The ultra marathon is not for all runners. You have to be in tip-top physical shape and learn a variety of mental strategies to push beyond the marathon into the world of longer distance running.
If you are curious what it takes to be successful in an ultra marathon, you should pick up one of the following ultra marathon running books.
They are all written by one author: the amazing Dean Karnazes. He has pushed himself to the extreme and has raced around across the country and around the world. There is no one better to take running advice from at any level!
50/50
If you need some inspiration as you go through the rigors of training for an ultra marathon, you will cherish 50/50. Dean Karnazes reveals his experience running a marathon a day for fifty days straight, each in a different state. Yes, you read that right: fifty marathons, fifty consecutive days, and fifty different states. You won’t find anyone else in the world who has undertaken this challenge and succeeded, but Dean reveals the details of his journey in this book.
This is one of the best ultra marathon running books because it gives an insider look at what it takes to run on this level. You may only dream of experiencing some of the miraculous running feats that have been accomplished by Dean Karnazes, but this book will show you that it can and has been done. As you read what helped push Dean through those fifty days of marathon running, you will pick up on strategies to push yourself through an ultra marathon.
Ultramarathon Man
You might consider Ultramarathon man the biography of Dean Karnazes. Much of the book reveals Dean’s memories of his childhood as it relates to his running career, and then goes on to explore some amazing habits that he has formed over the years.
For instance, you can read about his introduction to long distance running and his habit of running through the night and then remaining active with his family during the day. How many runners do you know with that passion for the sport and physical ability? Not many, which is what makes this one of the most inspirational ultra marathon running books.
This book is similar to 50/50, but it goes further into Dean’s history and gives different details regarding his running exploits. It is a great companion to 50/50. In fact, those interested in running ultra marathons often find all three of these ultra marathon books.
Run! 26.2 Stories of Blisters and Bliss
This book was written as a follow-up to Marathon Man, which was received in the running community with great frenzy. Run goes even further into the exploits of Dean Karnazes, giving insider information into his running process, his life, and his theories and ideas of running.
While it is not a guide to training for an ultramarathon and doesn’t give direct advice, runners of an elite caliber will pick up new ideas that they may have never thought of before.
All of these ultra marathon running books can be enjoyed by runners of all levels. They are particularly inspiring for those at an elite level considering a push beyond the marathon, but the book is incredibly motivating for all runners.
Even beginning runners will pick up new ideas and concepts that are not introduced through other running books. There is only one Dean Karnazes, so there is no better place to pick up running tips or effective running advice.
Recommended further reading:
- Running Magazines
- Beginner Running Books
- Half Marathon Running Books
- Marathon Running Books
- Women Running Books
- How to Run Faster Books
- General Running Books
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