Seeking Inspiration For Running

I received my shipment of books and DVD from Amazon recently. As part of my mental preparation for this weekend’s adidas Sundown Marathon, I finally got ultramarathoner Dean Karnazes’ latest book and DVD. Watching DVDs and reading books are my supplementary to my endurance training.

Director JB Benna’s inspirational film UltraMarathon Man: 50 Marathons - 50 States - 50 Days, features renowned endurance athlete and bestselling author Dean Karnazes, in his attempt to run 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 consecutive days to raise awareness for youth obesity and to get America active.

This is a blow-by-blow account of Karnazes’s personal journey across the United States, during which the unusually well-built, Dean pushes the limits of human endurance, inspiring thousands across the country to join him along the path while uniting people of all ages and abilities to take the next step. His charisma is clear, as runners want to run alongside him and be close to him after each of his state-specific marathon. Karnazes' motivation to run: He started running the same night he turned 30 years old, and ran 30 miles after his birthday celebration at a bar. The rest, of course, is history.

In his book, Karnazes has run 350 continuous miles through three sleepless nights, ordered pizza during long runs, and inspired fans the world over with his adventures. So what does a guy like this do when he wants to face the ultimate test of endurance? He runs 50 marathons in 50 states - in 50 consecutive days. With just a road map and a caravan packed with fellow runners and a dedicated crew (and dedicated sponsors like North Face), Dean set off on a tour that took him through many unique sights and sounds. He was training twice a day for this challenge: 4.00-7.00am, and 9.00pm till midnight

Dean reveals the story of the Endurance 50 marathons to share his invaluable secrets and advice for athletes of all levels. These are the tips that kept Dean going during the 1,310 miles he covered and 160,000 calories he burned while averaging sub-four-hour marathons and often sleeping fewer than four hours each night. Learn how to:

• Recover more quickly
• Adapt to extreme conditions
• Prevent muscle cramps and overheating
• Pace yourself when you "hit the wall"
• Stay motivated

This book is filled with practical advice and includes training regimens for walking around the block, running a 10K, or completing yet another Ironman.

As I am fairly new to the ultra- game, I have spent many occasions chatting to seasoned endurance athletes to glean their knowledge and hear their stories. It is through their personal accounts that we begin to appreciate their commitment, confidence, and clarity for doing what the uninitiated would consider as insanity. Well, one man’s insanity is another man’s annual fixture.

Years ago, when my friend Walter Strach III, Ph.D. (who completed Ironman St. George in Utah this year) asked me how I got started in triathlons and marathons, I answered: “I was influenced by idiots!’ I guess that I have been carrying the tradition.