A Runner’s High

My Life in Motion

By: Dean Karnazes

Narrated by: Andrew Eiden

Length: 7 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's Summary

New York Times best-selling author and ultramarathoning legend 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 extraordinary adventures leading up to his return to the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run in his mid-50s after first completing the race decades ago. The Western States, infamous for its rugged terrain and extreme temperatures, becomes the most demanding competition of Karnazes’s life, a physical and emotional reckoning and a battle to stay true to one’s purpose. Confronting his age, his career path, and his life choices, we see Karnazes as we never have before.

For Karnazes, the running experience is about the runner and the trail. It is not the sum of achievements but a story that continues to be told each day, with each step. A Runner’s High is at once an endorphin-fueled adventure and a love letter to the sport from one of its most celebrated ambassadors that will leave both casual and serious runners cheering.

©2021 Dean Karnazes (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

Skip the Audible Version- Trust Me

This was my first experience with Dean, and while I’m sure he’s a great guy, as I finish this book I’m not a fan. That’s because the narrator is so bad that I’m struggling to separate Dean from the audio. Unless you like the idea of having Michael Keaton’s Batman (who often sounds like he’s from SoCal and that he’s high) read a book to you for over 7 hours, I strongly encourage you to skip this one.

As far as the writing goes, it’s just ok. It wasn’t until about chapter 8 or 9 that he actually starts to discuss Western States which is why I picked this one to listen to.

Almost couldn’t finish it

I am a big fan of Karno, but this was tough. The book seemed overly descriptive. If he had put the thesaurus away it could have shaved an hour or more off the read time with no elements of the story missing. The narrator was terrible. I prefer an audio book with no voices, like Andrew’s interpretation of Dean’s parents voices, etc. was brutal. He was so over the top, it took away from the already over the top story telling. Just eh.

The Book Is Amazing - Hold the Audio/Narration

The narration is abysmal, truly. Get the hard copy and pick another audiobook. Trust me on it!

Narrator ruins it.

The guy reading is annoying as hell with all the silly dramatic nonsense he adds to the reading.

Dean being transparent

Dean shares his successes and struggles. The struggles were relatable. The shenanigans made for interesting listening too. I liked learning a little more about his delightful family. Dean is really refining his skills as a writer.

okay

Strange it seemed many times in the story the author just used eloquent words to fill dialog as a story that could of been told quicker. As for me sad Dean didn't read it because I rather enjoy his reading style but still a good book about entering the crossroads of a life once lived and one yet to be foretold.

Excellent

I know I will enjoy a book by Dean Karnazes, his compassion for people and love of running pretty much guarantee it. His writing style expands in A Runner’s High - for one example, the way he presented his doubts about his relationship with his son in a chapter hooked and surprised me.
The narrator was a pretty close match, I think it really helps for the narrator to come across like Dean and this one gets close.
Definitely a great listen and I hope Dean writes another soon.

Took a minute to settle in

This one was a little hard for me at first, following my listen of Can’t Hurt Me was not an easy task. I’m glad I stuck with it, it was great story to listen to during my walks & I am again faced with the challenge of finding what’s next.

Almost 5 Overall

I almost gave this book five stars overall. The withholding of the fifth star is due to my belief that I am intelligent enough to understand anything anymore wants to communicate without the use of the “S” and “F” words.

Entertaining! Love it!

Found this to be entertaining and engaging contrary to what others said. Appreciate the narrator’s dramatic flair! I’ve just discovered running and I’m definitely inspired by the author’s passion.