The Cool Impossible: The Coach from "Born to Run" Shows How to Get the Most from Your Miles—and from Yourself

by Eric Orton, Richard O'Brien, Christopher McDougall (Foreword)

Featured in the bestselling book Born to Run, coach and performance guru Eric Orton has spent a lifetime learning and thinking about running and about the limitless possibilities of the human body and mind. In The Cool Impossible, Orton shares his wealth of knowledge in an inspiring step-by-step guide that will open up a new world of achievement for runners of all levels of ability and experience.

The truth is: Athleticism is awareness. That simple phrase is at the core of The Cool Impossible. Athleticism requires awareness of form and technique, awareness of our effort level, and, most important, awareness of what we think (and don’t think). And with that awareness comes the possibility of endless potential and improvement, progress and mastery—and, ultimately, achievement that you never before would have thought possible.

With a program focused on proper running form, strength development, and cardiovascular training, Orton will help first-step beginners, prime-time competitors, and enduring veterans reach “the cool impossible”—the belief that any achievement, athletic or otherwise, is within our reach. Inside you’ll find:

* Foot strength exercises to catapult performance, combat injuries, and transform technique

* A total-body strength program aimed at creating an athletic running body

* Step-by-step run-form coaching for performance enhancement and lifelong healthy running

* A run-training program providing the building blocks for endurance, strength, and speed

* No-nonsense nutrition strategies for performance, health, and the ultimate running body

* Visualization and mind-training tactics to run and live the Cool Impossible

*And much more…

Natural running is about so much more than barefoot running. It’s about the joy of running that we were all naturally born with and can reawaken. Like a favorite running companion, The Cool Impossible will be there with you, stride for stride and mile for mile, helping you go farther than you ever could have on your own.

Includes a foreword by Christopher McDougall.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports, Health, Fitness, Adventure, Audiobook, Science

251 pages, Hardcover

First published April 2, 2013

About the author

Orton's approach to training has been featured in Men’s Health, Esquire, Men’s Journal and Ski Magazine; specific workouts have been featured on ESPN’s Cold Pizza.

As the former Director of Fitness and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, I’m a certified Functional Training Specialist, a Certified Sports Hypnotist, and hold coaching certifications from both USA Triathlon and USA Cycling.

Reviews

[Kit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words. Seriously. So many words. In some ways this was an easy book to review, in others it was very, very difficult. Why? Because I was all in from the first page. Frankly, I was all in before I even opened it up. Back in January I reviewed Born to Run by Chris McDougall and I was hooked. I had already started to look into minimalist running and was starting to transition over to Vibrams, so that book reinforced what I was already thinking. I was also already working on Good Form Running, which I'm now imparting to the No Boundries runners at Fleet Feet as a coach in their 5k program. This book takes it one step further. The author, Eric Orton, is the man who coached McDougall to his first Copper Canyon Ultra-Marathon and in this book he imparts his wisdom and techniques for getting you, the reader, the same type of results.

Let me go ahead and get this out of the way at the start. Part of what makes me buy into this program is that it make sense to me. I was already getting there on my own. Orton takes what I was thinking and gives me the means to do it. He's saying exactly what I need to hear. The other part of it is where Orton is when he says it. The man is based out of Jackson Hole, WY. If you know me, or even if you only kind of follow this blog and my other book blogs, then you know already. I love Jackson and the Tetons and Yellowstone. I may be born and bred Upstate NY (and still live there), but my heart has always been in Wyoming. (check here for my post on Running in WY)The first time I went there was when I was 6 months old and ever since it's just felt like home. There's a magic there. So when I opened the book and realized that this wasn't just going to be a simple "do this, do that" endeavor I got excited, and then homesick. In many ways it felt like Orton was describing my Cool Impossible, but we'll get to that later.

