Current mood:	thoughtful
Entry tags:	book review, running

A book review.
I took a break from my 101 in 1001 book list to read 50/50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days by Dean Karnazes.  I got it for my birthday and couldn't wait to read it.

This guy is seriously crazy about running.  He ran 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 states.  Then, when it was all done, to clear his head he went for a 28.5 mile run around New York city.  Upon realizing that no one had bothered to book him a plane ticket home to CA after the 50 days, he decided he would just run home cross country a la Forest Gump.

I really enjoyed this book and it was really easy to read.  He gives a little summary of each of the marathons he did and shares stories from along the way.  He also gives practical tips for runners and information on how to be a more successful distance runner.

One of the things I liked the most reminded me of something lamistressa said.  She said "No one ever looks happy while they're running.  You don't see anyone jogging along smiling."  Dean says this is because running isn't fun.  You don't do it because it's fun, and a lot of the times you're glad it's over.  You run because you feel right when you're running.  You run because you need the challenge of making your body do something it doesn't normally do.  You run because you're a runner and you just can't be anything else.  It's a little woo-woo I know, but it was really good motivation.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in running or anyone just interested in reading about someone who decides to take on a crazy challenge.