Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner

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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

One of the best sports books

I usually do not read sports books, and to be honest, when I do it's because I'm looking for some motivation. This book definitely delivers on that. With each page that I read, I wanted to go out for a run (unfortunately, I'm nowhere near the conditioning of Dean). Beyond that, it opened up a world of running that I did not know even existed. The events that he competed in were just amazing. But what held it all together was the way that the book was written. With each page, I felt as if I was there, watching all of the events unfold. A definite winner.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Get Up and Move.....

This book was recommended to me by a friend that has been into running for several years. I figured that it would be a dissertation on why I need to run. What it ended up being was a book that inspired me to run despite the fact that I haven't in run in many years. The book is very much in line with Lance Armstrong's "It's Not About the Bike." It makes you see how hard work can pay off, not in victories, but in personal triumph. I would recommened this book to runner's and non-runners alike. It is as entertaining as anything that I have read in a long time.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Wonderful Book

I picked it up and read it straight through. A peak into the mentality of an ultra-distance runner. Inspiring in a genuine, not a rah-rah manner. Simple prose, touching and funny, self-deprecating and yet wise. It deals, of course, with running but also touches on the theme of excellence and achievement for their own sake.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Amazing Book- All Athletes Must Read!!

Dean Karnazes, writer of this autobiography isn¿t your average ultra-marathoner, he is probably one of the most extraordinary athletes out there. All he thinks about is pushing his limits. His thirst for more challenges is never slowed. He has completed the Western States (100 mile race through the mountains in California) multiple times, finished the Badwater run, he even ran the first marathon to the South Pole, and let us not forget the 199 mile relay which he completed by himself. He finds a true connection with running and it isn¿t just a hobby to him, it¿s a passion. Karnazes puts the runner¿s perspective into the non-runner¿s view and changes the way people think of ¿that runner running by outside the window¿ simply by telling of his difficult mental battles and of his amazing experiences that he has seen and heard while running. This inspiring biography is more about him having the guts to push himself both physically and mentally and it makes you want to do the same. It is a must read for all serious athletes who know they are capable of doing more than they think they can.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

What an inspiring story

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Great read for runners

I was lucky to get to run a few miles of a race with Dean and he told great stories during it. The book is written where I can hear his voice telling more stories. If you enjoy distance running, this is a great read of stories including how he got started. I wouldn't reccomend doing his first run when he returned, most would have gotten injured!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

True inspiration for all runners

I read this book and it brought tears to my eyes. To FEEL what Dean was saying during some "dark moments" in his head comforts me as a runner. We've all had moments that the last wall we push is always our greatest one, yet... Go back to basics and don't make it complicated, "just put one foot in front of the other until you finish"... I love this book so much, as soon as I finished.. I threw on my shoes and went for a quick run myself in homage to Dean :o)

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Motivating!

I could not put this book down. There was a lot of common ground I found with the author. It's excellent depiction of a little-known (and growing) underground sport of extreme endurance athletes. These ultra-marathoners (runners who race in excess of the 26.1 popular races) come from all walks of life and each have their own reasons for doing what they do. These are everyday people, doing everyday jobs in society but share one thing in common; the mental ability to push themselves beyond what they thought they were capable of. This book demonstrates a true no-quit attitude that inspired me to take to the road for my first 30 mile race. Not only do I recommend this for motivational purposes or just a good read, but there are numerous how-to's included to help you prepare for your own running aspirations. 5 stars!

inspires you and your sport.

If your looking for inspiration and human achievements for any sport, read this book.

Extremely motivational, excellent inspiration!

Dean does an excellent job of keeping the reader engaged. If you are planning any long distance event, in any sport, this is a great compliment to your preparation. Crazy or not, if this man can endure this much, any task we do should seem effortless in comparison.

very inspirational

Love this book! it was recommended to me and I thought 'I'm not a runner, but what the hell.' I loved it, It usually take me a long time to finish a book because I get bored very easy, and find something better to watch on tv. I finished this book in 3 days, (could have been sooner If I had more time in my busy life). I find it very motivational and inspiring for someone to push themselves as far as their mind and body will let them. I found myself saying 'one foot in front of the other' a few days ago and it helped me along my path when I wanted to give in. Read This.

Much more than a book about running - it's about life!

This is the 1st book I've read, and I read several/year, where I have been compelled to write a review. Karno does a fantastic job in answering the age-old question, 'What's the meaning of life' . . . people - your family, your friends, and your community. Dean's endurance running, and the lessons learned along the way, are a must read for runners, non-runners, and coach potatoes (although it's doubtful you'll stay a coach potato after reading this book).

Great motivational book

I'm not much of a reader, but i finished this bad boy in 2 days. I'm an avid runner myself and am continually pushing myself, and this book feeds the fire. If you aspire to cover long distances, read this and it will help you attain your goals. It is a great story and the personal accounts of pain are excellent for runners so that they can somewhat prepare themselves for the long races as well. READ THIS BOOK

One foot in front of the other

This book changed my life. I had the pleasure of meeting Dan during a book signing in Miami. It was fun meeting and hearing him talk but, I wish I had read the book before that day. The story is not about training and yet, I found it to be so captivating that its driven me to have a whole new perspective on what I now know had been self-imposed obstacles. Three miles was the longest I had ever run before the book. I am now registered to do a Half-Marathon in January, and a Half-Ironman triahtlon in October. How? simply by putting one foot in front of the other. Read this book or give it to someone you want inspired to do something they never thought they could. No matter what it is.

Inspiration at a new level

Words cannot explain how touched and inspired I was after reading this book. I had the great pleasure of meeting Dean at the NYC marathon and after speaking with him personally I bought his book and started reading it the following day. He truly is an amazing man and I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. The inspriation it brought me uplifted my spirits til this day!

Wow!

This book was a fun and fast read. I never knew about this type of endurance running or ever heard of the crazy races that the author participated in. The book was almost breathlessly written, and covered many interesting aspects of an extreme athlete's mind set. One tiny thing that *bothered* me about this otherwise great book, was that the author tried to project a humble as apple pie image. He claims that he never wanted to tell people about his amazing feats of strength and endurance, be it at parties or at his workplace--- yet--- this is what the whole book is about! That's it for negatives, but the book is hard to put down, addictive, and inspiring, even for non athletes.

Ultra Compelling

Ultramarathon Man is a fun page turner that goes a long way toward explaining the growing popularity of ultra distance competitions. After reading about the author's startling personal transformation from suburban office park dad to the top ultra runner in the world, I began to understand the attractiveness of the ultra as a reaction to today's culture of stifling corporate jobs and fast food gluttonry.

Born Again Runner

The book is an amazing inspirational story that made me a born again runner. The authors story is so amazing that I was able to get the courage up to go run a half-marathon with only a weeks training. He describes in great detail how he was tested both physically and spritually and how he got to where he is today. This takes the fantasy out of super heros and turns them into real people.

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