So if it's not a straightforward "do this, do that" what is it? Well those things are in there. Orton gives you very simple to follow directions for how to get the most out of his program and out of yourself. However, that isn't all he gives you. He laces the training program with personal stories, with connections to what he saw when he was in Mexico for the Copper Canyon race and the things he gleaned from watching the Tarahumara Indians run. He also describes, in great detail, what a week of training with him in Jackson Hole looks like and feels like. Not just the actual training, but what you see when you are there, where you'll eat, the trails you'll run and the animals you might encounter. He writes for the person who has never been there, but for me it was like getting a little mini-vacation in my mind. I miss Jackson Hole. I'm already planning for next years trip there, and based on this book I've added a few things to do, a few places to run. I've hiked Jenny Lake, but how fun would it be to run there? I've sat in the parking lot of Snow King and waited for the Barker Ewing bus to pick me up and take me white water rafting, but could I tackle the hill and run it? And Phleps Lake... I've fished near the dam, and I'm fairly certain I watched a Mama Grizzly and her cubs right near there the last few times I've been out, but I've never hiked in there (or run)- perhaps that Mama Grizzly had something to do with that. It's written to be a complete training program, and insight into the way it would work if you were, in fact, one of his students working on an in person training session. It certainly pulled me in.

As far as the actual training instructions they are spot on in terms of ease of use. I read through the entire book (as instructed by Orton) and then began to go back through to piece together what an Orton program might look like for me. Did it seem do able? Did I have the time, the money, the motivation? Some fitness books come across as very pie in the sky and are instantly demotivating. You get a feeling of "WOW! That's awesome!" followed soon after by the thoughts that say "Yeah, but you don't have 3 hours everyday" and "Where are you going to get the $$ to pay for all that equipment?". In fact I will honestly tell you that after reading Born to Run I looked into training with Orton and those are the type of thoughts that peppered my mind. Then I discovered that he had a book coming out and decided to read it first and then decide. What I found was that you still get those thoughts and have doubts, but that it's okay. Orton has a whole section on training your mind, and like in other sections, awareness is key. Those thoughts are there, and you can either bow to them or you can use them. In fact Orton seems to already know what thoughts are creeping in and designed his program to fit your life and your goals. Don't have 3 hours? Fine, how about 30 minutes (I have that!). 15 minutes in the morning to do the exercises? Perfect. After reading the entire book I know that I can do it. I might not be going to Jackson to train with the man himself, but he's given everything I need right in the book. The exercises, the techniques to fix my form, tips on fixing my (abysmal) diet, how to get stronger and faster and pain free, how to train my mind to help me succeed- it's all in here. Laid out in simple to follow steps.

When I was in college I had a professor (one of the best- Hi Prof. Oakleaf!) who looked at my writing and said "So what?" Totally threw me off my game. I had written a 90 page Management plan and she fixed up my grammar (also abysmal) and said "So what?" And it struck me that I'd been just going through the motions. I am a good writer, I'm an excellent researcher, I fancy myself pretty rocking at my job (school librarian), but I didn't have a point. Now when I'm reading a book, or writing a review at the end I try to remember "So What?" and wrap it all up with a point, or in this case a goal.

So I'm done with The Cool Impossible. So what? What now? Remember back in the beginning I said this was both an easy and a hard review to write? Here's why. The book is fantastic. If you are interested in getting faster, getting stronger, being more efficient, running pain free or learning more about minimalist running. If you are a beginner, if you are a recreational runner, if you are a super athlete, but in a rut. It you want to go on an adventure and do impossible things. Get this book when it comes out next month. You'll find something in the pages to inspire you. Maybe you aren't already halfway finished with your cup of Kool Aid like I was when I started reading, but I guarantee if you read the book with an open mind you will find something between the covers. Easy. The hard part? What does it mean for me?

For me I found a goal. Well, not a goal exactly. The goal was already there. It's been on my cover page for months. The Grand Teton 10k- it's a bucket list race. It's just a 10k but distance for me has never been a goal. It's my favorite kind of run (in the woods), in my favorite place. Could I do the marathon? Maybe. Orton talks about seeing yourself fail before you even try. That's where I am right now on anything longer then a half-marathon. I don't trust that my body could hold out for a marathon- especially a mountain one. So that goal might sit on the back burner for a while. But the 10k. I'm not sure I even need to run the actual race for it to feel like a success. I could see myself doing a 10k in Jackson. I can see myself LOVING that. So there's my Cool Impossible. Run in Jackson Hole.

