The Extra Mile: One Woman's Personal Journey to Ultrarunning Greatness

After Dean Karnazes' self-promoting book which made me nauseous, I was really looking forward to Pam Reed's take on ultra-running. The elements on running were excellent, and inspiring. The parts about growing-up, anorexia, her failed marriage, etc. were not. This book should have edited the personal stuff, and focused more on the running. Not only was there too much about anorexia, I had this feeling that she has not truly conquered this problem. She also sounded very defensive in spots. Would have really benefited from a professional editor, but I do like the fact a book like this was published.

To be honest the title really turned me off. She clearly doesn't have a self-esteem problem. Even after reading this book I still feel this way. But give her credit. She's honest about it and tells why she feels this way. I think she would have sold a lot more books with a different title, but that's just my opinion. A review for a book like this is in some ways hard to write. You're supposed to be somewhat analytical when instead you feel emotional. I'm sad to be done reading this book. Over the few months I felt like I've gotten to know this person and now that's its over, I bummed. A comparison between this book and one by Dean Karnazes is interesting. Both authors are really great at what they do and both are extremely tough. But Pam has warts and frailties and she struggles with stupid ( human ) things. In that way I can much more readily identify with her much more than Dean.

I enjoyed this book immensely. It offered a great insight into how ultra marathon runners can run to extremes and what truly drives them. It also makes you aware of the sacrifices athletes do make in order to be at the top of their game. Pam has a witty personality and you feel that you really get to know her from reading this book.

I read the reviews before buying and was a little reluctant; however, I decided a while ago I wanted to read it. I bought it anyway. Pam writes on a very personal level and tells of things many people would never have the courage to reveal to others. I thought this was a great book and am so glad I bought it. Be your own judge and don't let other people decide whether or not you will like something or someone. You might miss out on a lot of good things and people if you let someone else make the choice. I would recommend Dean K's book as well rather than compare this book to it. They both are great reads and very motivational! Any book that makes you want to get outside and take to the street, trail, etc. is a plus.

I am male, novice Marathon/Ultra runner who is always looking for sources of inspiration for my training. This book is jam-packed full of not only inspiring stories, but many tricks of the Ultra world. I have read several ultra books, and they do not compare to Pam's information. She tells it like it is. It is a shame that many beat her down for her accomplishments. I could only dream of doing half or maybe a quarter of the things she does. Are there other ultra runners who have completed incredible feats? Yes, there are. I still do not understand why they do not share their stories. They say that it is because Ultra runners want the obscurity. If that is true, then they should take down their websites and Blogs. I say "Thank You Pam" for writing about your experiences. I would hope that many more would follow in her and other Ultra runners' footsteps and write more about their journey's to amazing achievements. You have my vote.