5th out of 68 books
—
101 voters
Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner
As an athlete, ultrarunning legend (Men's Journal) Dean Karnazes has run 350 miles without rest and is probably the first person to eat an entire pizza while running. As an author, he has inspired countless couch potatoes to get off the couch, cancel the cable, and start running. In September, Karnazes embarks on his most monumental feat ever, The North Face Endurance 50. ...more
Paperback, 304 pages
Published
March 2nd 2006
by Tarcher
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Sam
rated it
Recommends it for:
everyone who thinks 26.2 miles is out of range
Recommended to Sam by:
Gil Bradshaw
Shelves:
no-thought-required
The closest I will ever get to an ultramarathon is reading this book. To better simulate the all night running experience described in this book I thought I would try a sort of ultramarathon reading style. So in the tradition of Dean Karnazes here are the confessions of an all night reader.
After a night at the local pool learned flip-turns from Anne we returned home to put the girls to bed. Instead of Scrabble or episodes of the West Wing (which are our surefire date-defaults) we ...more
After a night at the local pool learned flip-turns from Anne we returned home to put the girls to bed. Instead of Scrabble or episodes of the West Wing (which are our surefire date-defaults) we ...more
Ah, people hate Dean Karnazes... but ask yourself this: would you know who Scott Jurek was if you had never read Dean Karnazes? I wouldn't.
Dean's book sometimes sounds like he's spinning a yarn. It's pretty unbelievable at points. On the other hand, he does some unbelievable things. And he does most of what he does for charity.
In general, it's a very good read. It made me feel like going out running. And indirectly, I trained for and signed up for my first ultramar...more
Dean's book sometimes sounds like he's spinning a yarn. It's pretty unbelievable at points. On the other hand, he does some unbelievable things. And he does most of what he does for charity.
In general, it's a very good read. It made me feel like going out running. And indirectly, I trained for and signed up for my first ultramar...more
Ug. Ego-stroking pap. The description of the Western States race is awesome, but sadly you have to read about him describing himself (hint: the word "ripped" is used 3 times) to get there. And then deal with the last 100 pages, all about a self-indulgent trip to the South Pole (look at me! I'm rich!).
About halfway through it becomes an ego-fest. Karnazes may be an ultradistance runner, but he's not the best and should stop acting that way. He's marketed himself as the posterboy for ultraendurance running and it starts to get weary in the book.
An amazing story. I nice quick read that leaves you in awe of Dean's abilities.
I recently picked up running as a way to get in shape, and it's become a bit of a hobby. I thought I would enjoy Karnazes's book both because I appreciate people who push themselves to the limit and because, as a PhD student, I know what it's like to be entirely devoted to a dream. I was hoping to feel inspired and to meet a kindred spirit.
Not happening. Dean Karnazes is so into himself that it's difficult to get a glimpse of ultrarunning through him. His descriptions of his physical f...more
Not happening. Dean Karnazes is so into himself that it's difficult to get a glimpse of ultrarunning through him. His descriptions of his physical f...more
I first became aware of Dean Karnazes a few years ago shortly after moving back to New York. That was when he came into the spotlight for a lot of people, shortly after he won the Badwater Ultramarathon. In my small running circle, I spread word of his infamy, of the man who ordered pizza for delivery on his all night runs. How he would run a hundred miles just to get to the start of a marathon. How he ran a 200 mile relay race--by himself. Most of what I knew of him came from short article...more
I really enjoyed this book. 36 weeks pregnant and I am ready to get up and run...maybe in two months or so, but I am inspired. I don't think I will ever become and ultramarathon runner, or even a marathon runner for that matter, but in a word with endless possibilities I am inspired to never be content with mediocrity. Like Robin William says in Dead Poets Society "Make your lives extraordinary."
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:
"To call runnin...more
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:
"To call runnin...more
I received this book as a gift from a friend. Having completed my first marathon just a little over a month ago, the timing of the gift was very appropriate. But unlike many people, who run a marathon, hang up their medal and call it quits afterward, I am planning on adding many more miles to my running shoes. Dean Karnazes’ Ultramarathon Man was therefore the perfect inspiration to continue the hobby.
Although I must admit, reading this book was akin to a newly recruited soldier rea...more
Although I must admit, reading this book was akin to a newly recruited soldier rea...more
I did not expect Ultramarathon Man to be a tearjerker, but it was. I did not expect to laugh out loud, but I did. If someone had told me I would read this book while sitting on the edge of my seat, I would have told them to Shut Up, but, guess what, I read most of this book whilst sitting on the edge of my seat. In short, this was the most entertaining book I read in 2010.
