RELENTLESS FORWARD COMMOTION
RELENTLESS FORWARD COMMOTION

Marshall Ulrich’s "Running on Empty" review & giveaway

by 152 Comments

Last Updated on January 31, 2022 by Heather Hart, ACSM EP, CSCS

I’ve said it a few times on this blog already but I’ll say it again: I don’t really read books for pleasure. Textbooks: necessary.  Interesting articles I come across: of course.  The Hungry Lady Bug and other tongue twister picture books: part of my job description.  But 200+ page chapter books, fiction or non, for my own pleasure? Doesn’t happen very often.  It’s not that I don’t enjoy reading, it’s just that, dare I use the age-old parent go-to excuse, there just isn’t enough TIME in the day.

So when I do sacrifice the time to pour all of my attention into a book, it’s got to be good. It has to hold my attention, and shut up the voices inside of me saying “dishes need to be done, fold that laundry, you should really vacuum, don’t you have a paper due?”  Marshall Ulrich, world renowned extreme endurance athlete, succeeded in not only shutting up those voices, but captivating them as well, with his new book “Running on Empty“.  I read the book in one day, with a two year old and a four year old simultaneously using me and the couch as a jungle gym. If that right there isn’t screaming “POSITIVE REVIEW” I don’t know what does, haha.

I’ve pondered for the last few weeks since I finished the book HOW on earth I was going to review the book without retelling the whole story, because I genuinely loved every bit of this book.   I was intrigued during the foreword by Chris McDougall (author of Born to Run, which I still haven’t read yet, I’ve got to be the last runner on earth who hasn’t, but anywho) when he spoke of this man, Marshall Ulrich, who at age 50, ran Badwater Ultramarathon 4 times in a row, back to back,  that’s six hundred miles across Death Valley, completely unassisted.  The same man who ran the Leadville 100, jumped in a car, and drove straight to (and ran) the Pikes Peak Marathon.  Who in their right mind does that? I mean, I know us runners are a crazy bunch, the ultra-running crowd even more questionable.  But this man?  I wanted to learn more. 

It was in the first chapter, the first few pages, that I was officially sucked into the story.  Marshall Ulrich tells the heartbreaking tale of how his first wife was dying of cancer at the young age of 30. A doctor suggested that Marshall take up some form of cardiovascular exercise to help his own stress and increasing blood pressure due to the situation, and so he began running.  Very quickly, the running became his emotional coping mechanism.  He knew  that his increasing absence due to running was driving a wedge between him and his family, but he felt compelled to run anyway.  Then in one heart wrenching confession, Marshall describes how his wife, on her deathbed, begged him not to leave at that moment for a run, but the overwhelming feeling of claustrophobia at the situation and NEED to run overcame him, so he regretfully left her, and ran. 

As an outsider who doesn’t know Marshall Ulrich from John Doe, it tore at my heart to read that confession. Yet at the same time, I totally, completely understood.  Guilty myself of running away from things I don’t want to deal with, using my training and racing to push out other emotions and situations I’d rather pretend don’t exist.  I can’t be so bold to say I can  to even begin to comprehend how it must feel to watch the love of your life wither away, but as I read the beginning of the book, I just….completely understood why Marshall did what he did.

And from that point on, only ten pages in,  I wanted to read more. 

photo credit- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marshall-Ulrich

“Running on Empty” really is the true story of Marshall Ulrich attempting to break the transcontinental (i.e. coast to coast, CA to NY) running record.  Marshall talks about every aspect of the crossing, from the technical details-what he wore, ate, sponsors, how much he slept, how far he ran each day, the necessity of the lip-sh*t,  etc; to the emotional details-how the support of his wife Heather (great name, just saying!) was one of the only things that got him through each day, the strategic, emotional and physical hardships of the crew that helped him in the crossing.   And for the drama loving folks out there, you’ll be drawn in by the story of Marshall’s friend/partner/competition in this transcontinental run, who turned into anything-but-a-friend who tried to sabotage the entire event.  There are also encounters with wildlife, gunshots, and near misses by cars.

 But my favorite was always the insight into Marshall’s mind throughout the crossing of America, and in some of the other adventures he briefly described (like, summiting Mt. Everest) . What drives runners, especially world class ultra runners such as Mr. Ulrich, to do what they do?  If any of us can train physically for this type of event, what sets these people apart mentally?  Because if you’ve ever run a (measly, in comparison) marathon, you know the mental battle is what makes or breaks you as a runner.  Absolutely fascinating.

I could ramble on all day , but quite frankly, you need to read the book yourself.  As I already said, it was a “can’t put down” type of read, and I will boldly say, one of the MOST motivational stories I have ever read.  In fact, I will place 85% of the blame on Marshall Ulrich for pushing me over the edge into the “yeah, I guess I’ll do an ultra after all” territory (after previously SWEARING I’d never run any further than 26.2 miles). But that’s another story for another post 🙂

BUT FOR NOW…the publishers of “Running on Empty” have offered up a copy of Running on Empty for one of my readers!  To enter:

Required comment:  Riddle me this: would you ever run an ultra? Why or why not? What appeals to you about pushing distance limits? (or if you are an ultra runner, tell us why!)

Bonus entries! Do as many as you like (just PLEASE leave a separate comment for each one!)

