Annie Weiss may be one of the best runners you’ve never heard of. In September of 2018, she set out to break a long-standing record by running Wisconsin's 1,200-mile Ice Age Trail from end to end, and finish it faster than any man or woman ever had. Follow along through the eyes of her husband, who was there to support her from start to finish. You’ll learn about the varying segments of the Ice Age Trail that range from bear-filled remote stretches of forest to busy city streets. In a gripping tale that holds nothing back, Annie’s husband shares the good, bad, and ugly parts of the three-week adventure. The story will leave you exhausted, inspired, and itching to get out and explore the trail on your own!
This was a great story that really puts into perspective the amount of time, supplies, effort, people and grit involved in tackling an FKT (Here over 1,000 miles). It also really puts a crewpersons life in perspective. We often overlook how much work it is to offer support for these efforts. I recommend following the Ice Age guidebook as a companion to see the route and particulars during the progress of the story. Really cool book! I felt like I was right there with them.
I liked this book because it took place on the Ice Age Trail. After section hiking the entire trail twice (and currently working on my third completion), I know the trail pretty well. I could imagine in my head where they were and that made the book enjoyable. For someone not as familiar with the trail, they may feel like they’re missing out on what the trail was like. There were some segments that weren’t mentioned and other areas that got skipped over a bit, but it can be hard to include it all.
I am not an ultra runner or a long distance runner. I’ve done a few half marathons and a lot of 5ks, but I have no desire to run farther. I actually prefer to hike rather than run and I would pick hiking all day (8 hours+) over running a half marathon, which takes me a little over two hours. To me, what Annie did does not sound fun and it doesn’t seem like she had fun doing it. Maybe she considered it Type 2 fun, but even after the fact it doesn’t seem like it was fun. She wanted to quit and cried a lot, which I’m sure is to be expected and maybe that’s what it’s like to be an ultra runner, but to me that sounds horrible, which is why I’m not an ultra runner. Everyone likes what they like, and I’m sure someone would think hiking the trail twice like I did sounds really boring and pointless.
Some other reviewers commented on the quality of the book and it being self published. Self publishing a book is a lot of work and you’re doing it all yourself. I also self published a book, so I understand what it’s like. People need to understand that there isn’t a huge crew of people working on the book like there is at a publisher. There are going to be missed mistakes and other quirks. Don’t judge until it unless you’ve tried it, and then we will all judge you.
I started reading this when it first came out but for whatever reason didn't finish it (textbooks, probably...). I've been getting back into trail running and felt this book calling out to me on my bookshelf. This was a great read, not only for motivation but just to really understand the enormity of tackling running the entirety of the Ice Age Trail- the physical and mental needs, the logistics, all the fun and not-so-fun bits. Brian is very honest, writing with humor but not disguising some of the less-than-savory emotions felt by both himself and Annie. It can be hard to explain to people why trail running or ultra running (!!) is so enjoyable; it encompasses emotions like pain, frustration, sadness, and fear just as much as it does joy and exhilaration. Brian does not shy away from those complexities, and I appreciate that. I loved reading about all the different segments of the Ice Age and parts of this great state, too, and going "oooooh I know that place!" when Annie and Brian traversed segments I'm familiar with. One of the few books I can say made me cry at the end and also has motivated me on my own weird little running journey.
Brian’s story of his wife Annie running the IceAge Trail in Wisconsin is emotional, heartfelt and sweet. He takes you through their adventures leaving nothing behind. He is so very honest, you can feel and understand his emotions as he is crewing Annie, doing everything in his power to ensure she reach her goal. Together they go thru happiness, exhaustion, frustration and victory. They know exactly what the other one needs at exactly the right time. Looking forward to hearing about their next adventure!
Too many of these books contrive dramatics. Brian kept things in perspective by sharing the reality. The drama of this kind of undertaking is plenty to keep a reader engaged. And to see things from the support perspective versus the athlete's was great. Good read!
Retelling of local runner, Annie Weiss’s, FKT run of the Ice Age Trail in 2018 that winds throughout WI. Having hiked/run numerous miles of this 1200 trail, it made me excited to explore even more sections. I remember following along with Brian’s blog (support crew, husband, author) at the time. Annie is an inspiration and so tough!
I followed Brian's daily updates while Annie was running... this was like she was out there again. I love the honesty and humor in the book. You cannot read it without being inspired.