A Running Inspiration

One of my running inspirations is Dean Karnazes. Dean is a runner who ran a little while younger but came back to running when he turned 30. He found he had a gift for running - especially long distances. I first heard about him in a sermon years ago (his story of how he started running is quite inspiring) and I later picked up his first book, Ultramarathon Man. I've read it twice (well, read once, listened to the audiobook once with Rosalie). The book is wonderful, even if you're not a runner. 

He's written several others since then. My other favorite of his (other than his first) is 50/50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days -- and How You Too Can Achieve Super Endurance! He reads the audio version himself, unlike with his first book, and it's a wonderful journey through an incredible event. I think I've listened to the audiobook of this twice, as well.

His most recent book, A Runner’s High: My Life in Motion is full of great material. One of my favorite quotes from this book is this:

"You’re either born a runner, or not. Simple as that. And it isn’t the act of running that constitutes this demarcation, but the desire. Running isn’t necessary—not in this day and age—yet some people choose to do it. Certain individuals seek out struggle and hardship, while most look to avoid such things. Nonrunners ask, “Doesn’t running hurt?” It does if you’re doing it right, we runners answer.

The mind-set of the runner is universal, our reality communal, we “get” each other. Comfort is overrated. Life is easy. Why do something difficult? Because life is easy."