So here is what you can expect from me. Starting as soon as I can get myself organized I'm going to train with Eric Orton (the book form at least). I've already enlisted my Dad to help out, and if I haven't already asked you, don't be surprised when I want you to help me stay on track. I'm probably one of the least self motivated people I know, so I'm going to need help. I'll be posting my progress over on my blog page, I'll be keeping journals and trying new things and when I'm done I hope I'll be a whole new runner, and maybe a whole new person.

Which I guess is about the best endorsement I can give a book. This book inspired me to take action. Between his technical advice and his ability to make you feel as though you are a part of the conversation, Orton has managed to write a training book that makes you want to dive right in, and it's laid out in a way that makes you feel like you can succeed. Reading it will only take you so far, so here is where the reading ends and the challenge begins. Time to go catch my Cool Impossible.

[Malin Friess · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has a lot of fluff. At times it seems like an advertisement to try to gain clients for Ortons's fitness academy in Jackson Hole. Every chapter starts out like this...Imagine your in Grand Teton National Park..and we're back in the truck, bombing north past the airport and then on to Jenny Lake. The climbers, kayakers, and skiiers are already headed back to town for breakfast burritos and Coffee...." -- Yes that does sound fun--why Do I have a real job?

Orton was the coach for Christopher McDougall in one of the greatest running books of all time (Born to Run). It seems Orton is trying to catch a draft from this book.

Orton makes a few good points on nutrition (cutting sugar out of his diet improved his performance), the design of humans (we are made to move!!), and shares a few good stories from the famously eclectic 50 mile race in Copper Canyon Mexico with the Tarahumara Indian tribe in their huaraches.

Stick with Born to Run for a much better read.....But this book still has all the cool running jargon..zero drop shoes, mid foot strike, and chia seeds..what more could you need?

[Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and fun read, but requires a solid commitment to put into action. And I'm committed! This is the last book of a self-made trilogy (Eat and Run, Born to Run, The Cool Impossible). The author Eric Olton was Chris McDougall's trainer for his epic transition from lumbering giant to nimble runner. Eric has been the trainer for many world class runners and triathletes. His book is a mix of mental philosophy, story telling, and a "how to book" for transitioning to natural running form. I'm hooked, convinced, and can't wait to complete the journey. After two related workouts practicing what I've been reading these past three days I've already felt a change. Looking forward to my own "Cool Impossible"! Whether you're a beginner, an advanced runner, or have abandoned running altogether due to age or injury, this book can inspire you. And it may just improve your health and satisfaction along with performance.

[Abi · Rating 1 out of 5]

this is all a ploy to get you to try and join his running camp

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

As 'Born to Run' is one of my favourite running books a book by the coach of Christopher Macdougall was intriguing. It is packed with great advice about running- managing your body and your mind to do whatever you want to do. Despite this it is extremely irritating in style. He makes out that the reader is with him in Jackson Hole on a training week. So we read we are looking at the stars or eating in a diner with him. If I hadn't enjoyed the content I would have given up on the prose long before the end. I wouldn't recommend reading it as an e book ,as I did ,as it is difficult to look back on exercises and training advice. I'll probably have to buy the paper book if I am to realise my'Cool Impossible '

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eric Orton was Christopher McDougall's (author of Born to Run) running coach and inspiration behind the now famous book. Eric knows his stuff. Wow. I listened to this on audio book but now I wish I bought the book as he has training guides and strength programs/exercises that would be nice to reference. His passion is infectious and his knowledge will make you want to jump on a plane to Jackson Hole, WY to one of his training camps. Highly recommend for runners looking to up their game at a longer distance level - marathons/ultras. As more of a 5K/10K runner there is still a wealth of goods to be gained here.

