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Training For Ultra: Ultra Running Stories From the Middle of the Pack
This book has a single purpose - to inspire you to run! Through sharing a detailed account of my first three years of pursuing running from the middle to back of the pack, it will hopefully show you you are capable of much more than you may think. After my dad's major health scare, it was time for me to change everything. Little did I know how much I would learn after taking on some physical exercise. A radical diet change allowed me to lose a forth of my body weight and it gave me boundless energy to get outside and explore. It’s not clear to me why I chose running ultra marathons of all forms of exercise, since I was unable to run beyond 1 mile just a few years prior. But since that fateful day, I’ve never looked back. I was finding that sometimes the experiences of training for ultra could be just as rich and fulfilling as the ultra event itself.
265 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2019
52 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 30, 2020
This was an inspiring book from an honest to goodness normal person doing extraordinary things. Rob is a normal man with a wife and family and running ungodly distances. He talks about things that normal people have to deal with: How do I balance running with having a family. So many ultra running books come out from elite runners who have whole teams of people helping them achieve their goals, it was so refreshing to read about someone that the normal person can relate to doing extraordinary things. This is easily my favorite running books that I have read and truly inspired to me run my first ultra! I hope that Rob has many more adventures so we can read Training for Ultra 2!
January 16, 2020
Very personal and authentic
Rob comes across as highly authentic, not sugar coating the raw parts of his journey whilst also not blowing the top off with his achievements (which is amazing given the short timeframe of what Rob has been able to achieve)
What I enjoyed most about the story is how Rob continues to encourage balance, weaving his family into the story and most of all putting them ahead of his personal goals.
A good read and highly recommended.
Rob comes across as highly authentic, not sugar coating the raw parts of his journey whilst also not blowing the top off with his achievements (which is amazing given the short timeframe of what Rob has been able to achieve)
What I enjoyed most about the story is how Rob continues to encourage balance, weaving his family into the story and most of all putting them ahead of his personal goals.
A good read and highly recommended.
August 23, 2020
Humain. Inspirant. Modeste. Monsieur Tout le Monde qui décide de prendre sa santé en main en courant et qui arrive 3 ans plus tard à courir 240 milles en ligne. Un livre bien écrit qui se termine par un concluant chapitre que je vais relire et relire et relire.
November 26, 2023
Great audiobook that inspires to run and lays out why long distance running is so captivating
February 3, 2020
I met Steger at my local running store, Runners Roost, and afterwards I wanted to know more about his journey as a ordinary guy running extreme distances. When I met him, he was friendly, seemed very honest and humble, talking about balancing family life with running and much more.
The book is totally like the guy, authentic and real. Steger is very good at describing his journey, his experience as a middle of the pack runner, at times I almost felt I was running with him.
Inspiring and refreshing to get the story of a non-elite runner who is still very good and very serious about his passion.
The book is totally like the guy, authentic and real. Steger is very good at describing his journey, his experience as a middle of the pack runner, at times I almost felt I was running with him.
Inspiring and refreshing to get the story of a non-elite runner who is still very good and very serious about his passion.
March 26, 2019
WARNING: if you do not want to read a book that will peak your interest in running, do not read this book! Rob Steger’s journey from a non-runner to an ultra-runner in three years is amazing. I’m a runner, but probably will never run more than a marathon, but after reading this book, who knows! This book does not offer training plans or how to balance life/running, but it will show you what true running joy feels like. I cannot recommend this book enough!
February 10, 2022
This book is inspiring and probably accomplishes its goal of moving people toward fitness and healthier living.
In the end, this is book of race reports. They are well told, and I enjoyed them, but I'm not sure that these stories are elevated from a blog. What makes this a book instead of a blog? The places where the author included personal stories were good and well connected to his running stories, but there could have been so much more that could have turned this into more of a memoir than it was.
The middle of the pack concept was something I was looking forward to reading more about...but I did not get anything on how middle of the pack connected to this book's message.
In the end, this is book of race reports. They are well told, and I enjoyed them, but I'm not sure that these stories are elevated from a blog. What makes this a book instead of a blog? The places where the author included personal stories were good and well connected to his running stories, but there could have been so much more that could have turned this into more of a memoir than it was.
The middle of the pack concept was something I was looking forward to reading more about...but I did not get anything on how middle of the pack connected to this book's message.
June 22, 2020
In the pursuit of goals
I enjoyed an objective look into the mind of someone who wouldn't have thought themselves to be a "runner" and the journey it takes to make the changes and achieve the goals we set ourselves in life. It doesn't just happen. It isn't easy or glorified. Allowing others to look in and see the tough along with the triumphs tags a vulnerability that isn't as common as I once thought.
Thank you for letting us in your determined mindset Rob, inspiring changes within ourselves to be our best version of us.
