Ultrarunning for Normal People - by Sid Garza-Hillman (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Whether you're an experienced runner or a complete beginner, this inspiring book will motivate you to train your body and mind to complete one of the hardest physical feats of all--an ultramarathon

Ultra-races--distances longer than 26.2 miles--aren't for "normal people." Normal people have jobs, families, or a million other obligations that do not exist in the world of ultrarunning. Or that's what Sid Garza-Hillman thought as he faced the starting line of his first 50K.

But the more he learned about the sport, the more he realized that ultrarunning is for more than elite athletes: moms, dads, grandparents, young people, old people, people with full-time jobs, and others successfully cross the finish lines of ultra-races around the world every year.

In this book, Sid distills the life lessons he's learned from the trails--as a ten-time ultramarathoner and Race Director of the Mendocino Coast 50K--to teach you how to:

• Move through the fear and mental blocks that prevent you from reaching your goals--on and off the trail
• Slow down and be present in a world full of endless distractions
• Test your mettle and prove you're stronger than you ever knew
• Commit to a well-rounded--but realistic and adaptable--training plan

Not your typical ultramarathon training guide with rigid schedules and prescribed workouts, this book powerfully outlines the invaluable struggles, benefits, and life lessons that await anyone who dares to dive into the world of ultrarunning.

Review Quotes

"As a runner whose life was changed for the better by tackling the challenge of completing ultramarathons, I'm encouraged by the growth in popularity of these events. With its combination of inspiration, humor, and practicality, Ultrarunning for Normal People promises to accelerate this happy trend, changing many more lives--and perhaps yours--for the better."
--Matt Fitzgerald, author of Life Is a Marathon

"Have a job, family, and responsibilities, but want to challenge yourself with an ultramarathon? Sid Garza-Hillman has written the perfect book for you. Not your typical ultramarathon training guide, this book powerfully outlines lessons and habits to help you both successfully run your first ultramarathon and navigate a busy life."
--Doug Hay, running coach and co-host of No Meat Athlete Radio

"This book is funny, relatable, and very informative. If you are interested in taking the plunge into ultrarunning or if you're already an ultrarunner, I suggest you read this book. There's something for everyone."
--Hillary Allen, professional ultrarunner and author of Out and Back

"Garza-Hillman's book shows us that our connections to nature, community, and our bodies are more important than most of us realize in a fast-paced, technology-driven modern world. Trail running is one of the best practices to build these connections, to slow down, and is something nearly any of us can do. Whether you're on the fence about signing up for a race because it seems intimidating, or an experienced trail runner already, this book offers insights into how trail running can be a transformative life experience and bring us back to our empowering "wild" side."
--Tayte Pollmann, Writer for the American Trail Running Association

"As a road runner I found so many parallels but also felt so inspired to dabble in trail running because it no longer felt so far out of reach but rather attainable. I have no doubt I'll do an ultra in the future and be re-reading Sid's book."
--Michaela Robertson, Strides for Strength

About the Author

Sid Garza-Hillman is the author of three books: Approaching the Natural: A Health Manifesto, Raising Healthy Parents: Small Steps, Less Stress, and a Thriving Family, and Six Truths: Live by These Truths and Be Happy. Don't and You Won't. He holds a BA in Philosophy from UCLA, is a public speaker, podcaster (What Sid Thinks Podcast), certified nutritionist & running coach, Oxygen Advantage(R) breathing instructor, and founder of smallsteppers.com. He is the Stanford Inn & Resort's Wellness Programs Director and Race Director of the Mendocino Coast 50K trail ultramarathon.