A Runner's High cover art

A Runner's High

Older, Wiser, Slower, Stronger

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A Runner's High

By: Dean Karnazes
Narrated by: Andy Ingalls
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About this listen

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, on 50 consecutive days.

In A Runner's High, Karnazes chronicles his return to the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run in his mid-50s after first completing the race decades ago. The Western States, infamous for its rugged terrain and extreme temperatures, becomes the most demanding competition of his life, a physical and emotional reckoning and a battle to stay true to one's purpose. Confronting his age, wearying body, career path and life choices, we see Karnazes as we never have before, raw and exposed. A Runner's High is both an endorphin-fuelled story and a love letter to the sport from one of its most celebrated ambassadors.

©2021 Dean Karnazes (P)2021 W F Howes Extreme Sports Running & Jogging Sports Inspiring

Critic Reviews

"A book that will inspire athletes of all stripes, whatever their aches and pains, to hit the ground running." (Kirkus Reviews)

"Runners are sure to be captivated by this account of an unconventional endurance athlete who tenaciously challenges physical and mental boundaries." (Booklist)
All stars
Most relevant  
Inspiration to keep on running as we age and slow down and age some more: a thoughtful approach to the course of life.

Good Value

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This is my first DK book and as an older yet newer runner, I appreciated all of his insight into ultra events and doing life as a son, father and husband.

Engaging and insightful

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A great story all up of the trials and tribulations of an ultra runner but please never again, the narrator’s pronouncing of certain words distracted me from the story.
It was a disappointment.
Karnazes’s stories are fascinating though.

Entertaining

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I’ve heard Deans name mentioned often during my running years yet this was my first book I’ve listened to. Since finishing I’ve hunted down a few of his podcasts and now off to read all his other books. I really enjoyed this - thank you

Loved it !

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Easy to listen too. A raw honest story that inspires you to never give up. Dean stories really leaves you feeling that you can pick up a pair of runners and accomplish any goal you put your mind to.

Raw, honest and inspiring

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This book gives the real story, not the dressed up and made nice one. Really enjoyed Dean’s truth and tenacity.

So real!!

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Loved this book. When I purchased it I was concerned that I might have heard some of the material previously, since I have been a huge fan of Dean Karnazes for many years, but this was all new content. The book is an entertaining anatomy of two of Dean's most recent ultras, a 100km in Southern California and the iconic Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run. In between Dean reflects on the process and effects of ageing, family relationships with parents, partners, and children, and provides humorous insights into race etiquette (and lack thereof). I enjoyed this immensely. Although not narrated by Dean, the narrator did a great job of capturing the ups and downs of an ultramarathon.

Entertaining and moving

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Great read, looked for any opportunity to listen! He is a strong positive role model in the running community.

Nice wrap up from Ultramarathon Man

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This book was both entertaining and insightful. It provides a small insight into the unites running world. I’d highly recommend.

Entertaining and insightful

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It is incredible how us - trail runners - rely a lot on our willpower. Karno is a representation of that. Just keep going and never stop believing in yourself.

100% Inspiring

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