled, invited me to sit, and we spent a few minutes chatting about books, writing, and running.

This isn’t a new book; it was released in 2009. When I first read it, I hadn’t run in a few years, and it didn’t get me back into running—yet it was one of the most profoundly awe-inspiring, motivating, and moving books I’d ever read. I re-read it a few years ago—same tingles, same sense of magic, same “this book makes me feel powerful.” (And no, I still didn’t run, but the message carried with me into other areas.)

The thing is, Born to Run is about running, but it’s not really about running. It’s about our human potential, and the beauty and power in our true nature. It’s about connecting with the energy of our body, each other, and nature. It’s about doing, not just being.

In next Monday’s XO MU, I’ll tell you why why I started running again, after a decade-long break. Since I’m enjoying it so much right now, I thought I would re-read Born to Run for inspiration. (And yes, it’s JUST as good the third time through, but no, I will still not be training for an ultra.) If it inspires you to run, I think that’s great! (In fact, there’s a follow-up training book to get you started.) But you don’t have to start running to recognize the message in the story: You have so many wonderful, beautiful things inside you, and in your own way, you were born to shine.