Running on Empty by Marshall Ulrich
"117 marathons, 52 days, 32 pairs of shoes, 57 years old: A fascinating glimpse inside the mind of an ultramarathon runner and the inspirational saga of his phenomenal journey running across America."In mid-March I was contacted to review "Running on Empty" by Marshall Ulrich (he of removed toenails fame), and of course I jumped at the chance, especially after I read the summary of this epic adventure. Upon receipt I was immediately hooked in by the very personal story of Marshall's young life on the farm and how running became his therapy to dealing with the emotional trauma of losing his first wife to cancer. I really connected to this way of thinking as that was how I first got in to running, by trying to get over a rough patch in life.
As I continued to read along I was impressed with how brutally honest and real he was about how his training and competing affected his relationships with his family and friends. He didn't try to glamorize his life one bit, ultra competing is not for the faint of heart or weak of will. As the book really starts getting in to the trials and tribulations of the journey across America you can't help but be sucked in to it all and you'll end up like I did... staying up til well past your bed time to see how it all turns out!
So do I have you sold yet on wanting to read it? Well good news, the publisher's are letting me giveaway a copy to you!!! U.S. and Canadian Residents Only. (Their rules, not mine.)
To enter you must leave a comment and tell me if you've read it, why you want to read it, or if you've read another really great/inspirational book lately that I should check out. That's it. Easy peasy. The post will be open for entries until midnight EST Wednesday, May 25th with the winner to be announced during "3 Things Thursday." (May 26th)
FYI: You can find out more Marshall and his journey on his website, Facebook page, or Twitter!
Disclaimer: Per FTC Guidelines: I was provided this book at no cost to me for my personal review and the review is entirely of my own opinion. The publisher will provide an additional copy at no cost to me or the winner’s of said giveaway.
44 comments:
ME! ME!!! I so want to read this book! I've heard so much about it and it seems like a brutally honest, raw book about running, and experiences that are encountered.
This book has been on my "want to read" list since I first heard of it. After reading your review, I want to read it MORE. A great inspirational book I read earlier this year was "Unbroken" by Lauren Hillenbrand. I recommend it to everyone that I can!
I just read this book, too! SO GOOD. And makes you feel like a marathon is *nothing,* right??
I have not read this book yet, but from the reviews I've read (including this one, duh) have peaked my interest.
I think it would be an amazing followup to Born to Run. You should check that one out too!
AAHHH I have been dying to read this book for a LONG time now.
I just started marathon training (literally today) and have been trying to soak up as much information and inspiration as possible (thus, why I need this book!)
Um I REALLY want to read this book. I kind of devour all memoirs, so even better that it's also about RUNNING. I am so inspired even though I'll never run an ultra.
I really want to read this book because I hear how inspriational it is and that will really help me with my training!!
I would absolutely love to read this book as I have just signed up for a full marathon! Whether I win this or not, it is now on my to-do list.
I just finished Apolo Ohno's biography, Zero Regrets and I recommend it to everyone!!
In addition, I adore your blog, you are inspiration yourself!!!
OOoo I read about this book and it looked absolutely fascinating/inspiring! I hope I win so I can stay up way past my bedtime too! Haha
I haven't read it, but anyone who can run like that is someone I want to read about!
I think it is inevitable that my marathoning ways will lead to ultras. I need to read this as a scared-straight activity. I don't want to get 1/2 way through training for my first 50 miler before I learn that it’s insane. Also, the 25th is my B-Day!
Sign me up! I have heard this book was good! I have been wanting to read it for a while!
I want to read this:
-I have heard a ton about this book and am very intrigued
-running and reading? Yes.please.
-I am out of reading material. I even re-read the latest Runners World last night..for the 2nd time..
Great review! THank you so much for being on the tour and sharing your thoughts on Running on Empty with your readers!
I haven't read the book, but I have heard great things about it. Another book that I still have to read (but have heard great things above is Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand). My friend read it and said it was very deep but inspirational.
