Description

Dean Karnazes has pushed his body and mind to inconceivable limits, from running in the shoe-melting heat of Death Valley to the lung-freezing cold of the South Pole. He’s raced and competed across the globe and once ran 50 marathons, in 50 states, in 50 consecutive days.

In A Runner’s High, Karnazes chronicles his return to the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run in his mid-fifties after first completing the race decades ago. The Western States, infamous for its rugged terrain and extreme temperatures, becomes the most demanding competition of his life, a physical and emotional reckoning and a battle to stay true to one’s purpose. Confronting his age, wearying body, career path and life choices, we see Karnazes as we never have before, raw and exposed. A Runner’s High is both an endorphin-fuelled page-turner and a love letter to the sport from one of its most celebrated ambassadors.

Publisher Review

A book that will inspire athletes of all stripes, whatever their aches and pains, to hit the ground running. * Kirkus Reviews * Runners are sure to be captivated by this account of an unconventional endurance athlete who tenaciously challenges physical and mental boundaries. * Booklist * Fans of extreme sports will consider this a must-read and appreciate the pithy motivational bits peppered throughout ... But the winning tone and message will lend this broader appeal to inspiration-seeking readers and those who appreciate accounts of the gruelling end of human endeavour. * Publishers Weekly * Dean Karnazes' writing wakes up the appetite to run long distances. In this book, Dean takes us on a lifelong journey of ultramarathons, through the ups and downs, the friendships and lonely moments, and the struggles and rewards of each race. Dean writes in a direct and intimate way that keeps us reading like he runs - without stopping. -- Kilian Jornet, world champion ultramarathoner Those of us who devoured Ultramarathon Man are in for a treat. In A Runner's High, Dean reveals his heart and bares his soul. Returning to the legendary Western States, he openly and candidly shares the highs and lows of his life and career choices as an ever-enduring long distance runner. You will see Dean as never before, and you will be captivated and drawn into this adventure right alongside him. -- Kara Goucher, two-time Olympian & silver medalist at the 2007 World Championships Full of euphoric highs...a journey into distance running that is much less about sweat than about the emotional terrain that unfolds at the frontier of endurance. * New York Times on ULTRAMARATHON MAN * [Karnazes'] spirited memoir...can help mere mortals who want to push past their perceived limits or simply jump-start their sedentary lives. * Chicago Tribune on ULTRAMARATHON MAN * An exhibition of unadulterated courage and mental and physical stamina [for] anyone who likes to read about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. * Boston Globe on ULTRAMARATHON MAN * Heart-stopping stuff. * The Economist on ULTRAMARATHON MAN * Dean Karnazes' latest book, A Runner's High, is an unfiltered look inside the world of endurance sports from the original Ultramarathon Man. Dean has lived many lifetimes during his storied career and he takes us on that journey with all the detail, honesty and introspection of a man that's lived in those shoes. The narrative is snappy and humorous and we get a behind the curtain look at what it takes to live a life of adventure and all that comes with it: the good, bad and ugly but also the beautiful and sublime when everything magically comes together and you achieve something truly mind-blowing. -- Michael Wardian, Guinness World Record Holder & 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents winner This metaphor- and imagery-filled romp through the ultramarathon of life is a must read...We need more books like this about running - the ones not simply about training and winning, but the ones that explore running as a way to get to our most human selves, and running for running's sake. -- Mirna Valerio, runner, speaker, author Dean's accomplishments, his stories, his tenacity, his advice and his wisdom shine through in A Runner's High and will inspire the reader to believe that anything is possible if you believe in yourself, have the courage and run with your heart. -- Dave McGillivray, Race Director Boston Marathon, Ironman and Trans-America runner I loved the vulnerability Dean exposes in his journey to show the reader that despite all the superhuman feats, he is human like the rest of us. His words have the ability to leave us wondering, what am I capable of? If you love stories about the power of the human spirit, this book is a classic. -- Tina Muir, Running For Real Founder and Professional Runner A Runner's High is a powerful narrative on life, running and finding meaning through perseverance. Every runner should read this book -- Jason Koop, bestselling author of TRAINING ESSENTIALS FOR ULTRARUNNING Dean Karnazes' writing is as inspiring as his amazing running accomplishments...After reading A Runner's High, I had to go out and run! -- Jeff Galloway, US Olympian & creator of the Galloway Method