In case you are wondering, this book is about Dean Karnazes. I read about him a couple years ago in 50/50. He'...more
In case you are wondering, this book is about Dean Karnazes. I read about him a couple years ago in 50/50. He'...more
I'm in the mood for running books and this one had been recommended to me a while back. There's no doubt about it Dean Karnazes is one amazing endurance athlete, clearly physically gifted, but mentally so tough & determined. I can see why he is an inspirational character - what he wills himself to do is amazing. Despite that I didn't love the book. It's a little too "me, me, me" (although I was told to expect it) and the writing is not great although it's easy to get through (I subsequ...more
A friend gave me this book after I had loaned him "Born to Run" a great read that includes Dean Karnazes as part of the adventure that unfolds with a running tribe from Mexico. During the few days I read this book I also rented the documentary about Dean running 50 marathons, in 50 states, over 50 consecutive days. A great companion piece, plus you get to see him in action. The guy is a monster and an inspiration. "Ultramarathon Man" is deeper dive into Karnaze's feats ...more
I run marathons; no big deal. I'm contemplating a 50K next year, maybe a 50-miler. But this guy? This guy is nuts.
Dean Karnazes toots his own horn a bit, and that does become a little wearisome. The challenges he chooses for himself are sometimes a little contrived. But one has to admire him for pursuing his obsession, and especially for not letting that obsession conflict with the priorities of his family.
And the obsession is fascinating. I'm not interested in the ...more
Dean Karnazes toots his own horn a bit, and that does become a little wearisome. The challenges he chooses for himself are sometimes a little contrived. But one has to admire him for pursuing his obsession, and especially for not letting that obsession conflict with the priorities of his family.
And the obsession is fascinating. I'm not interested in the ...more
A quick (one to two days max), fairly interesting read. Karnazes' prose is elementary, but hey, the guy is a runner and a business man, not a Pulitzer winner. Despite this, the book jaunts along at a steady clip (harday har har) and provides some interesting moments along the way. Besides the ins and outs of several of his running adventures, the thing that I most enjoyed from this book was the perspective it can offer in my own life. "Inspiration" is too heavy (and cheesy)a word, ...more
Entertaining, sometimes inspiring, and a quick-read. I read this at a good time; my running habit had dropped to a meager once-a-week, half-hearted traipsing over the last two months. Fortunately, I'm signed up for a 50K in 5 or 6 weeks, and I knew I needed some help to get back in training mode. Karnazes' book helped me reach the necessary state of mind.
Despite the inspiration, I did find myself mumbling things like "yeah right" or "bull shit" several times. Whil...more
Despite the inspiration, I did find myself mumbling things like "yeah right" or "bull shit" several times. Whil...more
Wow! What more can be said about what unbelievable feats a human body can accomplish. Though I am by no means anything more than a simple recreational runner, I found Karnazes' personal challenges to be way beyond my comprehension. I understand somewhat of hitting a wall after a few miles, but cannot fathom continuing on for another one hundred when every inch of my body is begging to give up and in excruciating pain. This book is overflowing with tests of amazing endurance, without the typic...more
This was just a crazy fun book to read. Karnazes is seriously demented but I think he knows it, which is why it was so much fun. Also, as a distance runner - but not an insane one like Karnazes - I found it totally inspiring. It's too bad I'm currently nursing a running injury because it made me want to go and pound out a 10-miler the second I put it down.
I think what I liked best about the book was how self-deprecating Karnazes is about himself. He knows he's pretty much insane, he ...more
I think what I liked best about the book was how self-deprecating Karnazes is about himself. He knows he's pretty much insane, he ...more
"I loved this book, I especially loved the ""virile"" quotes at the open of each chapter. Van Helen...Running with the devil through Death Valley to MT.Whitney in 120 degrees, hell yes or something comparative. Ultramarathons that exceed 50 miles are for the few and far in between, I don't know what pushed
Mr. Karnazes, but he carried on every time! The ability is outstanding, saving lives and doing what he loves. I don't want to join reigns with him, but I'd be pa...more
Mr. Karnazes, but he carried on every time! The ability is outstanding, saving lives and doing what he loves. I don't want to join reigns with him, but I'd be pa...more
If you're looking for an excellent book on ultra-distance running, check out Born to Run. After that, if you're still jonesin' for more, read this one. Dean Karnazes is a pretty tough dude. He got serious about long distance running on his 30th birthday, and now considers a non-stop 100 mile race a warm-up. This book includes his adventures competing in some of the hardest core endurance races around. He takes on a 100 miler through Death Valley in 130* temps, an Antarctic marathon to the S...more
A very easy read. I was done with the book within a week. This book tells about Dean Karnazes' journey as the Ultramarathon Man - a tale of a maniacal runner whose enjoyment comes from self-torture. His physical feats are amazing and after reading the book, you feel like such a bum lying down reading while he's writing about running 100+ miles within or just over 24 hours. A must read for all runners pursuing their long distance goals of a marathon and beyond.
