A Runner’s High: My Life in Motion

Karnazes (Ultramarathon Man) returns with another in his series of ultramarathoning memoirs, now triumphantly chronicling his preparation for and run of one of the world’s most difficult courses, the Western States 100, a 100-mile ultramarathon through the Sierra Nevada mountains. While he memorably describes the pains of pushing his body to extremes and celebrates the mindset required to do so, his narrative style is also laced with humor—such as when he playfully remarks, “running an ultra is simple; all you have to do is not stop.” Karnazes also reflects upon a few other memorable treks, including his time on a “sports diplomacy” mission as a goodwill representative for the U.S. in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan (“It didn’t matter our language, creed, or skin color, running was a commonality we all shared”). Opening up about his family life, he details his somewhat distant relationship with his son and his anxieties over fatherhood. Fans of extreme sports will consider this a must-read and appreciate the pithy motivational bits peppered throughout, such as “To know thyself one must push thyself.” But the winning tone and message will lend this broader appeal to inspiration-seeking readers and those who appreciate accounts of the grueling end of human endeavor. Agent: Carole Bidnick, Bidnick & Co. (Apr.)