Ducking Long Way: Ultra Running for the Rest of Us

by Mark Atkinson

Mark Atkinson is living proof that you don't have to be 'good' at running to make it through a marathon or even further. Packed with insights and tips, pitfalls and joy, Ducking Long Way invites you to join him for a beer at mile thirty as he pushes himself as far as he can while still running for the sheer joy of it.

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2021

Reviews

[ProofProfessor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good-humoured and -natured, generously told, easy-going account: a light and enjoyable read that I would recommend. (Nearly 50 typos and other editorial problems, though: authors deserve better!)

[Emanuele Gemelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dunno; I have many books about running and normally I get inspired by those to wear my shoes and give it another go. For whatever reason I did not find this motivating and at times I felt obnoxious. The author, a 100+ marathon “casual” runner trains with my same style, a la Forrest Gump: “go out, do some mileage, and you’ll get it done”. However, it felt unreal, not that the guy lied, but it seemed too much, too incredible to be real, although I am sure what he described was authentic. Maybe, it’s just a matter of writing style

[Twan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely written and keeps you reading to see what this (normal) guy can achieve!

[Scott E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining enough but definitely at the lower end of the spectrum for books of this type. Easily described as blog posts in paperback

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a runner myself I don't mind a good running book but I'm sure he's just trying to show off with his "slow plod" 9 minutes mile. It's like he's trying to make the real slower runners feel bad.

[Edit Burla · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is good to read an (ultra-)running book by someone who is not a natural-born athlete. I like Mark's comparatively relaxed approach and his insistence that running should first and foremost be enjoyable. I take my hat off to him, he has done so very well. His ongoing self-deprecation however became tedious after a while. Somebody needs to pat him on the back and assure him that he is a real runner.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious. I don't know if Mark Atkinson is trying to encourage or discourage future ultra-runners.