[Kristin Foster · Rating 2 out of 5]

The cool Impossible is a light read. It took me a minute to get used to the author's writing because he writes as if he is narrating a trip with you.
"Look to the mountains, you will be climbing that after lunch. First, let's sit down for a nice salad for lunch. You see the salad I am eating? I eat this salad every day"

[Monster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although Orton's guiding narrative style is borderline obnoxious, I appreciate the inclusion of training data and plans.

[Andreas · Rating 4 out of 5]

One day I should stop reading books about running and simply do it but I find hearing the stories directly from the coaches and learning their approaches priceless. This book is no different.
I loved how Eric Orton takes the reader by the hand and runs him through his camp. I can understand if some readers feel annoyed but for me it worked. There is no denying that Eric cares for his runners and he has a strong confidence that with his method everyone will improve. He has learnt from the Tarahumara Indians, one of the best runners in the world, and integrated his findings in the daily training.

By far the most useful thing for me was the strength program for foot/leg/glute. I have built my own Slant Board based on Eric's design and boy were my legs sore after the first exercise day! It's a great way to prevent injuries and I have also noticed that my glutes are suddenly active. The hints to improve running form were also effective although it takes time and effort to make them second nature.

The running program itself left me less excited and is in my opinion presented terribly. After a more careful examination I found that the structure is sound (1 long run per week that increases in length over time, faster repetitions, short pickups every 5min as part of normal runs, drills, hill sprints) but for me as recreational runner it's overkill. Unfortunately the author doesn't give additional advises, e.g. "if you just start then do the pickups once per week" or "do sprints to improve economy and speed" so you have to rely on other sources to build your own program.

4 stars out of 5

[MR Robert Lorenzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

All aspects of running

The good:
This book try’s to cover all aspects of running which is commendable (Running form, cadence, strength training, running drills, training schedule, a 5 month plan, goals, mental strength)

I have always had issues with cadence and form so found the concepts here interesting.

The section on strength is very good but be prepared to spend some money on a special balance and wobble board kit.

My calf’s are so sore now I’m landing on my fore foot, instead of my heel. So I think the training is beginning to work.

To do the running plan you will need a GPS watch with heart rate ability, but any serious runner should have one of these anyway. Running slow to run fast really works and heart rate runs build up stamina.

The not so good bits for some:
I found like a lot of readers the narrative of pretending you are visiting Eric and running with him, tiresome and boring in parts

The section on mental mantras and visualisation hard to swallow and found myself skimming the section.

For some people the need to buy strength equipment and GPS watch with heart rate function would be some serious outlay, probably around $500.00 (Balance boards $120, Swiss Ball $20, GPS watch with HR $200 to $1500)

The running plan is all in miles which is a bit annoying as we us kilometres in Australia.

Conclusion:

I found this a useful book being a runner coming back from a long illness.
I have just finished this book and was aware of many of the concepts before but there are some new ones to me here. Especially the new spin on strength training and running form.
I’m looking forward to getting fitter and faster over time.

[Cody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decently cheesy at times, but the overall philosophy, especially with the running and training (still not convinced on the nutrition part) is something I’m more and more behind, and this was nothing if not practical and approachable. I wouldn’t say Orton is a fantastic author, but I expected the writing to be worse. Also, he does make Jackson Hole sound awesome.

[Quinn Henneger]

My favorite running book. Not only does Orton give you amazing advice about everything to do with running, Orton also completely transports you into his world up in Jackson Hole. Ironically, I feel like Orton fully transported me into his running world a lot better than some fiction professional writers have done. The only downside is the $79 slant boards that Orton recommends.

[Kenneth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I keep revisiting books like this in hopes of fixing my stride and style. I definitely need to work on it.

[Samuel Kordik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting book. The author has a stellar track record and substantial experience coaching world-class athletes and ultra-runners, and some definite opinions on what makes for great long-distance trail running training. His methodology would probably best be described as focusing on building a solid undercarriage—the strength, balance, and control needed to run with good form—and letting you fill in the gaps with intuitive time spent running.

