Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner

For those of us who are runners, either for recreation, competition or a bit of both, it is difficult to explain the mystique to non-runners. In the case of mega-distance runner Dean Karnazes, it almost defies rationale. In this friendly, first-person narrative, Karnazes takes readers through some of his most grueling challenges and somehow manages to provide the "WHY" behind his extreme athleticism. It is both humbling and inspiring. If you're like me, the tough choice is: Do I keep reading, or put the book down and go out for a really long run???! Do both! Interesting and inspirational book for runners and non-runners of all fitness levels.

i read this book in one day after seeing a piece that 60 minutes did on him as well as Dean's female rival. The amazing thing about these two as well as many of the runners who compete in the badwater is that they are not young by any means. I think this is a real inspiration to those of us in our 40's who think that athletics is for the young. if any thing, I think the maturity of Dean and the others is one of their greatest strenghts in running these ultra-marathons. It not only takes enourmous athletic ability, but also incredible discipline to pace yourself and an unbelievable tolerance for pain. Dean's stories of stopping at the 7-11 store or ordering a pizza while running are hilarious and I did not find him to be sexist in anyway, especially since he was defeated by a woman twice in the badwater run. This is a truly inspiring story not only for athletes, but for people in general as Dean clearly displays that running these races is not all about body it's just as much, if not more, about having a strong mind and will. Something that people can apply in their everyday life. This really was one of the most inspirational and fulfilling books I've read in quite some time.

This book is an inspirational read if you like to run but wonder why you spend so much time doing it. The author describes enough of his life to set the stage for why he became an extreme running and he provides a inside look to why he does it. I think this is a great book for those of us trying to get in touch for our own reasons for running. When I turned the last page, I immediately got out my running gear and had one of my best runs in a while.

Wow! What a book. I was a little apprehensive about this book after reading the negative review by Kathryn Bertine, which I believe has been withdrawn, but I'm glad I let all the great reviews lead me in the right direction. I actually got a chance to meet Dean at a book signing and he is one of the nicest, most humble guys I've ever met. What I thought was so great about him was that his family was with him at the book signing. His daughter helped with the raffle drawing and his son handed out bookmarks. I'm not much of a family man, but I fully appreciate how Dean has involved his family with his love of running. After reading the book you will see that it's not a selfish act, but rather a lifestyle. His children, wife and parents seem to be having fun and isn't that one of the most important things about life? In regards to the book, I can't remember the last time I read such an honest story. I actually didn't put the book down and finished it in a night. It's a quick, but passionate read. Dean doesn't make himself out to be some great super athlete; what makes him so great his is undying passion, persistence and heart. Dean takes you on a journey through the Western States Race, to the Badwater Ultramarathon, to the first marathon held in Antarctica at the South Pole, and finally to the 199 mile relay race from Calistoga to the Santa Cruz beach - which Dean ran solo - continuing on to the Santa Cruz amusement park with his children after the race. To say Dean has endurance is an understatement. His uncanny ability to push through pain is clearly evident throughout the book. What makes this book so good is how real Dean is. It's only by placing one foot in front of the other and repeating this for 50, 100 or over 200 miles that Dean is able to complete his Herculean tasks. It's through these "Baby Steps" as he calls them, that he makes it from the starting line to the finish line. Dean said at the signing that he wasn't the fastest, just the one that's able to run the longest. Dean, as he puts it in his book, is truly a "casual drinker with a running problem." The wisdom that Dean passes on from his deep drowning moments of despair, he encounters in his races, are some of the best moments in the book. He truly discovers life and living in those desperate moments. This book will take you on a whirlwind of emotion; it'll make you hot, cold, sad and happy. It might even motivate you to get out there and run.