"It's not about natural ability or luck, it's about hard work and determination." In that one line from the last page, Ira pretty much sums up why running is such a great sport in that it is attainable to just about any human being.
This book is good, I mean SERIOUSLY good. Not because it is about some superhuman athlete, but because it is about the ordinary man. Not because it is a literary masterpiece, but because it manages to be inspirational, funny and poignant at almost every page.
Greatness is not measured by fame or the extraordinary, it is how the ordinary man or woman pushes their goals through hard work and determination. So, if you are a lapsed runner, a serious runner, a none runner who doesn't understand, an ultramarathon runner who totally understands, a 5km runner or Marathon runner, or any type of sports person, please be sure to buy this book as you will probably be one of the best books you ever read.
Despite believing he was bionic as a child, Ira Rainey was far from an elite athlete with superhuman running abilities like the ones he read about in books. He was in fact an overweight and unfit slacker who felt a bit sorry for himself because he had sore feet.
Sure he ran a bit, but he also sat around a lot and ate and drank too much. Why? Because he could, and because he was a delusional optimist who thought everything would always be just fine.
That was until a friend was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given months to live. It was an event that would push Ira to tackle his apathy towards life and take on the challenge of becoming an ultramarathon runner, pushing himself to go further than he had ever gone before.
Fat Man to Green Man is a warm and humorous account of one man’s quest to uncover his true super powers as he journeys from fat to fit and covering everything that came between the two.
It is a story of fields and friendships; mud and maps; but more importantly learning how to push yourself to achieve what you would never believe you could – and how to deal with the consequences.
It is a story of fields and friendships; mud and maps; but more importantly learning how to push yourself to achieve what you would never believe you could – and how to deal with the consequences.
Scott Jurek is an ultrarunning legend. Not only has he won Western States 100 seven times, but to do it he has run on torn ligaments and stepped on a rattlesnake (or maybe that was Badwater)and overcome countless other obstacles along the way. In any case, he's amazing, and many athletes think he is all the more amazing because he does all of this on a vegan diet. I admit to being intrigued about a vegan diet, and for anyone considering such a lifestyle change I found the book helpful. It's dotted with recipes, and I really like Scott's attitude--it's not holier-than-thou at all. He merely emphasizes that the three most common causes of death in the Western world are all diet and lifestyle related.
You wouldn't think someone who can run 165 miles at a stretch would be relatable, but he is! He's smart and funny and thoughtful and sometimes he seems like anyone else, if they happened to be running ridiculous distances. At one point during a race he's so miserable he starts looking for a sidewinder, figuring if he gets bit he can quit without guilt. I can totally relate to that! I have had similar thoughts--if I get eaten by this bear I won't have to climb this God-forsaken hill. I'm sure others have as well.
For nearly two decades, Scott Jurek has been a dominant force—and darling—in the grueling and growing sport of ultrarunning. Until recently he held the American 24-hour record and he was one of the elite runners profiled in the runaway bestseller Born to Run.
In Eat and Run, Jurek opens up about his life and career as a champion athlete with a plant-based diet and inspires runners at every level. From his Midwestern childhood hunting, fishing, and cooking for his meat-and-potatoes family to his slow transition to ultrarunning and veganism, Scott’s story shows the power of an iron will and blows apart the stereotypes of what athletes should eat to fuel optimal performance. Full of stories of competition as well as science and practical advice—including his own recipes—Eat and Run will motivate readers and expand their food horizons.
Today an athlete question about running in the rain. It reminds me of what to say when a non runner asks: "What happens if it starts raining while you are out running?" You answer: "I'll get wet." This time it is a question about heading out on a run in the rain. When is it a good idea to wear full waterproof gear. This video answers that question from my perspective.
Rather than a single runner's detailed review of the Badwater Ultra this is an awesome compilation of the thoughts and experiences of many of the event's participants and even the added input from some crew members. I began the book vaguely aware of the Badwater Ultra. Halfway through I was ready to join a crew. By the time I finished this book I was thinking... "I wonder if..."
Then I went outside and ran (no, suffered) 10 miles in 85 degree heat and thought "FIFTY more degrees?! That is INSANE!!!"
If you are a runner you WILL love this book. If you are not a runner this book will take you inside the minds of some of the sport's most accomplished members. Whatever the case you will finish this book with a smile on your face and a brighter outlook on life because you'll know that human beings (including yourself) are capable of much more than we give ourselves credit for.
The Badwater Ultra-marathon is commonly referred to as the toughest footrace on the planet. In 2003, defending champion Pam Reed, Dean Karnazes and 71 other runners took the ultimate challenge of running 135 miles in California from Badwater to the portals of Mount Whitney. Their journey would take them through the hostile environment of Death Valley and subject them to temperatures ranking among the highest ever recorded on earth. Twenty-five runners tell of their adventures in arguably the absolute toughest of the roughest footrace on the plane - the good, the bad and yes, the ugly - in this incredible and fascinating compilation. You are certain to gain a respect for the runners you will meet and perhaps an even greater respect for the area known as Death Valley. The runners who experienced heat exhaustion, dehydration, nausea, blisters, hallucinations, and fatigue during the race - competed in temperatures literally a few degrees from hell.
Today's athlete question is about being prepared for sudden weather changes while you are out on a long run. In this video I explain what I do to ensure that my arms don't get cold if the weather changes on me. My legs will stay warm if I keep on running - but my arms are another matter...
Today's athlete question is whether it is possible for an ultra runner to build lean muscle? The path to lean muscle is not only paved in gymnasiums, animal protein and steroids. This video explains my opinions on the matter.
Today's athlete question is about feeling bloated at bed time and waking up looking lean in the morning. What causes this? Is it bloating? Is it a food intolerance? What to do? This video gives my opinion about all of that.
Today's athlete question deals with getting a massage prior to running an ultramarathon. In my reply I give the reasons why I do NOT have a massage during race week prior to running an ultra.
