The Human Race

What an inspirational film on so many levels - a must-see for every runner and anyone who wants to feel better.

The director shows the stories of a number of runners in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s, like a father who takes up running in his 50s to protect his autistic son from getting lost on cross country track meets, a woman rising above cancer and multiple relapses by running across all 50 states, a man defying the doctors who told him he could never run after undergoing multiple surgeries for club feet - we get to see him compete in a grueling 100-mile race across Colorado mountains; the list of interesting people goes on.

The director Liz Vassey deftly weaves their heartaches and triumphs with the wisdom of coaches, trainers, and researchers to help viewers see how they too can become healthier and happier. She reveals not only her love of running (for helping her deal with grief) but also her great respect for the people she profiles and her burning hope that others get off the couch to get moving at the speeds and distances that best suit them. She covers so much terrain, literally and figuratively, but kept me interested every step of the way.