That's not controversial, however many authors fail to really describe a cohesive program for developing leg and foot strength, good form, and balance. The most valuable section of this book goes in depth into specific exercises and progressions to do this, and I find that section to be one I'll be returning to frequently.

The book is written in a weird narrative, imaginative format which at first is intriguing but quickly becomes annoying. Additionally, the book does not really go at all into nutrition, hydration, or equipment considerations.

Overall, a valuable book because of the strength and running form components—smart, novel training progressions I have not seen anywhere else. This would make a good adjunct to other training books that cover the rest of the picture.

[Jacques Bezuidenhout · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short enjoyable book.
Took me back into the world of Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen.

The format of the book is quite different. Eric talks directly to you as if he is busy coaching your.
Some might enjoy this, but it seems a lot of people hate this. For me it was weird, but not off putting.

A lot of what he tells you rings true and makes a lot of sense.
There is still a lot of fad around running barefoot or minimalist in this book, which at this stage I don't 100% agree with anymore.

He gives practical running instructions, training plans, foot exercises, eating plans, race fuelling tips.

[Brenda M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having never been taught how to run, and repeatedly over doing it and being sidelined with injuries, I am actually trying to learn. What a concept!? This book and the previously read Born to Run, have given me a foundational philosophy to explore. Is this the best starting point? I don’t know, but it certainly feels right. The lessons in this book will be added to my arsenal - I look forward to trying them out and seeing how this journey unfolds. With persistence, determination and patience (and fun!) I am going to pursue my own envisioned cool impossible.

The conversational tone of the book was engaging. Overall, an easy and accessible read. I wish this book talked more about breathing techniques and even running downhill, etc., but I suppose that is where additional sources and continued learning comes into play. Oh! And an index! This book seriously needs an index.

[Bruce Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've run quite a bit over the years. Fortunately, I've been mostly free from major injuries, but I've had several little issues. While the book is written in a different style than most instructional books, the science Eric talks about seems sound.

Many people think that their natural running style is how they should run. Eric says that's silly. Most people have golf swings that aren't technically correct, and they aren't very good golfers. Most recreational swimmers don't swim right. Same with racquetball and most other sports. By increasing running specific strength and improving your technique, you should be able to run faster with less injuries.

I'm going to experiment with his teachings. I'm going through the book again right now. I've bought the Slant Board and Stability Disk. I obviously have ski poles :-)

Give me a few months and then ask me how it went. If things improve dramatically, I'll increase my review to a 5. If things get worse, I'll drop it to a 3.

[Ronald · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Cool Impossible is probably one of the most practical and informative book in regards to running instruction. Orton is not a van of heel first running and leans toward the minimalist style. He does believe that his style of running is injury proof. There is a lot of debate on that, however. Many believe in heel strike first method the knees are most vulnerable, otherwise the ankle and foot are vulnerable. He gives a lot of good suggestions on diet, fueling while running and mindset as well. The style of the book is a little odd in that it is set in a pretend travelogue to Jackson Hole, WY. It does make you feel like you would like to visit Jackson Hole. All in all a good read for the beginning runner.

[Samantha Tanner · Rating 2 out of 5]

His narrative is set up as if you are there for a week training with him. It’s interesting at first bc I’ve never been to this place, but I quickly lost interest. He trains elite athletes but all his training narration sounds way too easy and to me this didn’t make sense. On the other hand the actual exercises in the book are fantastic and deceptively very challenging for how simple they are. So 3 stars for actionable content and 1 star for narrative. I keep the book out for a workout guide but you have to dog-ear the pages you want bc they’re tucked into the narrative somewhat.

[Reuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The foot/ankle stability exercises, lower and upper body strength exercises, and very detailed (semi-customized) running program are quite helpful. Very likely to improve one's strength,efficiency,endurance, running form--and reduce injuries.

[Paul Bolton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I already bought in and studied minimalist running after reading "Born To Run". This book sealed the deal.

