I actually finished Dean Karnazes' "Ultramarathon Man" a month ago, but kept pushing off writing about it because I wanted to wait until I had enough time to write a post that does the book justice.
I first learned about Dean Karnazes when he was a guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show about five years ago. I remember thinking his personal story was inspiring and that I needed to get my hands on his book. I bought it shortly after, but it collected dust on my shelf for years.
Now that I take the bus and the T to work every day, I have plenty of time for reading. I read Dean's book in four commutes. I couldn't put it down! "Ultramarathon Man" tells the story of Dean's evolution from ten year old boy who saw running as a free way to get around, to a man in his thirties running the most difficult, endurance races in the world.
Dean Karnazes began running in elementary school. His parents worked two jobs and were often working when he got home after school. To get where he needed to go, he started running there. In fact, in middle school he wanted to spend his birthday with his grandparents who lived 40 miles away. Not wanting to trouble his parents for a ride, he ran there.
In middle school Dean began running formally, on a team, and had a coach who served as his first and most powerful mentor. Sadly, in high school, he encountered a new coach who was horribly harsh and after one painful comment caused Dean to give up running immediately. For the next 15 years.
During the time when he wasn't running, Dean's younger sister passed away. He was consumed with grief and unable to channel that into running, he began drinking, partying and exhibiting dangerous behavior. Eventually, he stabilized and got married to his high school sweetheart.
On his 30th birthday Dean had a breakdown (who could blame him). After his birthday dinner he put on an old pair of sneakers and started running. He ran through the night, over 40 miles from his house. He had to call his wife to pick him up. Dean had found himself again and he would never give up running again.
The rest of "Ultramarathon Man" follows Dean as he registers for race after race, pushing himself physically and emotionally to the limit. He has run countless marathons, he ran the Western States Endurance Run (over 100 miles), he ran a marathon on the South Pole and he has run The Relay in California by himself (which is over 199 miles and intended to be a multi-person relay) multiple times to raise money for charity.
Dean's family not only supports his love for running, they are part of it. They travel with him to races and drive along side him for motivation, provide food and make sure he's not injured. It's these scenes that made me wonder why Dean's story hasn't yet been turned into a movie.
I am not a runner. I can't relate to anything Dean described about his training, his races or what his body felt like during those endurance runs. I can however relate to finding something that centers you, motivates you and makes you proud of who you are. If you are seeking a shot in the arm of inspiration, this book is for you.
