Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner

Like the massive amount of calories needed for a 100 mile endurance run, I devoured this book in two sittings. I would have read it start to finish the day I got it, had I not had to go to work. Yes, it is that good. Yes, it is that inspirational. Yes, Dean is a machine. Yes, Dean will enlighten you about how if you get off the couch and actually follow your dreams and commit to a certain level of resolve that you too can complete any task ahead of you! This book is an absolute breeze to read and the pages fly by almost too quickly. You feel yourself being drawn out onto the trail or road with each paragraph. This book makes you want to run. If you are already a runner, this book makes you want to run more. Why? Because as runners we all have something to prove...to OURSELVES! We can do it! We can go over the next hill. We can run all night if we have the drive and desire to do so. We can do all these things, and with Dean's inspiration, we will all find ourselves accomplishing more than we ever thought possible. Now, that being said, the haters are still going to hate. Who wouldn't want a $100,000 a year job? Who wouldn't want the media attention? Who wouldn't want the accolades? Here is the thing, if you want all those things, you CAN have all those things. Just get out there and do something unique and original. Push yourself to the limit. Don't hate on Dean because he did what so many people thought was impossible or AFRAID to try. Most people fail because they are not willing to make the hard sacrifices. Do you think what Dean accomplished (and continues to accomplish) was done without sacrifice? Hell no. The thing is, Dean does not dwell on those things in this book. Rather, he admits that he has sacrificed some things for his greater, more important (to him) personal goals. Those are his priorities. Don't hate because they are not your priorities. If you are going to be above average as a runner, you have to make sacrifices. If you are a runner, you know that there are times that you go for a run before doing ANYTHING else. Why? Because in the end, everyone follows their own path. What you think you are sacrificing for OTHER PEOPLE for delaying YOUR dreams will likely mean nothing when you are six feet under. Live your life for the now. If others do not understand that, or think they are more important, then maybe they need to re-prioritize their own dreams. I am not saying to be selfish, but I am suggesting that it is often the glares, words, and opinions of others that cause many to stray from their own personal goals. If this book teaches you anything, it will teach you how, with the right attitude and scheduling, you can have BOTH...if you are willing to make the commitment to your dream. If you are a runner and you do not read this book, you have truly missed a wonderful experience. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

I had a great time reading this book and didn't want it to end. I was looking for a little inspiration, as I am a newer runner. There are days I still struggle to get past 2 miles and was hoping Dean would have some secrets for me. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself laughing out loud at times, as well as tearing up. There were parts I found so astonishing, I had to read them out loud to my husband. It was exhilarating to go on multiple journeys with this seemingly non-stop runner. I have read most of the reviews to see what others had to say. I wish if other ultramarathoners had something to contribute, they would write their own books as well. There weren't many books on running to choose from that looked interesting to me. I am glad this one caught my attention. Some reviews said the author didn't mention past runners of fame, or notable runners at current events. Maybe he could have, but I don't think the book ever claimed it was going to be about anything BUT him! It never occurred to me while I was reading this book that he was being conceited or focusing too much on himself. I was in awe! I am in awe of ALL of the ultramarathoners out there. And truthfully, I didn't spend much time looking at the pictures included except to note the surroundings, or the physical condition being shown. I didn't see this as being vein. I should also mention at this point that I was reading the Kindle edition of the book, and the tampon (/Gaylord?) incident that offended many was not included (that I know of). Interesting. I didn't find the secrets that I was looking for to help me run longer distances, although I believe the author honestly tries to explain his abilities. I think it all comes down to putting your mind and your heart into it - the same as facing most obstacles in front of you. That, and he IS a little crazy.

This is not the best book I've ever read, but it's a fast read and the book can be had for cheap. It is, I admit, the only book I've ever read in 24 hours or less. Some of the reviews here are too hard. Is he cocky? Yes, a bit. I detest cockiness, generally, so it was not so much that I couldn't tolerate it. And frankly I do like people who realize what they are. He did have a few over-the-top comments, like how he's "chizzled", but then again, HE IS chizzled. He IS cut like a prize fighter. Euphemisms are annoying, so he cuts to the chsae. One reviewer here said that Dean didn't balance family. That reviewer did not read the book. Dean said he's missed ONE baseball (I think it was baseball) game for his son ever. His family is engaged with this because they seem to like to do it. He does balance work, family, job. That's the key thing I got from this book. Some are too hard because I suspect there are not many ultramarathon books out there and people are upset that this one, one of the more popular, doesn't do everything to present the sport. I guess I'd say run 200 miles and then you can write your own book. The book is not boring, but it's short. I suppose there's only so much excitement one can build into an endurance event against oneself; only so many times the discomfort can be described. For the record I'm a runner, but not an ultramarathoner. I'm training for a marathon and having read this book it all feels so much easier now. 26.2 miles is nothing, right? :) I will agree with others that it would have been nice to learn more about the sport and its contenders instead of just dean. I think I may buy another book on this. I'm rather intrigued with it all but you'll hear few names in this book besides Karno.

Most of this is compellingly written - by someone with compulsive tendencies who went over the edge. He has a good sense of humor, yet portrays something that is either delusional, or tongue-in-cheek, or both. I'd love to read a sequel, to find out what this feat did for, OR TO him.

