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Dare to Run

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In May 2010, Amit and Neepa became the first Indian husband-wife team to stand on the finish line of the 89-km Comrades Ultra Marathon - The Ultimate Human race.

In this collection of essays, Amit takes us with him, from his first short jog on a Mumbai beach, to the finish line of the Comrades Marathon. Along the way, he shares his unique perspective on running, life, religion and spirituality.

These essays will motivate and inspire you not only to run but also to test and push your limits, to conquer your fears and above all, to relentlessly pursue your dreams and passion.

220 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

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134 people want to read

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Amit Sheth

15 books3 followers

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5 stars
90 (43%)
4 stars
75 (36%)
3 stars
38 (18%)
2 stars
3 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Aravind Kumar.
2 reviews4 followers
January 20, 2013
This book is not just about running. It is about life, hope and positive thoughts. U ll not regret reading this.
1 review1 follower
July 20, 2020
Too good.

What a book. Must read for runners. The way author explains the philosophy and spiritual aspect of running is amazing.
Profile Image for Abhinay Jain.
28 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2020
I aspired to run a Marathon because of this book. Read it sometime during my MBA days when at max I would run 5-10K.
This book inspired me how Amit used to train and finally ran a marathon. That made me try as well.
2012 I could run first half marathon and 2015 I did my first full marathon.

And trust me, running a marathon helps one develop perspective. Try if you also plan to run a marathon or like running in general.
Profile Image for Sid.
156 reviews4 followers
August 4, 2015

Simply written yet so elegant and deep. Seems really honest and written with heart. His passion is contagious and has made me set sight on running the half marathon. Hs quotes a prosaic and his bohemian lifestyle envious. A great book sent by my cousin and really recommend this quick and good read.
Profile Image for Ketan Nadar.
43 reviews3 followers
November 28, 2017
are to Run is a very nice book. Which tells about the story of Amit Sheth and his wife's quest to run comrades marathon. It is not just a personal experience book where the author tells only his achievements and experience. On the contrary he gives crisp examples of his multiple experiences with apt motivational examples varying from mahabharata to greek mythology. A decent read. The only book i have read in recent past which says a book can be read in any order. I liked it. Thank you for giving us the glimpse of what it takes to train for comrades. I hope you met the great man Mr. Tata some time later.
Few lines from the book which he used while pacing to motivate people.
"We are a running family
We love running can't you see
The road is hard, the road is long
But we keep running all day long"
Profile Image for Ganesh Kuduva.
Author 1 book3 followers
October 21, 2021
One of the early books that I read as I was starting to run (in 2010 or so!). This book inspired me thoroughly to take up my running to next level.

Amit Sheth did not only share about his running, but also added the process of learning life through running, in my view. His journey from being a couch potato to one of the most respected ultramarathon in the world (Comrades Marathon) is beautifully narrated in the book through all other races that he ran, including being a pacer.

Amit makes you humble and a better human through his writing. I regularly follow his Facebook posts as well. "After all, life is made of many number of very tiny events that we don't pay attention to" is something that I learn from him all the time.

If you are very early into your running, I would highly recommend to read this book.
7 reviews
April 11, 2019
An Inspiration

Any first hand experience makes the most interesting story. The story of Amit and Neepa Sheth is truly inspiring, the book in a way takes you to every marathon described and the emotions associated with them. Failure and the grit to rise and succeed shown by the couple makes us draw parallels in our life. The mythological and historical references are amazing and show how well read the author is.
I have recently run my second 10 k and after reading this book I'm sure I'll be running a full marathon in the near future. Hope to bump into Amit at Juhu beach, where me and wife usually go most Sunday mornings.
The book is highly recommended.
Profile Image for Neha.
110 reviews8 followers
April 19, 2022
If there is one book on running that enraptured me from beginning to end after Murakami's What I Talk about when I talk about running, it is this conversational book by Mr. Seth. I have marked so many parts of the book that made me go my sentiments exactly - it's difficult really to explain how much the book has given voice to my own feelings, aspirations and fears about running. What a marvelous little gem this book is. Even if you aren't into running, read it and maybe it will inspire you too to run a marathon. Am off training for my next half for sure.
10 reviews
September 25, 2019
Must Read for Runners