However, I must admit t...more
However, I must admit t...more
Dean Karnazes is an inspiration and proves that all of us can do far more than we can imagine, especially when it comes to physical exertion/stamina. Completing the Western 100, finishing the first marathon to the South Pole, running across Death Valley in a 135-mile race, even his remarkable 199-mile run to Santa Cruz to prove to himself that it could be done . . . these are commendable. But perhaps the thing that found most remarkable is that Dean holds down a regular job, has a regular fami...more
I read the reviews on Goodreads, and noticed a lot of people talking about Dean Karnazas' ego portrayed in this book. I sensed that in parts of the book, but only AFTER I read the parts that were very unique and powerful. He talks a lot about the pain he pushed through as he got back into running, and into ultra marathons. I think if he portrays himself to be "the best", it is only because he is proud of his endurance, and proud to be a source of inspiration for others. If you are a ru...more
This is probably the craziest thing I've ever read. Every time I thought I was starting to understand the urge to run, say, 100 miles at a stretch (the challenge, the joy of pushing yourself to the limit and seeing that you can accomplish more than you ever imagined, etc.), I'd be caught up short by some story about running until you're hallucinating or your sneakers melt off or your kidneys fail or you're temporarily paralyzed and you start vomiting uncontrollably all over your car. WHAT. Th...more
I admire Dean for pursuing his passion, figuring out how to make it part of his daily life while balancing work and family, and running for meaningful causes. Dean tells his story in a very conversational way, and makes his extreme accomplishments relatable. My weekly mileage is what he does in a typical training day, yet I saw some of myself in him. He's transparent in sharing his inner-most thoughts - his joys, fears, self-doubt - and the commitment it takes to even attempt to do what he do...more
I’m a runner, so I think I get what motivates someone to train for a marathon. However, running an ultra seems crazy. I wanted to know, how someone goes from being “normal” to even contemplating an Ultra. The book answers that question and gives insight into the mind of an elite athlete.
I enjoyed the book. It left me wanting more. A few reviewers fault the author, saying that he #1. is a shameless self-promoter, and #2. is arrogant. Both are true, but neither is necessarily “...more
I enjoyed the book. It left me wanting more. A few reviewers fault the author, saying that he #1. is a shameless self-promoter, and #2. is arrogant. Both are true, but neither is necessarily “...more
I really enjoyed this book! The author is well known in the running community because he is a complete nutter when it comes to the sport. He runs every single day, usually between 15 and 20 miles early in the morning, and he is passionate about introducing health and fitness to the masses, even if it means running hundreds of marathons and ultra marathons to raise awareness.
For anyone who doesn't know, an ultramarathon is any race that goes beyond the traditional 26.2 mile marathon ...more
For anyone who doesn't know, an ultramarathon is any race that goes beyond the traditional 26.2 mile marathon ...more
This is a memoir/autobiography (shortened) of Dean Karnazes. I was impressed to read about how Dean returned to running after 15+ years of abstinence, then the book takes off. As Dean writes about his daily runs getting longer and longer, until finally he is running in Ultra races including a 200 miler all by himself- straight!- the book pages turn faster and faster. I was most impressed to learn about his diet while he is running, eating something like 20,000-30,000 calories on a single run. Th...more
When my hubby suggested reading this book I would never have thought I would not be able to put this book down. This book was made it very difficult for me to put down when. I read this in a space of 2 days. The only reason it took that long was because I had to take care of my family. I felt inspired, uplifted and had an awaking of sorts on Sunday that all started after reading this book. The pain that Dean goes through as he is running all day showed me that we do have the strength with in to...more
I suppose I'm easy to please compared to all the other raters. I enjoy running and recently ran my first marathon. I've read Born to Run and now Dean's book. It was an easy and extremely inspiring read. The book was about him and his experiences, so of course it was all about HIM! It's good to know that difficult running endeavors require unusual running practices, such as running all night, miles and miles on end. I won't feel so abnormal if I decide to get out and do it! If anything, it...more
Brief account of Dean's running life from childhood and high school to a reawakening on his 30th birthday. Describes the pain, torture, and ultimate rewards of running extreme distances on extreme terrain including the South Pole. Almost incomprehensively, he runs for days and nights at a time, yet still holds down an office career and has time for a family. While it was fun to read about the details of various races, it was thin to absent on details about the rest of his life. I would've be...more
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| Inspiring | 1 | 17 | Oct 07, 2008 12:26pm |
Dean Karnazes (b. Constantine Karnazes) is an American ultramarathon runner and author.
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“Struggling and suffering are the essence of a life worth living. If you're not pushing yourself beyond the comfort zone, if you're not demanding more from yourself - expanding and learning as you go - you're choosing a numb existence. You're denying yourself an extraordinary trip.”
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45 people liked it
“I run because if I didn’t, I’d be sluggish and glum and spend too much time on the couch. I run to breathe the fresh air. I run to explore. I run to escape the ordinary. I run…to savor the trip along the way. Life becomes a little more vibrant, a little more intense. I like that.”
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27 people liked it
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