A Runner's High: Older, Wiser, Slower, Stronger

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. 'Running with Karnazes is like setting up one's easel next to Monet of Picasso.' - The New York Times 'Dean makes the extraordinary look easy.' - GQ 'The indefatigable human.' - Wired

Dean Karnazes is a two-time New York Times bestselling author and an icon in the running world. TIME magazine named Karnazes one of the '100 Most Influential People in the World.' An internationally acclaimed endurance athlete, he is the winner of an ESPN ESPY, a three-time winner of Competitor magazine's Endurance Sports Athlete of the Year award and the recipient of the President's Council on Sports Fitness & Nutrition Lifetime Achievement award. And to boot, he's run around the world naked (true story!) He lives in San Francisco.

'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 '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. I thought I would quickly glance through it, but the book sucked me in and when I reemerged it was with a smile on my face and dreams of adventure in my mind.' - 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. Are you a younger runner still discovering the beauty of a life lived exploring the world with the power of your own two legs? Or are you a veteran with thousands of miles under your belt, wondering if you still got game or if running is even still relevant and useful? Either way, Karno's latest book has some answers for you. 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. Dean Karnazes in The Runner's High shows us the deep love and respect for what the sport has given him-and what he has given in return to this sport is immense-a sincere demonstration of diplomacy, tenacity, grit, and the appreciation of discovery in all stages of our running lives.' - Mirna Valerio, runner, speaker, author 'Normally I think of the feeling I get when finishing a marathon as a "runner's high." I always thought that there was no stronger or more profound feeling of a runner's high that when finishing a race, a marathon or an ultra-marathon. That is, until I read Dean Karnazes recent book, appropriately titled, A Runner's High, because it captures that exact same emotional state when you read this amazing story. I love the titles of all the chapters as each one resonates with me and has a special meaning. For example, Endurance Never Sleep (I always thought sleep was overrated!) and The Long Run (my coach nicknamed me, Long Run). I have run a few "long runs" myself over the years so I have a very real, personal appreciation for what it takes to accomplish daunting endurance feats, but I have always been in awe of what Dean has done. I have the utmost respect for him, what he stands for and what he has achieved. I've always felt the toughest part about running a marathon or doing something even more extraordinary is actually signing the application, that is, having the bravery and guts to make the commitment, then earn the right by doing the hard work, and finally answering the call of the starting gun. 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 'As someone who one day intends to complete the Western States 100, A Runner's High both excited and terrified me. As always, Dean shares an enthralling story that you just cannot stop reading. 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, Coach and bestselling author 'Dean Karnazes' writing is as inspiring as his amazing running accomplishments. His Greek heritage and the pursuit of excellence through running and athletics shine through brightly in this new book. After reading A Runner's High, I had to go out and run!' - Jeff Galloway, US Olympian & creator of the Galloway Method