Running on Empty

An Ultramarathoner’s Story of Love, Loss, and a Record-Setting Run Across America

By: Marshall Ulrich

Narrated by: Adam Verner

Length: 7 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's Summary

A fascinating glimpse into the mind of an ultramarathon runner and the inspirational saga of his run across America.

The ultimate endurance athlete, Marshall Ulrich has run more than 100 foot races averaging over 100 miles each, completed 12 expedition-length adventure races, and ascended the seven summits - including Mount Everest. Yet, his run from California to New York - the equivalent of running two marathons and a 10k every day for nearly two months straight - proved to be his most challenging effort yet. In Running on Empty, he shares the gritty backstory of his run and the excruciating punishments he endured on the road. Ulrich also reaches back nearly 30 years to when the death of his first wife drove him to run from his pain.

Ulrich's memoir imbues an incredible listen with a universal message for athletes and nonathletes alike: face the toughest challenges, overcome debilitating setbacks, and find deep fulfillment in something greater than achievement.

©2011 Marshall Ulrich (P)2019 Tantor

Selfish man, lacking insight

I had a hard time getting past what a selfish ass the author is. Early on he actually says he resents that his wife caring for her dying father caused him to feel resentful because he wanted to come first. That’s him pretty much all the way through. I felt tremendous pity for his wife. He seems to put himself first always to the detriment of his past and current wives as well as his children. His lack of insight is stunning. I think he actually seeks out these extreme challenges solely to ensure he is everyone’s number one focus. Honestly he is so unlikable, it was hard to get through.

Couldn't finish

This was so hard to listen to. Essentially a serenade to his wife. Not at all what I was looking for in a running book.

Captivating

Yes, I am a runner so this book touches my heart. But even if you’ve never ran a step in your life this book shows a strength we can all tap deep within us to accomplish anything if we only keep moving forward. Highly recommend

Narration is atrocious

I know Marshall is a legend, most ultra runners do…I don’t need him to tell me himself so often, as he does in this book.
Add that to the atrocious narration and this book gets 1 star at best from me.

Meh

The guy who reads it shouldn’t read another book.
A lot of repeating in the book in my opinion but interesting story just written poorly

nice read

Currently going through a tough 'season' myself in 2020, not related to any virus. But being a long time endurance athlete in cycling and occasional ultra over the last 30 years, it was nice to hear/ connect all the 'life' ups and downs and relationship challenges he had gone through over the years himself. Prob why Forrest Gump is one of my fav movies, because shows how many diff cycles/ storys there can be in a persons life.