I would love to read it! Sounds like such a great book! Love inspirational books :)
Ooohhh, I want to read it too! Sounds awesome! First reason: Just graduated grad school, so I actually have time to read a "real" book just for the joy of it! Second reason: relate a little too-I started running to help cope with the illness of my mom, third reason: I never win anything (and im a red head...)
I have heard great things about this book, I am a huge reader and would love to read it!
*raises hand* Here please. I would love to read this book! I love running. I love reading. Reading about running? Yes please!
I have been looking for a good summer read. I am so behind on my reading list, but I would think this type of book would leap right to the front. Great give-away...
I want to read it. I've been looking for a good running read since I finished, "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running" by Haruki Murakami.
I'd love to read this book. An ultra is on my bucket list mostly because of how hard it would be- I'd be super proud of myself afterwards! I don't have an inspirational book rec, but a *good* running book that motivated me to improve my own training was 'Run' by Matt Fitzgerald. Thanks for doing the giveaway!
Not only to I "want" this book, I "need" this book. After reaching my goal of the marathon, I am seriously considering an ultra.....
I'd love to read this book...The dude sounds "not human" :-) As far as other books....Just finished "The Long Run", about a NYC firefighter's comeback attempt from a near death crash to an elite athlete (marathoner/triathlete)...awesome book and may put you in tears in spots
I need some inspiration! Had an MRI today. No doubt surgery is on the docket. I need a little something to keep my mind right while I heal!
I would love a chance to read this book! The best inspiring book I've read recently has been Kyle Maynards No Excuses. Very inspirational and a big reality check.
I really want to read this book - as an injured runner (since January, BOO!) I need all the inspiration I can get to believe that one of these days, I will actually get to run again.
Oh, and if you're looking for a different kind of inspirational book, read Tina Fey's Bossypants...she's all inspirational in a "strong woman" way - love her!
oohh i would love to read this book!! i have only run 1 marathon (NY) but my knees havent been the same since - i would love to read about how he did them all.
great giveaway!
This book looks amazing!!! I love to read and am always looking for an good read!! Have you read Kara Goucher's new book?
I have not read it but I'd love to. Running books are always inspirational.
As per the book, I have not read it. But i am reading the ultra Marathon by Dean Karnazes. I love it, when i feel like i can't do anymore, I think about his book and it gets me through! I love the perserverance (bad spelling!) and courage of these runners. If they can do all these crazy, amazing things, i can run 13 miles, right? It keeps me going thats for sure!
I want to read it for inspiration while training for the Chicago Marathon! =)
I haven't yet read it. Why would I want to? I love to read true life stories so if you combine a true life "survivor" story with an ultra runner story, well that might just be the best story e.v.e.r!!
I would love to read the book because I started running to be closer to my dad. I felt disconnected from him because his world was running and I had never fit into that equation. The author of this book lost his wife and turned to running, but I ran so I could find my dad.
It doesn't matter the reason why people start running so much, but I want to read why the author keeps going.
I've heard about this one and it's on my reading list. I'm further intrigued by the fact that it's a personal account. Like you, I can relate to this. Running (and exercise) has been my rehab. Literally, since I once threw out prescription psychiatric medication and ran instead. And I didn't fall off the edge. :)
It is amazing to me how inspirational most runners are... I am looking to get this book because it seems like the exact motivation I need, along with The Long Run, and a few more. Great Review.
I would love to read this book. I love books and when they are about running it is even better. If you haven't read Born to Run then you check that book out as well. And it would be a nice birthday present since my birthday is tomorrow. :-)
I remember Marshall from the movie Running on the Sun. I haven't read any inspirational books lately so whether I win or not, I'm definitely going to check this book out.
I would love to read this book because the ultra marathon sounds daunting to me!
I'd definitely love to read this book! I love reading about what pushes other people to start running and how it affects their overall health in the longterm.
I would love to read the book! I am always intrigued by what motivates other runners. Especially when they're so hard core!
I've been looking for this book for weeks! I do so want to read it as I could use a little motivation right now and as a treat to me after ending a long term at work, I'm actually going to read a few books for fun!
Lol pick me!
Ugh sorry my comment would not load for 2 days SIGH
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