Running on Empty

May 1, 2011

In 2008, Ulrich, a record-breaking ultramarathoner, set out to accomplish the ultimate ultrarunning goal: running across the United States. He here tells a story of physical and mental stresses, also including further details of his personal history and successes as a competitive ultramarathoner. He reveals how he used running to distance himself from conflict and his emotions, causing strained relationships with his three children. Through this book, Ulrich describes how the transcontinental run put an incredible strain on his body, causing him to become more dependent and emotionally closer to his current wife. The appendixes include his training, race statistics, diet and nutrition plan, injuries sustained, and gear. Ulrich joins an elite group of transcontinental runners; however, his writing makes tedious and repetitive what should be a fascinating story. Despite these flaws, Ulrich is an inspiring character, and his book is recommended for readers interested enough in the topic to bear with its weaknesses.

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2011
Ulrich is an extreme athlete, who regularly runs races of more than 100 miles. In 2008, at 57, he decided to run from San Francisco to New York. He made it in 52 days in the third fastest time ever. That is the equivalent of running a marathon and a 10K race every day for almost two months. His immersion into running was a manifestation of survivors guilt after his wife died from cancer almost 30 years ago. While he blocked out the grief by piling up the miles, Ulrichs obsession also damaged other relationships, including those with his children. Against that backstory, he relates the particulars of his epic cross-country run, which is also the subject of a documentary film, Running America. The logistics of the run prove fascinatinglining up sponsors, plotting his route, and assembling a support crew. Equally compelling, though, is the story of his personal odyssey to self-awareness, which has resulted in his ability to forge healthier relationships with sport and with those he loves.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)