Real Inspiration

Whenever I feel my motivation lag, I always read a few chapters from Ultramarathon Man by Dean Karnazes.

That book gives me the kick in the ass I need to run a little longer, a little harder and a little faster.

Karnazes is a very entertaining writer. But his story would be fascinating--and inspiring--even without his clever and engaging prose.

The book mostly guides us through his personal experiences in various ultramarathons. And although others have run the same races, Karnazes obsessive masochistic personality seems to leap off the page and into the heart of the reader.

Whenever I read this book, I always feel as if I am running beside Karnazes, feeling his pain and triumph.

And the next time I strap on my running shoes, I think to myself: If he can push himself to the limits, I can push myself a little harder.

If you need a little extra motivation, I seriously recommend this book. At about $11 at Amazon, it's a total steal. Even non-runners can appreciate this man's focus, drive, determination and grit.