5.0 out of 5 based on 2 reviews. – Customer review on 19/01/2007

I have had to order my second copy of this amazing story. the first copy i brought has worn out.

5.0 out of 5 based on 2 reviews. – Customer review on 27/01/2006

Some people deal with mid-life crises by getting a haircut, buying a sports car or having an affair. When extra-ultra-long-distance runner Dean Karnazes turned 30, he flirted with the latter option but eventually opted for a 30-mile run in the dead of night. As you do. Despite having done no training at all for his spontaneous longer-than-a-marathon jaunt, Karnazes found the run just what the doctor ordered, and launched into a series of progressively longer events, seemingly to put himself through as much pain as possible.

It’s rumoured that the ‘Ultramarathon Man’ has run further than any other human being, and most won’t be threatening his ‘longest run’ record of 263 miles (10 non-stop marathons) any time soon. He also happens to work full-time. Some of his stories go beyond inspiring, to the ‘that’s just ridiculous’ category and it’s all quite gripping even for those not big on running.

Karnazes has an accessible, appealing writing style that could be enjoyed by anyone from about 12 up, with plenty of humourous anecdotes. In a sense this is to his credit, but the book left me a bit undernourished at the end – rather as if I hadn’t consumed the 28,000 calories necessary to run The Relay (these calories are itemised in detail at the end of the book). Karnazes’ achievements are fascinating in themselves, but it might be nice to know a bit more about the human side of achieving such superhuman feats. That’s a small flaw in an otherwise engrossing account.

Warning – this book may inspire you to run. Probably not quite 200 miles, which is 321 kilometres – roughly the distance between Hamilton and Wanganui, you know – but you may still be inclined to jog around the block on a more regular basis or aim for the Te Awamutu half-marathon in June. Ultramarathon Man is a severely absorbing read. Both actual exercise enthusiasts and the vicarious ones on the couch will get a thrill out of what Karnazes goes through to challenge the limits of human endurance, and why. Read it.