Reading about Running Part 1

I recently read 2 books about running this summer. I am going to quickly review the Dean Karnasses book Ultramarathonman. It was a fine book. It offered a unique journey of a man's transition from regular guy to an ultramarathon runner. I liked the structure of the story from his big run ordering a pizza on the road to his explanation of how he got where he was as a ultra runner.

I have to say that initially, I did not like the book. The way the story presents itself, the guy seems like he is bragging. Sure he has done some incredible things running to the South Pole, The Death Valley Race and Running a team race solo. Go Team Dean. There is no denying that. It just came across as look at me, I did this. However, any guy writing a blog is also saying the same thing, "Look at me."

Upon further reflection, I have heard an interview with Karnasses on a podcast Run, Run Live., and I have since changed my mind about him. While I still am not a fan of the book, my thoughts on Karnasses have changed. Many runners think that he has sold out because he makes some money from his running. Being a broke teacher, I would like to be able to make money from something else that I love. And that is what he said, you should do something that you love. There are many people who have jobs they hate, and to reinforce this notion that a person should do a job that they love this is where both Karnasses and I meet. I also subscribe to this idea. I certainly would like to be able to make some money from doing something that I love.

While I may not have liked the book, I do believe that the book's intention has been accomplished and that is to get me to run more. Good job Dean.