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katelynnjune808's review against another edition
5.0
This was my second time finishing this book- it is still an incredible story of resilience, perseverance, love, and a little luck. Readers follow infamous runner Scott Jurek, his wife Jenny Jurek, and a colorful 'ever-changing' cast of characters as they travel North in seek of the FKT. They battle both physical and mental challenges over their 47 day trip- and emerge forever transformed by their journey.
I loved hearing Jenny's perspective on her time in 'Castle Black' supporting Scott through this endeavor; it added a level of reality- and reminded me of my own partner and the challenges that come when stakes are high and sleep is low.
I would recommend this book even to someone unfamiliar with ultrarunning- it has something in here that everyone can relate to: the human need to know oneself, prove oneself, and transform oneself by doing hard things with the people they love.
I loved hearing Jenny's perspective on her time in 'Castle Black' supporting Scott through this endeavor; it added a level of reality- and reminded me of my own partner and the challenges that come when stakes are high and sleep is low.
I would recommend this book even to someone unfamiliar with ultrarunning- it has something in here that everyone can relate to: the human need to know oneself, prove oneself, and transform oneself by doing hard things with the people they love.
rhywia's review against another edition
3.75
As a book objectively, it is a 3.5 or 3.75. Simple prose, just a biography almost of Scott Jurek's FKT attempt of the Appalachian Trail. I will always enjoy reading it, as I see it as a testament to human determination, willpower and spirit. And the spirit of doing something with no enunciated reason. I think that sort of mindset is one of my favourites. Do things cause it feels right, or you have the feeling that you should. You need nothing more than that feeling to do things in life. While i love that mindset, I am still working towards embodying that mindset.
ozhaawashkogiizhig's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.25
nillsf's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing read for (aspiring) ultra-runners.
The good:
- Builds the story behind the FKT attempt.
- Shows the runner's perspective, as well as the support crew perspective.
- Talks about the highs and the lows.
The bad:
- Some descriptions about the low end up being repetitive.
- Somewhat glorifies pain, and sets a horrible example for other runners (it's a horrible idea to run 50 miles a day with a knee and quad injury)
The good:
- Builds the story behind the FKT attempt.
- Shows the runner's perspective, as well as the support crew perspective.
- Talks about the highs and the lows.
The bad:
- Some descriptions about the low end up being repetitive.
- Somewhat glorifies pain, and sets a horrible example for other runners (it's a horrible idea to run 50 miles a day with a knee and quad injury)
duparker's review against another edition
4.0
While the portions written by Jenny didn't initially grab me, the full picture aspect of the book was great. The emotion and the trauma of making this journey was pretty interesting and the flavor of the book was great.