Some insight in here around belief systems and pain, but such a long book with very few good parts.

Written for serious runner. But some good takeaway on mind’s limitations. Probably preferred Peter Attia’s podcast with Alex

Mind over matter or "body as machine". Super interesting and crazy stories of what (some) humans can push themselves to do. Would recommend to everyone – runner or not.

Good book overall. I expected more storytelling with tidbits of research, but it was a lot of research with a one main background story, the sub 2hr marathon attempt, and other smaller stories of human endurance dotted throughout. Though not what I expected, I finished with a bunch of research that I’ve noted to see how it can help me in my future ~athletic~ endeavors. It was refreshing to read specific research and citations on the impacts of high fat, low carb diets, working out in fasted vs. depleted states, etc. rather than just reading yet another article with vaguely cited stats about why “Keto is best.”

This is the best book I've read on the most up to date scientific research on human endurance. Look past the forward by Malcolm Gladwell; the actual book is both entertaining and insightful. I always knew that the mind plays a big role in pain tolerance, but until now I hadn't come across a book that weighed all the physiological factors against grit. Definitely worth reading after watching the Breaking2 documentary.

Honestly, I’d picked up this book thinking the focus would be primarily on psychological ‘endurance’ as opposed to physiological, with a sprinkle of psychology, but I found it interesting nevertheless. Hutchinson focuses on how the body can accomplish incredible feats of endurance, specifically within the realm of sports- including examples such as running or cycling. Broken down into chapters exploring a wide variety of factors, you begin to get a strong basis of understanding the many things that do- or, could- affect our physiological performance. One thing I absolutely must applaud the author for was the way in which he balanced his arguments. Frequently, I found myself being presented with anecdotes, suggested analysis, even studies themselves, and thinking ‘okay, but-’, and Hutchinson predicted and responded to that ‘but’ every time. It made for a balanced and intelligent read, providing readers with all the right questions. Overall, I enjoyed reading ‘Endure’. A key point to highlight here is that sports and physiology relating to sport is nowhere near an interest of mine- and yet I read to completion. A credit to the author.

I thought I would enjoy this book a lot more than I actually did. While I did not dislike the book, Hutchinson failed to create a path of progression for his narrative. His stories of feats of endurance woven through every chapter of the book were a delight. The pure science, however, dragged the narrative down with contrast strong enough to give the reader whiplash. I found some of the book enlightening; some of the revelations rang true with my own personal experience. Halfway through the book though, I found myself pushing through simply to get to the end. I had no other motivation aside from finishing. I do not recommend this book yet I also do not recommend against this book.

I loved this book. It was a great exposition on both endurance in general and running in particular. The stories that were presented were interesting and the research piqued my curiosity throughout. I also liked how he interweaved Nike's marathon attempt into the book.