Ultramarathon Man
Confessions of an All-Night Runner
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4.5 • 266 Ratings
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- $13.99
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
In one of his most ambitious physical efforts to date, Dean Karnazes attempted to run 50 marathons, in 50 states, in 50 days to raise awareness of youth obesity and urge Americans of all fitness levels to "take that next step."
"UltraMarathon Man: 50 Marathons - 50 States - 50 Days", a Journeyfilm documentary, follows Dean’s incredible step-by-step journey across the country.
Ultrarunning legend Dean Karnazes has run 262 miles-the equivalent of ten marathons-without rest. He has run over mountains, across Death Valley, and to the South Pole-and is probably the first person to eat an entire pizza while running. With an insight, candor, and humor rarely seen in sports memoirs (and written without the aid of a ghostwriter or cowriter), Ultramarathon Man has inspired tens of thousands of people-nonrunners and runners alike-to push themselves beyond their comfort zones and be reminded of "what it feels like to be truly alive," says Sam Fussell, author of Muscle.
Ultramarathon Man answers the questions Karnazes is continually asked:
- Why do you do it?
- How do you do it?
- Are you insane?
And in the new paperback edition, Karnazes answers the two questions he was most asked on his book tour:
- What, exactly, do you eat?
- How do you train to stay in such good shape?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Many would see running a marathon as the pinnacle of their athletic career; thrill-seeker Karnazes didn't just run a marathon, he ran the first marathon held at the South Pole. The conditions were extreme "breathing the superchilled air directly could freeze your trachea" yet he craved more. Also on his r sum : completing the Western States 100-mile endurance run and the Badwater 135-mile ultramarathon through Death Valley (which he won), as well as a 199-mile relay race... with only himself on his team. This running memoir (written without a coauthor) paints the picture of an insanely dedicated some may say just plain insane athlete. In high school, Karnazes ran cross-country track, but when his favorite coach retired, he quit the sport. Fifteen years later, on his 30th birthday (in 1992), on the verge of an early midlife crisis, he threw on his old shoes and ran 30 miles on a whim. The invigorating feeling compelled him to pursue the world of ultramarathons (any run longer than 26.2 miles). "Never," Karnazes writes, "are my senses more engaged than when the pain sets in." Yet his masochism is a reader's pleasure, and Karnazes's book is intriguing. Casual runners will find inspiration in Karnazes's determination; nonathletes will have the evidence once and for all that runners are indeed a strange breed.
Customer Reviews
From the unreal to the really inspiring
Sitting in a meeting last week, this book was recommended because I just started running to add to a new healthy lifestyle. In 12/2009 I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and realized my sedentary and stress filled life was killing me. Now in 8/2010, i am approaching the 100lb mark in my weight loss, I turned to running to help push me through the wall and create a sustaining goal of being healthy.
Karno's story began as unreal and then really got unreal. I was gripped and inspired. More than a story of running, and perhaps why it was recommended, this is a story of dream fulfillment, gritty determination, focus, and accomplishment.
I dare you to read this and not want to work on whatever ultra-marathon you've been waiting to run in your life.
Beautifully written and such an inspiration!
This book is such an inspiration to all runners, short and long distances. I recently ran my 3rd half marathon and just kept telling myself "you do this because you love this. Take it all in". It was my happiest and most fulfilling race yet. I will take Dean's suggestions and idea with me forever
Interesting read
It’s an interesting read by someone who is clearly an exceptional person, but it is a bit “braggy” at times. I appreciate his story, what he went through, and what he has accomplished. I won’t say I felt inspired to go run 100 miles, but reading his journey is interesting nonetheless.