A Runner's High
My Life in Motion
Published on 27. May 2021
Book
Hardback
256 pages
978-0-06-295550-0 (ISBN)
Description
"A Runner's High wakes up the appetite to run long distances. 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, author of Above the Clouds and world champion ultramarathoner
"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
New York Times bestselling author and ultramarathoning legend 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 extraordinary adventures leading up to 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 Karnazes's life, a physical and emotional reckoning and a battle to stay true to one's purpose. Confronting his age, his career path, and his life choices, we see Karnazes as we never have before.
For Karnazes, the running experience is about the runner and the trail. It is not the sum of achievements but a story that continues to be told each day, with each step. A Runner's High is at once an endorphin-fueled adventure and a love letter to the sport from one of its most celebrated ambassadors that will leave both casual and serious runners cheering.
"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
New York Times bestselling author and ultramarathoning legend 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 extraordinary adventures leading up to 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 Karnazes's life, a physical and emotional reckoning and a battle to stay true to one's purpose. Confronting his age, his career path, and his life choices, we see Karnazes as we never have before.
For Karnazes, the running experience is about the runner and the trail. It is not the sum of achievements but a story that continues to be told each day, with each step. A Runner's High is at once an endorphin-fueled adventure and a love letter to the sport from one of its most celebrated ambassadors that will leave both casual and serious runners cheering.
Reviews / Votes
"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, author of Above The Clouds and 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
"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 record holder
"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, and author of A Beautiful Work in Progress
"I always thought that there was no stronger or more profound feeling of a runner's high than when finishing a race, a marathon or an ultra-marathon. That is, until I read A Runner's High, because it captures that exact same emotional state when you read this amazing story. 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
"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
"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
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
HarperCollins Publishers Inc
Dimensions
Height: 238 mm
Width: 162 mm
Thickness: 32 mm
Weight
410 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-06-295550-0 (9780062955500)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
04/2021
1st Edition
HarperCollins
from
€6.89
Available for download
Person
Dean Karnazes is a two-time New York Times bestselling author and an icon of the running world. Widely recognized as one of the fittest people on the planet, he has been named one of the "Top 100 Most Influential People in the World" by Time magazine.