[Orlando Diaz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful, somewhat fun read for those of us who haven't yet harnessed the power of the the mind, especially in terms of visualization and how to have more power in how we relate to our thoughts (and actions).

I was rather excited for this book, having read "Born to Run" and listened to a number of running/movement/wellness/mindfulness related podcasts. I don't exactly want to say that it failed to live up to the hype I had in my mind, but it was just different from what I expected, or at least it was different from what I have read. I have not read a whole lot under the general theme of running, but in any case, the book being written as if I were being coached by Eric throughout a week out in Jackson Hole made for an intriguing, engaging reader experience.

This book should challenge many readers to strengthen their minds in a number of ways. From the mind-body connection, to how we perceive fears and goals, to embracing a limitless future. The physical exercises are helpful - to me, they seemed somewhat obvious, even if I rarely do them or anything similar. Still, I found value in the movements, especially given the provided explanations regarding the benefits. My only suggestion there would have been with regard to balance type exercises, it would make sense to start from the floor. It's amazing how deceptively challenging a simple floor-based balanced exercise (without a slant board, ball, etc) can be for people who don't do them regularly and/or are unaccustomed to any sort of barefoot or minimalist footwear experience.

Overall, I felt consistently entertained and well informed throughout this book. There weren't very high highs nor low lows. I would say that the "week" goes by very quickly. At times there is a hint of presumption about the reader's fitness/abilities. In other words, it could have been slightly more inclusive of true beginners, but I can see how that is not necessarily part of the intended readership here. A solid book all around, if not earth shattering. I feel slightly better equipped for my own Cool Impossible.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coach Eric... wow!

I read Born To Run to inspire my running-self through other people’s experiences. Somewhere in the middle of the book I started thinking what it would be like to have a great coach who cared so much about the sport and the people doing. One thing led to another and I found Coach Eric and immediately knew he was going to be a massive part of my running journey.

I loved The Cool Impossible, it was so fun to read as it truly felt like I was sitting (or running) with Eric in Jackson Hole.

He went through everything from form, to diet, to awareness and letting yourself dream. His mission is to create one runner in every household, because he has seen running change peoples lives over and over again.

His teaching style is laid back, allowing and challenging you to figure out how you’re going to make it work for you. What I appreciated most is he spends most of the time encouraging you to become a strong runner - to put in the time, the work and the effort now to do it right. Commit to the form and running slow - speed and distance will come. And when they do - your body and mind will be strong and ready to handle it!

At this point, I neither run far nor fast, but I do run. Because of Coach Eric, I now think about how my foot hits the ground, I have incorporated both foot and core exercises into my week and I’ve invested in my first pair of zero drop shoes (life changing!)!

I have found a coach and look forward to a continued journey with Coach Eric as I continue developing into the runner I can’t wait to be.

I’ve already recommended this book to all of my running friends, but if you have any desire to become a strong runner, you must read this book!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good summary of coach Eric Orton's approach to running and training plan, including his somewhat quirky idea of strength training (it's 90% about feet), hatred of modern running shoes, and predictably kooky ideas about nutrition (including 2 mandatory 20-day "detox" sessions, pretending that "organic" food is somehow more nutritious than the identical food item sans fancy sticker, and avoiding foods that you can't pronounce as if learning food chemistry depletes nutrients).

It's aimed squarely at people who aspire to be serious long-distance runners, willing to devote a lot of time and effort to transform themselves into athletes with high endurance, strength, and speed. A lot of the psychological stuff comes into play only at longer distances (marathon and up), but still provides an interesting perspective for the rest of us with more modest or varied goals.

The narrow focus was my biggest problem with the book. Orton views time spent in the gym as a complete waste, because general strength training isn't running specific, and runs the risk of putting on additional muscle that would potentially cost a few precious seconds in a 10k. Although he's competed and coached triathletes and is an avid cyclist, there is no place for cross-training in the programme presented, which is 4-6 days of running per week for 5+ months straight, supplemented only by running drills and his foot/core strength exercises.

