50/50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days- and How You Too Can Achieve Super Endurance! by Dean Karnazes, Matt Fitzgerald

Very Inspiringby lemme14

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09/01/2009: I read Dean's first book, Ultramarathon Man, in about two days. It was one of the most inspiring books that I had ever read. Upon completion, I noticed that Dean had another book out, which of course I had to read. The task of completing 50 marathons in 50 days is amazing in it's own right. The fact that he did it is unimaginable. While the feat in this book is something to behold, the book was a little more difficult to read. There were some good running tips, and some interesting stories about the marathons and the people, but it didn't mold itself into a story the same way Ultramarathon Man did. In no way does this diminish the book, and I highly recommend that you read it. It's always difficult to judge things based on their own merit and not compare to the original. While it might not quite live up to its predecessor, this is still an outstanding read.

On the very edge of the endurance worldby ChadAaronSayban

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08/05/2009: To start with, I have read Dean's first book - Ultramarathon Man - a couple of times now. I have enjoyed the rereads of that book and I'm pretty sure the same will be true of this book. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Dean and his running quest, in 2006 Dean attempted to cover a marathon in each of the 50 states on 50 consecutive days culminating at the New York City Marathon. This book brings to life the highs and lows of the journey, including the logistical issues, physical hurdles and emotional struggles that he and his crew endured over nearly two months. But far from being a 'look at me' story, 50/50 spends much of the time detailing what any person can do to improve themselves and reach their athletic goals, no matter what they might be. Dean's writing style is both powerful and inspirational, yet also conversational. It seems like he is sitting in your livingroom having a conversation. I've actually met Dean, and I can tell you that he is just that way in person. In this book, he spends time describing his approaches to diet, fitness, equipment, race strategy and many other aspects of marathon running. Perhaps most importantly, Dean shares his philosophy and provides many quotes that are inspirational to all of us. For instance, this passage really stuck in my mind:

"Awakenings are always terrifying, as they force you to realize that your

past has been lived in confinement. The most disturbing part is when you

recognize that the shackles holding you down are largely ones you have placed

upon yourself. the prison is self-constructed. 'We are all living in cages with

the door wide open,' George Lucas once said.

It is so easy to live a life that has been scripted for you by others, to

fall into the mire of conformity by following a path that society has laid

before you, rather than heeding your own unique calling. Comfort, complacency,

routine, the path of least resistance, the easy road - these things are the bane

of humankind. It is a disquieting moment when you awaken to realize that

trappings of conventionality have created a life for you that is entirely

different from the one you wish to live"

Without a doubt, if you get a chance to read this book, do it. Whenever you are feeling unable to meet the battles that life throws at you or can't motivate yourself to continue training, this book will serve as the wake-up call to get outside and keep moving - whether you are running or living. I highly recommend it for anyone!