I have bought this book several times throughout the years and have reread it multiple times, because each time it allows me to refocus on pushing myself in all aspects of my life. It’s the most inspirational and motivational book I have ever read and you can be a non runner and enjoy it as well. It’s a super easy read and I just recently let a girl at work borrow it and she brought it back 2 days later and was astounded at what was possible when you push yourself and she really loved it when she didn’t think she would. Haha, I told her it was awesome! I have run a couple of full marathons previously, (don’t anymore, I trail run and do weight training now.) The impact of the concrete will get to you. I also was an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician in the Army for 10 years with several hundred IED’s rendered safe under my belt and his ability to focus and push on allowed me to do the same during deployments. Pushing myself both mentally and physically under tremendous amounts of pressure and stress, not to mention death at any moment. It was very relatable and encouraging to read at that time in my life.

I read Dean's books backwards starting with his latest 26.2, and then picked up Ultra Marathon Man. Dean has become a media sensation in recent years. I first read about him in Runner's World a few years ago when he decided to run 1 marathon in each state over a 7 week period and thought- how can anyone run that much??? Recently I heard he was running from California to NYC, clocking 50+ miles per day along the way. I was intrigued by this incredible determination and will for adventure and started reading his books... Ultra Marathon Man is a GREAT read. Although I'm a runner, I can not even fathom the distances and races that Dean puts his body and mind through on a daily basis. But it sure is fun to read about his journey from corporate executive to becoming the 'Ultra Marathon Man'. This book details his early running life in high school, the major running gap after encountering a negative track coach, the path he took on his 30th birthday to return to his passion for running, and ultimately his first endurance events. Dean talks of running with his feet, his head, and his heart and the story is a compelling one that will be enjoyable and inspiring whether the reader is a runner or not.

I hate running. Or at least I used to. And it had been a long time since I've run more than a few steps. The most I have ever run in my life was 3 miles. And that was when I participated in a 3k race. After reading a 1/3 of the book, around 11pm, I just went out and ran 4 miles. Two days later, after reading another 1/3 of the book, I went outside and ran 6 miles. Two days later, after finished the book, I went outside, and like Forest Gump, I ran 12 miles. At times, I had to walk, and there were a few times when I felt like I was crawling. The quote from the book, "When you can't run, walk. When you can't walk, crawl" continued to echo in my mind. The narration is very engaging and I enjoyed reading it. After this book, I read Born to Run by Chris McDougall. And while I did enjoy that book as well, Chris does take a few shots at Dean Karnazes. And so does Scott Jurek. There seems to be some resentment within the ultra community re: the amount of publicity and recognition that Dean has been receiving. I'm not aware of all that but all I know is that this book in itself, has inspired me to run again and that's all that matters.

Having been in the fitness game for all my adult life, I was immediately drawn to Ultramarathon Man when I first heard about it's release. My fitness routine consists mostly of weight training with some running thrown in as a pefunctory cardio element, but after reading Dean's book, I got on an instant running kick. Dean brings the almost-secret underground world of ultramarathoning to the public where we get a first-hand account of Dean's transformation from a former high school cross-country jock to an accomplished ultramarathoner. This sport has been in existence for decades but I never heard of it until now. I never realized distances of 50, 100, and 200+ miles were even possible for a human....but Dean has ran them. The author, having not run in years since high school, takes you through that fateful night when he puts on his old, grass-stained sneakers now relegated for lawn mowing, heads out on the fly for a 30 mile run in the middle of the night. The langauage is matter of fact, and Dean comes across as a very likeable guy. The book unfolds as Dean tells his story of running ever-increasing distances culminating in his participation at the Western States 100. By the end of the book, you want to head out the door for a long run. Dean hits a tack with a sledgehammer when he recalls his old gym teacher's advice that "running is supposed to hurt." Once you come to that realization and cast away all other pretenses, running is a piece of cake. Although Dean has never won any big name races like the Western States 100 or has the credentials of a ranked ultramarathoner like Scott Jurak, he has become the new poster-boy for the sport. There are some who don't like Karnazes' popularity for just that very reason. The number of ultramarathon race entrants has jumped dramatically since Dean has arrived on the scene, bringing the quiet, obscure sport out of it's underground lair and into the public eye. But, I guess that's what happens when you write a good book.

Awesome book a must read for any runner

Livro excelente. Dean Karnazes é uma inspiração e conta muito bem sua jornada até se tornar ultramaratonista. E algumas aventuras que já fez, correndo.

In questo libro si parla poco di tecnica di corsa e tanto di cuore, sacrifici e dolore ! Mentre lo leggevo la voglia di correre mi è salita di n volte, Dean è un matto ... ma matto di quella follia Bella e che ti emoziona ! Consiglio a tutti, anche ai non corridori !

Dean Karnazez has a story to tell and he's great with the written word. His humor comes through as well as the pain and suffering he experiences. A great read that that I didn't want to put down.

Mal ehrlich, wer tut sich sowas an? Es ist schon klasse, wenn man die Motivation von so einem Menschen zu verstehen beginnt, auch wenn man sich das nie selbst antuen würde. Sollte sich jeder mal durchlesen, der das Laufen vor allem auch als Lauf zu sich selbst sieht und seine persönlichen Grenzen (die auch deutlich niedriger liegen dürfen) ausloten will. Tolles Buch! Ich habe das Buch Ende 2008 gelesen und bin dann unverhoffterweise mit Familie beruflich nach Marin County gezogen, so daß ich viele Spots aus dem Buch auch live gesehen habe (insbesondere das Great Western....).