The book is written in an interesting format, sort of a travelogue to his training camp in Jackson, WY. While this may not appeal to everyone, I found it the next best thing to going there in person, and overall served as a great background for his many excellent YouTube videos.

[Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eric Orton’s approach to running coaching just feels right. Everyone who has read Born to Run knows about Christopher McDougall’s transformation from a broken to an ultra runner. Having investigated running techniques and improvement advise since, i have been finding it tremendously difficult to self-coach and put things into practice. Hence I did not expect much from this book (how much can’t you actually influence ingrained moving patterns and habits by reading a book?) - and I was surprised: the stuff Eric is sharing really feels like something you can do on your own. Yes, it would mean committing yourself and investing time, energy and planning into it... But strangely it feels it is possible and also by far exceeds the common advise you can get from YouTube, even from the good channels like The Run Experience. So, full five stars go to the content. Unfortunately Eric chooses a highly irritating style to present his knowledge (and “highly irritating”
Is an euphemism). He comes across as border lining obnoxious at times, so bad that I almost stopped reading halfway through. I am glad I didn’t, I think the content about running, eating and living is worth swallowing the patronising, being talked down to reading experience. Still, it reduces this book from something great to something “very good, but...”. I wish they would release a training manual version of it, with all the other rubbish cut ;)

[Steven Kempton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cool Impossible is from the coach of 'Born to Run' author Christopher McDougall. Having read 'Born to Run' a couple of years ago and staring a half marathon in the face a few months from now I'm pretty keen to get something out of this book. What Orton preaches is being able to run without pain. At my age, that's the main barrier from me running more regularly. I tell myself that but there is a fair amount of fear of failure and worry of more serious injury impacting other activities I take part in that turns me off as well. The book is an easy read, and Orton has both a philosophy and a plan that would seem to make a lot of sense in helping you get from 'non-runner' to 'running with joy' in a way that doesn't ignore your fear of pain or of injury. That being said I don't really know if the plan works yet. I have to keep at it for longer than a week. But I do like the book and I think people who, like me, are searching for a way to get into running will like it as well.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was not a fan of the overall "week in Jackson" writing style, but there are some great pieces of this book that I will take with me. The observations on running form, the foot and leg strengthening exercises, and the philosophy of strength from the foot up--I found those very useful. At the end of the book, Orton's comments about examining our thoughts and visualizations gave me some things to think about. Everything in between I found difficult to absorb into my life. When I am cooking for four children and a husband who thinks kale is grown in the gardens of hell itself, the idea of a 100% sugar fast means either family mutiny or preparing two different meals all the time (me and them). Both of those ideas, along with Orton's comment that "moderation is mediocrity" completely stress me out. Overall, glad I read this and glad I can pick and chose what to follow through on.

[Joey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some great tidbits to be found in the weeds here. The book and the program it promotes is for a far more serious runner than myself, but again, I was able to find bits and pieces that have really helped me in my own exercise regimen and had immediate results.

The virtual trip through Wyoming which occurs throughout the book really read lame to me. I really didn't feel like that alternative narrative style added anything. As an Alaskan, there really wasn't anything extraordinary I found in the scenes he describes, I just wanted him to cut the crap and get to the part about how I run without feeling like I am going to die... Worth a read, just has a lot I could do without.

[Jonathan Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely only for those who are ready to make some changes in the way they run and prepared to apply it while going through it. Lots of time on workouts, charts of heart rate target zones and step by step form pictures.

I used it while training for an ultra and recovering from some IT band strain. I love the new form and feel that it is the best way for me to run and the foundation I need to build for many more years of running. Definitely recommend it!

As others have noted the style is cheesy.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book a few years ago.
I had a mixed perspective on the narrative component but in the end, it's nice remembering that yes you can travel to these amazing places and run there. Make running in a destination a reason to go there. It's great motivation. Happy to say I've run around half of Jenny Lake. One of the hundreds of beautiful places running has taken me.

I only ever engaged in the foot exercises but I believe they helped. I built the little ramp myself. I've fallen out of practice with using it but it was a great resource during training for a marathon.