"Running On Empty" Book Review

"Running On Empty. An Ultramarathoner's Story of Love, Loss and a Record-Setting Run Across America"

Marshall Ulrich was once crowned "The Endurance King" by Outside Magazine and somehow that title does not seem adequate.  His jaw dropping resume speaks for itself:

• Climbed the Seven Summits, including the peak of Mount Everest, all on his first attempts.
• Earned the third-fastest run across America (3,063.2 miles from San Francisco to New York), which is detailed in this book.
• Crossed Death Valley on foot, in July, a record 22 times, including a self-contained, unaided solo and a “quad” of nearly 600 miles.
• One of only three people to have competed in all nine Eco-Challenges.
• The only person to ever do the Leadville 100 Trail Run and the Pikes Peak Marathon on the same weekend!

Marshall's mental toughness and ability to forge ahead are legendary.  In "Running On Empty" we get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at what it takes to run across the country, 3,062 miles in 52 days... at age 57.  Really.    The 2008 transcontinental run was documented in the movie "Running America".  I could not wait to read his personal account of the run.   I have heard many of Marshall's interviews and read his blog and various articles so I knew he was a good storyteller.  

This book describes the mental toughness, focus, pain management and physical toll involved in ultrarunning.   Surprisingly, it also shows the vulnerability, self-discovery and heart of a man running away from loss, sorrow and his inner demons.   

As we watch Superman leap tall buildings... we also realize he is flawed... like the rest of us.  The love story between Marshall and his wife, Heather, also shows that ultrarunning is not as solitary an endeavor as it seems.  

As I read the book I found myself searching for my running shoes.  It also made me think about setting loftier goals.  How far can I go?  Why not try?

I encourage you to get a copy of "Running on Empty" and see what Marshall is made of.  I think it will motivate you to find your own limits.  


I had the pleasure of interviewing Marshall on the March 7, 2011 episode of Pure Fit Radio.  Click here to listen:  Pure Fit Radio past shows