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  • A Runner's High

  • Older, Wiser, Slower, Stronger
  • By: Dean Karnazes
  • Narrated by: Andy Ingalls
  • Length: 6 hrs and 44 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (167 ratings)

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A Runner's High cover art

A Runner's High

By: Dean Karnazes
Narrated by: Andy Ingalls
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Summary

Dean Karnazes has pushed his body and mind to inconceivable limits, from running in the shoe-melting heat of Death Valley to the lung-freezing cold of the South Pole. He's raced and competed across the globe and once ran 50 marathons, in 50 states, on 50 consecutive days.

In A Runner's High, Karnazes chronicles his return to the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run in his mid-50s after first completing the race decades ago. The Western States, infamous for its rugged terrain and extreme temperatures, becomes the most demanding competition of his life, a physical and emotional reckoning and a battle to stay true to one's purpose. Confronting his age, wearying body, career path and life choices, we see Karnazes as we never have before, raw and exposed. A Runner's High is both an endorphin-fuelled story and a love letter to the sport from one of its most celebrated ambassadors.

©2021 Dean Karnazes (P)2021 W F Howes

Critic reviews

"A book that will inspire athletes of all stripes, whatever their aches and pains, to hit the ground running." (Kirkus Reviews)

"Runners are sure to be captivated by this account of an unconventional endurance athlete who tenaciously challenges physical and mental boundaries." (Booklist)

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What listeners say about A Runner's High

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  • Overall
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Inspiring

Wonderful and keeps me running! Such a modest story of an amazing runner. Thank you. Listen or read!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

great story telling

more than a story about running, it's also about family relationships, friendship, pathos, humanity.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Fun, interesting and enjoyable

Fantastic listen, especially if you’re into running in any capacity. Heartfelt and honest, a really enjoyable listen.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Inspiring & enjoyable story. Thank you.

He is an inspiring man. It’s that simple his story, his storytelling is great.

(Only gripe is this narrator is weak compared to those on his other books, good enough but not great)

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Writer & Runner!

I have never met someone so good at two things. Phenomenal story telling, talent, endurance and humility.

Thank you so much Dean.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great read!

Great book man! I have seen those couple of one star reviews so was considering if this will be a good one, but it was beyond my expectation. Those people clearly have problems with themselves, not with your book. A great story, plus I love your sense of humor. You made me laugh many times. But also nearly cried once too.

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2 people found this helpful

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Really good book

I really enjoyed this. Some great stories and brilliant insight into the ultra runner. Would definitely recommend this.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A Great Listen

Extremely well read and a relatable story of real life experiences of a running who had to make life choices and constantly balanced running, family and the fact he's not getting any younger. Highly recommended.

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1 person found this helpful

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Always excellent

Have read or listened to all books simply awesome and inspirational throughout and a must read

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Really enjoyable realistic and honest.

Listen to it in a few days once I got going. Not one of those hard ass running ones a nice listen and more realistic view on running

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