Go!vember

[Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man]

I've started reading the book by Dean Karnazes (he of 50 marathons in 50 days fame) called "Ultramarathon Man". Despite training like there's no tomorrow, it seems pretty clear from what he writes that ultras are largely a mental affair. He cites his school track coach who told him "if you feel good after a run, you ain't run hard enough". All very egoist and, to be frank, quite ridiculous. I suppose it's good to know there are people who demonstrate to what limits the human body can go, but I find it hard to relate to them somehow.

Incidentally, the book is a bit light-weight and certainly not the greatest piece of literature out there, but it's worth reading if only for his description of what happened to him after he ran his first 50-mile race, with very graphic descriptions of the agonising cramps and projectile vomiting he endured while trapped in his Lexus... which never smelled the same again. It's enough to put you off running for good... or at least using your Lexus post-run (are you reading this, EG?) ...