A Runner's High: Older, Wiser, Slower, Stronger

by Dean Karnazes

Dean Karnazes has pushed his body and mind to inconceivable limits, from running in the shoe-melting heat of Death Valley to the lung-freezing cold of the South Pole. He's raced and competed across the globe and once ran 50 marathons, in 50 states, in 50 consecutive days.

In A Runner's High , Karnazes chronicles his return to the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run in his mid-fifties after first completing the race decades ago. The Western States, infamous for its rugged terrain and extreme temperatures, becomes the most demanding competition of his life, a physical and emotional reckoning and a battle to stay true to one's purpose. Confronting his age, wearying body, career path and life choices, we see Karnazes as we never have before, raw and exposed. A Runner's High is both an endorphin-fuelled page-turner and a love letter to the sport from one of its most celebrated ambassadors.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports, Memoir, Audiobook, Biography, Health, Fitness

Paperback

First published April 20, 2021

About the author

Dean Karnazes (b. Constantine Karnazes) is an American ultramarathon runner and author.

Reviews

[Andrew Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

About ten years ago, at a time I’d revived my own love of running, I worked my way through a couple of Dean’s early books. I really enjoyed reading about the way he seemed to have reinvigorated his love of life through the act of running. Moreover, it wasn’t just any kind of running, his version was all about taking on extreme, long distance runs. I’d run a couple of marathons but this stuff was hardcore – I didn’t know there was a group of so-called ‘ultramarathon’ runners out there doing this stuff. So intrigued was I that I decided to dabble a bit myself and in due course I took on a couple of these races (at the lower end of the spectrum, I have to say). What an adventure it was, and I have Karno to thank for it.

But coming to this book I did wonder what else the man had to say about his chosen discipline – hadn’t he already said it, several times over. However, I’m pleased to say that he has found a new angle to explore: that of how a mature, seasoned (some might say grizzled) runner can still enjoy the physical and mental challenges of his chosen sport despite being of an age (he’s in his mid to late fifties) whereby he no longer has the legs that used to make him a contender to win such events.

Dean wants to run one more Western States 100 (miles, that is). The event takes place on a trail starting in Olympic Valley, California and finishing in Auburn, California. Competitors have 30 hours to complete the course, running day and night with minimal breaks along the way. It’s a truly gruelling course which climbs some 18,000 feet and descends nearly 23,000 feet. And Dean is somewhat late in making his decision to run, leaving him with precious little time to complete the necessary training for this race.

He takes us through, in some detail, his participation in a 50 mile warm up race and then the big one itself. It’s entertaining stuff as he truly struggles along each of the courses, and such is the level of each challenge that it’s far from certain that he’ll complete either of these runs. His commentary is funny and often self-deprecating as he brings alive the true horror (and I do think that’s the appropriate word) of these undertakings. We meet members of his family, who support him as ‘crew’, and quite a few fellow competitors and volunteers. I thought it was all really well pieced together: highly entertaining account which evoked the real atmosphere and pain of these unrelenting events.

Dean clearly loves running, he’s addicted to it and he’s built a life around it. This book is dripping with his enthusiasm for his chosen sport and reading it I couldn’t help occasionally glancing down at a pair of somewhat worn, and more recently under used, running shoes languishing in a dusty corner. Yes, I really must get out on a decent long run again soon.

Full disclosure: I received a free e-copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Dan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't going to review "A Runner's High" but just give it a star rating and move on. I've heard criticisms of anonymous people who take time to write up a review of a book they hated, and I partly agree. But I didn't hate Karnazes' book; I just found it mediocre. And potential readers are entitled to honest reviews so they truly know what to expect. I liked "A Runner's High" enough to finish it. I am personally a long-distance and sometime ultrarunner, so the subject intrigued me. I've been familiar with Karnazes' exploits for years, but this was the first of his books I've read, so maybe others are better. I love reading and watching videos of the Western States 100, and perhaps the most comprehensive race report of WS makes up the last third of "A Runner's High." But first, the title and subtitle of this book are totally inaccurate. "A Runner's High" is actually an account of one ultra Karnazes does leading up to WS and then an account of Western States itself. The whole book takes place over the span of a few months. There are very few runner's highs in it, and it does not depict Karnazes' lifetime. While there are a few flashbacks, the title is misleading. Secondly, the writing is flat-out bad. I'm an English major, albeit out of school for 25 years, but I felt myself cringing anytime Karnazes tried to add metaphors. They were unoriginal and added nothing to his descriptions. It's almost as though a high school English teacher told a student to add similes and metaphors, so the student did so without understanding why. Karnazes' dialogue was also stiff and wooden. Dialogue is supposed to enhance the characters, but in "A Runner's High," all the characters sounded alike. I guess I don't care what your book is about: if you can't write well then don't write a book. "A Runner's High" left me feeling like it was yet another money grab from a niche runner who's found a way to monetize his passion. Don't get me wrong - I'm fine with shameless self-promotion. Why not get paid for doing something you love? But then Karnazes makes sure to point out multiple times in the book how annoying it is when people ask him for selfies and autographs. You can't have it both ways. I feel like a good editor would've kept him from his worst impulses, like the clunky metaphors and moments that make him look like a spoiled child. But maybe the editor couldn't contend with Karnazes' ego, which is my biggest gripe with this book. Maybe the author thought everything about his writing was great and didn't allow any changes. I was put off by Karnazes' judgments about anyone who wasn't, well, him. He thought his way of turning running into a career was the only way, and he made some very pointed comments about people with "normal" jobs, how this was soul-sucking, he'd rather be dead, etc. Maybe this hit close to home, because I have one of those office jobs. Sure, I'd rather be running, racing, but my soul-sucking job pays pretty well and has good benefits. When I made the choice to get married and have children, I also made a choice to support them financially and emotionally. Everything, I believe, should be in balance. Karnazes' running career seems to have tipped out of balance, to the detriment of his family life. He admits to some distance from his wife and son, yet he can't understand why they are largely indifferent to his running pursuits. He won't meet them on their terms. His son was a football player in high school, and Karnazes mentions going to the games but not being supportive of Nick. The only way he can seem to bond with his son is through racing, after Nick agrees to crew him at WS. Throughout "A Runner's High," there's a sense of fear from the author that he has put all his eggs in one basket - the running career - and it's passing him by. In the meantime, he's sacrificed his relationships with his own family. Karnazes seems most pleased with his eighty year-old parents because they'll drop everything and support him in his running quests. Again the selfishness grates. I fully commend Karnazes for pushing the sport of ultrarunning forward, and he's accomplished a lot. Online comments of him being slow are unfair. He's maybe not the fastest runner, but his endurance is inspiring. His ego is not, along with some of his views. The author seems much happier when WS was a local race; he doesn't like that it's grown to become international, and his description of a French runner he encounters is flat-out insulting. The sport is leaving Karnazes behind, and maybe that's a good thing.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Nonfiction/Memoir/Sports. I liked this one, but I didn't love it. What I liked the most was how he'd have to talk himself into finishing these 100 mile races. It felt honest and that is something that impressed me. He had valid reasons to stop, but he pushed through the physical and emotional fog with renewed determination to get to the end.

I also liked that his races were family affairs. But with that said, I would have liked more info on the family that supported him though all of the running and the traveling and helping. His mom and wife felt like footnotes. His dad and son got a little more light, but not much. So 3 stars.

[Kristin Hirsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

"There are two ways to run an ultramarathon:
1. You keep your head down and grind through it one mile at a time
2. I dont know the second way"

Wise and terrifying words to remember as I train for my first later this summer!

[Carianne Carleo-Evangelist · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't much care for this book, which is surprising as I've enjoyed his others. This felt more like "I'm writing a book because I have to" rather than "I have a story to tell". I'd have liked a little more depth about his relationship with his son, father and less about "oh look at what I've done through my career" which, other than meeting Michelle Obama, he's covered in his prior books. There just wasn't a lot new here. I was glad he finished Western States, but I wasn't as interested in that as I was his Silk Road ultra. Traveling Dean is more fun I guess.

[Sam Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just another poorly written ultra running book that is just a glorified race report. I don't recommend reading this. Dean does hold a special place in my heart because his 'Ultramarathon Man' is what got me interested in Ultras in the first place.

[Bill Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Edit: I changed from 4 stars to 3 stars in June 2024 after thinking about it in comparison to other books I’ve read recently. It was just not as good as my other 4 star books

3 or 4 stars for this. Pretty interesting, and I learned a lot about Western States and ultra running, but it is about a relatively short and seemingly random part of his life (the couple months leading up to his 12th Western States). Can’t remember why this was on my Want to Read vs one of his other books. Also his dialogue feels sort of fake or forced. He has done a lot of impressive stuff though so have to put some respect on his name.

As an aside, this is my fifth book of the year which is a ripping pace compared to my historicals. Some people are now starting to call me Bill Bookworm. I credit deleting the Twitter YouTube and LinkedIn apps.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a PRC of this book. Legendary runner Dean Karnazes prepares to run Western States 100 once again. He looks back on his adventures as well as reflects on a life of running. Karnazes is a prolific writer and he doesn't disappoint in this book. The narrative rambles a bit, almost in a conversational story. He also recaps his race, which is so descriptive that I felt as if I was on the course with him. Another great offering from this running icon.

[Danielle Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great book, not just for people who like running, but a great book all around. I’m not an ultra-marathoner, but I understand the author’s love of running. I’m just amazed that his body doesn’t completely fall apart the way mine seems too! It was amazing reading about these incredible long distance events and how they transform the person running them.

[Ryan Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good read. I like the guy but dropped him a wee star as he was doing my tits in on some pages.

[Dave Westerhaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed coming along with Dean on his races. I also run to feel alive and really enjoyed his in depth thought by thought recollections of his running ultras.

[Aaron S · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ stars. One of the better books I’ve read, running or otherwise.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun book, he is an entertaining author with good writing. Lots of times he writes of simple things, but describes them in such detailed and exaggerated, dramatic ways that is makes you laugh (which I think is intended). I recommend it, great stories which were really fun to listen to during long trail runs.

[Madi Hanseder · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4. Good book! Ultramarathon runners are insane! This one focused on his struggles as an aging runner and how he faces&overcomes those struggles, so it was kinda hard to relate to (but let’s be real, I can’t relate to any ultra runner😅). Might try reading one of his other books. Still recommend to any runners tho!

[Blake Deines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun little weekend read. All about Mr. Karnazes’ experience running the Western States 100 miler for the last time. As a runner, his wisdom and thoughts on the subject were comfortingly akin to familiarity. Even though I’ve never met the guy it seems, as a runner, there is an unspoken bond written between the lines of his prose.

[Rui Martins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book while I was running 42km, and the journey that the Dean Karnazes take us is surreal.
Is real inspirational e motivational to keep going forward towards our goals in life!
Thank you :)

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been in awe of athletes who attempt extreme challenges- the type of challenge that requires more than physical preparedness. The dig deep, true grit moments where most of us (saner folks) would ask why?!? Dean Karnazes is one of those athletes. I thoroughly enjoyed the self deprecating humor he used to recount his experience in completing his extreme feats.

[Heather Dziadula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. But it has convinced me I never want to be an ultra runner.

[Lindsey Atkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not an ultra runner, but this book was so intriguing. I loved going through the races with him.

[Jen (The Jenerator) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't as great as the previous one about this race, but it's a running book so....I liked it :)

[Seth Caiola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wants to make me go run a hundred miles, perfect show of adversity and grit

[Des Ritchie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as his earlier books, but entertaining nonetheless!

[James Lovaas · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In my mind, you win when you reach the start line, not the finish line” - Dean Karnazes

A book about running? Sure, but much more than that. Dean’s journey to complete the Western States 100? It is absolutely an engaging detailed account of his preparation for and his experience running in the 2018 race...but you’d be missing the joy of the writing if that’s all you got out of his new book.

The 2018 Westarn States 100 (arguably one of the most difficult US races) provides a backdrop for a deeper look into the mind of a maturing athlete. If you’ve read previous books by Karnazes, you are familiar with many of the amazing accomplishments for this ultrarunner. He has completed some of the most challenging and treacherous races across the globe. He has inspired adults and children with his physical (and surely mental) endurance feats. Yet, this book really reminds us all that the current challenge - whether a race or another obstacle in life - is a culmination of all that we’ve experienced and/or trained across all our life.

In the book, I Can Only Imagine, Bart Mullard is told by Amy Grant that he “didn’t write this song in ten minutes. It took a lifetime” (Mullard, 2018). That was the sense I got when reading this book. I came away with an appreciation for Dean's journey. While we read about this particularly challenging race, we learned more about his relationship with his parents and with his wife and children. We observe a husband and father longing to leave a legacy. We also come face to face with the struggle of aging as our minds and bodies come into conflict. Dean completed the Western States 100 ten times, yet the one time he didn’t finish pushed him to enter again when he was arguably not prepared.

A Runner’s High, is not a book praising the athletic abilities and career accomplishments of one man. It is certainly not a book promoting ultra running or long distance racing. It is a book that reveals the inner heart of an ultra runner. It is a book reminding all of us that our lives are preparing us for the moments to come and challenging us to meet those moments head on.

“Running an ultra is simple; all you have to do is not stop” - Dean Karnazes

[Dino · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently saw this on the proverbial shelf of an Ironman whom I respect and decided to pick it up. I listened to the book during my runs so it was a good companion to get into the mindset of working through an endurance event where all the rational senses are telling you to stop. It’s not a book about running, but rather about Dean’s experience of a single race. This, by the way, is not a criticism - it’s a fast and enjoyable read (well, “listen” since I listened to it).

[John Sakellaris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Μόνο για φανς του ΚΑΡΝο

[Aly Haebig · Rating 4 out of 5]

The narrator’s voice (kind of patronizing tbh) threw me for a minute but once I got used to it I was able to listen to a solid, well-thought out story.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good vignettes of part's of his runs over the years

[Greg Zimmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karnazes, the undisputed first bro of ultra running, gives us this chronicle of his return to Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run in 2018, after a 10-year break. He also writes (sometimes with more than a little melodrama and maybe guffaw-worthy earnestness) about what running means to him and what it can mean to you to if you just follow his advice.

I loved the first and last sections as he’s actually describing the races — a tune-up 100k and the Western States itself. The waxing poetic I could more often than not do without.

[Ross Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite part of the book was Dean's description of the 100K he ran, at the book's beginning. It pulled me in more than the 100 miler did. Overall an entertaining book if you like running, but there were several parts where my attention waned. I'd like to hear more about his run across the US, which he spends a relatively brief amount of time on. Perhaps it's in another book of his? I also enjoyed this book so much more than Ultramarathon Man. By the time he wrote this one his humility is greater and his ego reduced. It's neat to see him evolve as a writer. A quote I enjoyed:

Though what defines us as individuals is not that we encounter hardship, for everyone does, but how we carry ourselves in such instances when things don't go our way.

[Hunter Pardue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Karnazes captures the feeling all runners have and puts it to words that recalls all the reasons I enjoy running. The pain, suffering, highs, lows, and ultimately the magic of running is described in RUNNERS HIGH. The way he tells his attempt of Western States while recounting memories of the past reminds me of how I get lost in my thoughts on a run. He reminds us: it is not about the finish line photo, but the high and agony of each step to the finish line. Runners of all distances and paces will find this inspiring and motivating.