Ultramarathon Runner Dean Karnazes on the Virtue of Self-Discipline | And Now We Do What Is Necessary

Jun 16, 2021

Dean Karnazes, an American ultramarathon runner and author, shares thrilling insights from his life of endurance and discipline. He explores the fascinating relationship between running and self-discovery, revealing how physical limits can lead to mental resilience. Karnazes delves into the significance of Stoicism in athletics, emphasizing perseverance and balance. He also discusses the implications of training, personal standards, and the intersection of running with creativity and history, providing a unique perspective on pushing human boundaries.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Intertwined Well-being

Dean Karnazes sees physical and mental health as intertwined.
He believes physical activity improves mental well-being, and vice-versa.

INSIGHT

The Lying Voice

Ryan Holiday and Dean Karnazes discuss the internal voice during runs.
They agree this voice often lies about one's limitations.

ANECDOTE

Embracing the Suck

Dean Karnazes sometimes embraces the unpleasantness of challenging runs.
He believes experiencing the full range of emotions, even negative ones, is valuable.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

A Runner's High

My Life in Motion

Dean Karnazes

In *A Runner's High*, Dean Karnazes chronicles his extraordinary adventures, from running in extreme conditions like Death Valley and the South Pole to his return to the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run in his mid-fifties. The book is a powerful narrative on life, running, and perseverance, offering insights into Karnazes's personal journey and the emotional challenges he faces.

Ultramarathon Man

Confessions of an All-Night Runner

Dean Karnazes

Ultramarathon Man is a memoir that chronicles Dean Karnazes' remarkable career as an ultrarunner. The book covers his childhood, his early running experiences, and his most notable achievements, such as running 262 miles without rest, completing 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days, and running in extreme environments like Death Valley and the South Pole. Karnazes writes with candor and humor, explaining how running has shaped his life and providing answers to the questions he is often asked about his motivations and training. The book is both inspiring and entertaining, offering a unique glimpse into the life of a hard-core ultrarunner who balances his athletic pursuits with a full-time job and family life.

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running

Haruki Murakami

In this memoir, Haruki Murakami reflects on his experiences with long-distance running and how it has influenced his writing. He started running in the early 1980s and has since completed over twenty marathons and an ultramarathon. The book delves into the parallels between running and writing, highlighting the discipline, perseverance, and mental fortitude required for both. Murakami shares his training regimens, memorable races, and the philosophical insights he has gained from his running experiences, which have significantly impacted his creative life.

Lives of the Stoics

The Art of Living from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius

Ryan Holiday

Stephen Hanselman

This book presents the fascinating lives of twenty-six ancient Stoics, from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius, organized in digestible mini-biographies. It vividly brings to life the stories of key Stoic philosophers, such as Seneca, Epictetus, and Cicero, and demonstrates how their philosophies shaped their actions and legacies. The authors intertwine historical context with philosophical insights, making the book both educational and entertaining. It shows how Stoic principles can be applied to modern life, emphasizing virtues like Courage, Justice, Temperance, and Wisdom[1][3][5].

The Road to Sparta

Dean Karnazes

No description available.

50/50

Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days -- and How You Too Can Achieve Super Endurance!

Dean Karnazes

Matt Fitzgerald

In '50/50', Dean Karnazes recounts his incredible feat of running 50 marathons in 50 states over 50 days, sharing practical advice on recovery, adapting to extreme conditions, preventing muscle cramps, pacing, and staying motivated. The book offers insights into the mindset and training regimens of an extreme athlete, applicable to athletes of all levels.