Still Not Bionic: Adventures In Unremarkable Ultrarunning

by Ira Rainey

If running extreme distances is as much about mental endurance as physical, how do you keep going when your internal monologue turns against you? That was the simple question Ira Rainey faced when the darkness of depression cast its long shadow over his life. It turned out the answer was far from simple.

Following on from award-winning Fat Man to Green From Unfit to Ultramarathon, Ira’s second book examines how important mental state, support and friendship are, not just to running long distances but also to life and happiness as a whole.

This is not a book about winning, nor is it written as a guide, a how to nor an instruction manual. This is simply an honest window into the world of unremarkable ultramarathon running.

Still Not Bionic follows Ira’s turbulent journey as he battles his inner demons across mountains, along coastal paths and beside canals in his attempt to undertake the ultimate quest of completing a 100 mile footrace across England.

"Still Not Bionic is a good book, a deeper look into the mindset and motivation of a man that’s experienced the darker sides of life and emerged into the light." - Dean Karnazes, World-renowned endurance athlete and NY Times bestselling author.

Genres: Nonfiction

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2016

Reviews

[Tracy B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable Read

As someone who prided themselves on their levels of fitness for most of their adult life, my most shattering, humbling and toughest physical challenge, ever, was managing to sit on an exercise bike and turning the pedals, whilst depressed. So the thought of running 100 miles is in a different league.

Exercise has helped me personally a great deal. This book, Ira Rainey’s honesty and his previous book, have helped to inspire me and keep me going at times. Can I run 100 miles? I said I am suffering from depression, I’m mad not stupid! But I can run a few miles now..
Great book, recommended

[Jim Cornock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running

I read this following in from Green Man book.

This is so much more.

I laughed and I cried reading this. It genuinely moved me.

If you’ve done endurance events (and had the emptiness afterwards) you can relate to this.

But overall it’s a fantastic uplifting read.

Keep running and I’m looking forward to the next instalment.

[Everette F. Platt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful and encouraging slow read

This was my middle of the night book. I loved reading iras insights on depression and willingness to keep at it. Thanks Ira!

[Sean Kachmarski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again BRILLIANT. Motivational and inspiring