Must Read for all Runners and people who want to improve their life. Its amazing story of a couple who love running and Life


Profile Image for Aditya.
59 reviews31 followers
March 13, 2011
I love books which share the author's experiences authentically. This one fits the bill and I finished it quickly with a few breaks. Its also interesting to see bits of philosophy thrown in and their correlation with running. As a runner, I could identify with and feel strongly about several episodes. The bit about crossing the Comarades 2010 finish line with the Indian flag was particularly moving.

Somehow, some of the parts do not gel into the book. For example there is more description of Dublin rather than the Dublin marathon. It stands out as there is hardly any link between the run and description of the place. The same disconnect is not felt for the essay on Florence marathon because the description of David etc gels in with the run and becomes a Runner's experience which is what I expect from a book with a title like "Dare to run". For the other bits, I'd turn elsewhere. For this reason, I'd give only 4 stars and not 5.

Good read for long distance runners.
Profile Image for Ram.
463 reviews10 followers
January 28, 2012
Just finished reading "Dare to Run" by Amit Sheth - his book on his conquest of Comrades Marathon in 2010, which was after an unsuccessful attempt the previous year. The book talks of his saga from television couch potato to a marathoner, nay ultra-marathoner. The narrative is beautifully interspersed with stories from indian and greek mythology besides his philosophical meanderings.
Profile Image for Swateek.
212 reviews16 followers
July 3, 2016
Was a gift from a friend just the day before I ran my first long race. The essays in this one talk about general things that you can apply to life and running. What impressed me more was Amit never had the best of Comrade Marathon timings from India club, yet the devotion and dedication he has towards the sports is amazing.
Profile Image for Divya.
35 reviews2 followers
December 6, 2014
This *should* be a terrible book. The language, flow, structure, everything is quite bad.
But the guy is so so passionate about running. And he has great stories to tell. I really enjoyed this. Very inspiring too gaah must run more.
Profile Image for yamini.
56 reviews48 followers
December 23, 2015
I should not have read it after RMR. Its just poorly written and edited even for a collection of essays. Inspiration comes in bouts from few race stories. Nonetheless this book makes me want to run comrades at least once.
Profile Image for Ankur Sharma.
233 reviews34 followers
June 2, 2012
Extremely Insightful, literally painting the picture especially for runners
Profile Image for Sharath Raju (Barefoot).
17 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2012
An outstanding exploration and achievement in sport, at any age. Good for anyone looking to start running or has lost motivation in the midst.
Profile Image for Rashi shah.
2 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2013
Read this book you want to run - and think you can't. Read this book if you already run and want to understand why. Read this book if you want to take your running to the next level.
Profile Image for Swatisingh.
57 reviews2 followers
August 1, 2013
brilliant story.. must read for evry aspiring runner
Profile Image for Sekharsandeep Sekhar.
11 reviews8 followers
February 18, 2014
Very inspiring series! If you are a runner, do not miss; if not a runner, then still pick this up and dream!
Profile Image for Deepti Tomar.
1 review8 followers
April 28, 2014
It's a must read for the reasons I cant write here.You need to read it to know that !! :-)
Profile Image for Amita.
61 reviews8 followers
December 7, 2023
Overwhelmed by reading story of a busy working Man, well focused and desirable towards running.
Profile Image for Sameer.
25 reviews7 followers
July 14, 2015
Motivational book for marathon runners .
Profile Image for Priyanka Tandon.
67 reviews10 followers
June 30, 2015
An inspirational read

Must read for anyone who is a runner or who intends to start running at some stage in life :)
18 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2015
A good mix of running and philosophy. Some of the moments about comrades were magnificent
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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