I enjoyed an objective look into the mind of someone who wouldn't have thought themselves to be a "runner" and the journey it takes to make the changes and achieve the goals we set ourselves in life. It doesn't just happen. It isn't easy or glorified. Allowing others to look in and see the tough along with the triumphs tags a vulnerability that isn't as common as I once thought.
Thank you for letting us in your determined mindset Rob, inspiring changes within ourselves to be our best version of us.
December 22, 2020
Rob is a man with family, a job, daily life struggles. We learn about his determination, motivation and passion for running and pushing himself to the limit. His candor for sharing with us his fears and his doubts, while facing an ultra marathon race makes him one us and this book one of the most inspiring I have read on running. Audiobook version highly recommended. Thanks for the company on my long runs, Rob!
June 27, 2019
Relatable Read
What I loved about Rob's recount of the Ultra journey is that he is not a fitness junkie who discovered Ultra. He was an individual who was overweight, living an unhealthy lifestyle & had decided to change. Its not a book that preaches, it is his recount of living by example to achieve what he originally felt was impossible for a guy like him.
What I loved about Rob's recount of the Ultra journey is that he is not a fitness junkie who discovered Ultra. He was an individual who was overweight, living an unhealthy lifestyle & had decided to change. Its not a book that preaches, it is his recount of living by example to achieve what he originally felt was impossible for a guy like him.
August 24, 2021
I enjoyed this book, reading his personal journey, especially from where he started (NOWHERE) to where he ended up, because I feel like I'm currently starting from the same place.
However, I cannot help but wonder about the sacrifices his wife had to make in order to achieve this - it struck me that he traded one form of imbalance for another!
The book reads a bit like a racing log, at times. I would've like to have heard more about his training leading up to the different events. Perhaps he covers this in his blog and/or podcast.
All in all, an inspirational read for someone who aspires to similar goals.
However, I cannot help but wonder about the sacrifices his wife had to make in order to achieve this - it struck me that he traded one form of imbalance for another!
The book reads a bit like a racing log, at times. I would've like to have heard more about his training leading up to the different events. Perhaps he covers this in his blog and/or podcast.
All in all, an inspirational read for someone who aspires to similar goals.
March 14, 2019
This was one of those books I picked up and read cover to cover, much like Dean Karnazes's books. Rob is obviously not on the same level athletically as Karnazes but that's what made the stories so interesting and relevant.
March 1, 2020
I've been listening to Rob's podcast for a while, so I felt I had to give his book a go. It was very entertaining and heartfelt. Rob truly shows we have no limits, or rather that we can overcome the limits we impose on ourselves in our minds.
March 7, 2019
This was a fantastic memoir about a man discovering running and then discovering himself again through running. From couch to 240 mile race in three years. Lots of good content and inspiration.
April 1, 2019
INSPIRING for the every man and woman!
Really enjoyed this book as I prepare to take on my first ultra. Thanks for your words of inspiration and sharing!
Really enjoyed this book as I prepare to take on my first ultra. Thanks for your words of inspiration and sharing!
April 16, 2019
Ultras Rock
This book is about a non-elite, everyday, man who turned himself into a mindful ultra runner. Gave me more insight into myself and to unleash my dreams!! AWESOME READ!!
This book is about a non-elite, everyday, man who turned himself into a mindful ultra runner. Gave me more insight into myself and to unleash my dreams!! AWESOME READ!!
May 12, 2019
Great read on how Rob went from couch to 200 miler. Inspirational to those of use who are still dabbling in ultras
May 26, 2019
A very good read if you’re interested in running. This definitely made me want to see what my body and and mind are capable of doing.
June 20, 2019
Awesome view of ultrarunning
I loved seeing into what it takes to build up to and compete in ultra running. So many highs and lows.
I loved seeing into what it takes to build up to and compete in ultra running. So many highs and lows.
August 31, 2019
Fun read! I loved the stories and reading about the progression from a non-runner to a runner!
January 19, 2020
Great book from the perspective of an ultra runner.
February 19, 2020
Great book.
Rob tells his story with great expression. You see how much these moments ment to him and he challenges you to push past your comfort zone.
Rob tells his story with great expression. You see how much these moments ment to him and he challenges you to push past your comfort zone.
June 10, 2020
Loved this book. Raw and real, from an ordinary guy with no limitations placed on himself, yet real doubts and fears. Success is in the journey.
August 20, 2020
What a fantastic story of human perseverance and pushing the limits of what one can do! This is a MUST listen for anyone at ANY level of fitness!
November 25, 2020
An absolutely inspiring story!
December 28, 2020
A great story teller and a great book!
September 4, 2021
I love a good ultramarathon story. This did not disappoint.
July 10, 2022
Great story of an inspiring life change. Certainly not for everyone, but it is impressive what you can do when you decide to change.
April 6, 2024
Didn't learn much, nor enjoy the stories.
July 13, 2024
This story is too relatable
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews