Ed Ayres, one of the pioneers in ultrarunning, has just released a new book, The Longest Race, chronicling his running of the 2011 JFK 50 mile Endurance Run. If you are thinking this is just another book about running, you will be pleasantly surprised to discover that it IS that, but so much more!
The chapters cover the race from start to finish, with vivid descriptions of the course that make you feel that you are running along side Mr. Ayres the whole way. What sets this book apart is the way Mr. Ayres artfully and seamlessly mixes in thoughts on history, anthropology, evolution, the human race and a host of other topics while keeping the reader engaged the whole time. The more serious issues are not presented in a didactic way at all, but rather laid out in front of the reader to ponder, perhaps on a long trail run!
On the running side, one of my favorite Chapters from the book is "Taylor's Landing" Negotiating with Fatigue-and Turning Long Hours into Moments. A must read for all runners. You will no doubt smile as you read this chapter, as we have all been in this predicament before, battling with fatigue and all the mental challenges that come along with it!
So with the arrival of Fall, I would strongly encourage you to pick up a copy of the book, prop your feet up, (After your run of course) and settle in for some enjoyable reading. You will learn about running, but will also learn more about yourself and the world around you.
Find the Book here: http://www.amazon.com/The-Longest-Race-Ultramarathon-Endurance/dp/1615190635
Learn more about Ed Ayres: http://www.ed-ayres.com/
Thanks for the review..... It's going on my "To Read" list :)
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