1) Become a follower of my blog (comment and let me know if you are already)
2)  “Like ” Marshall Ulrich on facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marshall-Ulrich
3)  “Like” Run Faster Mommy! on facebook  http://www.facebook.com/RunFasterMommy
4)  Tweet, blog, facebook, yaddi yaddi ya, this giveaway (comment for each one!)

One winner will be chosen two weeks from today, Tuesday May 3rd, by random drawing via random.org. The book will be shipped to the winner directly from the publisher.

And if you don’t win, BUY THE BOOK!  You won’t regret this read at all.

Happy running my friends, and good luck!

(*note* The Federal Trade Commission mandates I let you know I was provided with a copy of the book “Running on Empty”  free of charge, however, the opinions expressed in this post are those solely that of my own)

Website |  + posts

Heather Hart is an ACSM certified Exercise Physiologist, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), UESCA certified Ultrarunning Coach, RRCA certified Running Coach, co-founder of Hart Strength and Endurance Coaching, and creator of this site, Relentless Forward Commotion.   She is a mom of two teen boys, and has been running and racing distances of 5K to 100+ miles for over a decade.  Heather has been writing and encouraging others to find a love for fitness and movement since 2009.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. I can’t imagine ever, ever, ever running an ultra. Heck, I can’t even imagine running a marathon! I’ll stick with 1/2s and under, thank you.

    Reply

  4. I could see myself running an ultra but I need to complete my marathon first. I’d probably start with the 50k. It appeals to me because while so few people do marathons, even fewer do Ultra’s so it would be nice to be part of that crowd.

    Reply

  8. I admire anyone who can run these distances without burnout or injury. I love running and in less than two weeks will run my first marathon. I would like to say “first” because I would really like to do more. But for whatever reason throughout my training I have developed a few injuries. Is it because of the way I run or have trained? I don’t know. I think about it all the time. I had no idea what training for a marathon would become until it started to consume every bit of my being. I cannot even imagine what training for an ultra brings… it sounds insane but not totally out of the question.

    Reply

  14. Pretty sure I’ll never do an ultra… but then again, I never thought I’d be gunning for a full marathon either, so who knows?! I just can’t picture running THAT long of distance without getting completely and utterly bored…

    Reply

  15. I just ran my first marathon it was so much fun, but I dont know about ever running an ultramarathon. I have a hard time seeing myself going that distance. I am going to try to conquer a few more marathons and maybe a tri first!

    Reply

  19. it’s amazing that others can run ultras, but no, that distance would be more than parts of my body could handle before they would be breaking down!

    Reply

  27. I am an ultra runner, sort of. I am just getting into it. I absolutely love the challenge. There is something about 100 miles that breaks you down to the core amd really lets you see what you are made of and i love that. Really just love a long run. Hope to do something amazing distance wise one day. We will see.

    Reply

  30. I don’t think that I’ll ever run an ultra, or even a full marathon. My life just doesn’t allow for that many hours a day/week for training.

    Reply

  31. Heather, I am absolutely interested in becoming an ultramarathonner. I read Dean Karnazes’ first book a couple of weeks ago, and it fired me up to do something crazy. The only thing I worry about is injury. I’ve felt like after getting up to 26.2 that I’m walking a tightrope with injury if I do anything wrong. I absolutely want to do a 50K…then see where it goes from there.

    Reply

  35. I follow your blog. My goal for this year is to run my first marathon, so an ultra is almost unimaginable right now. But running was unimaginable to me just 4 years ago, so I won’t say never! Maybe I just need some inspiration… I hope I win the book!

    Reply

  38. Great review! What an inspiration Marshall is to so many. Thank you so much for being on the tour and sharing your thoughts on Running on Empty with your readers!

    Reply

  39. I wanna read this one so bad!!
    would you ever run an ultra? Why or why not?
    yes, I am reading Born to Run right now and while running Ultra distance was never really on my radar I do certainly see myself adding this to my repetoire in the near future. Just for the challenge and to see how much endurance I have 😀 A challenge for sure.

    Reply

  44. I am an ultrarunner. And I think my 6 year old summed it up best when she said, “Running isn’t that fun. It’s only fun if you try really hard and do your best.”

    Ultras are like that. You finish feeling totally wrecked, thrashed, debilitated, whatever. But emotionally you are higher than an addict. The feeling of accomplishment and ‘oh man, did I really just do that?’ beats any physical discomfort.

    Reply

  47. I cannot imagine ever running an ultra. I’ve set my eyes on a half-mary and THAT distance seems a bit daunting to me right now. It’s all about pushing myself, seeing what I am capable of. I know with proper training, good nutrition & time, it will happen. Maybe then a marathon or even an ultra would seem more do-able. But not yet. 🙂

    Reply

  49. the most I would do towards an ultra would be the Goofy, now ultra swimming I might do. they way m any people feel about running is how I feel about swimming. I have swum the chesapeake bay twice and that is tough stuff!

    Reply

  50. I’m considering an ultra (50km on New Year’s Day). I love the marathon and I’m already used to running a long time (PR +5 hours) so I think that I could easily tack on the other 7.8km. I’d have to see how 50km would go before I’d even consider 50mi – that I find far more intimidating! I also have no desire to do triathlons so I need something to aspire to. 🙂

    Reply

  57. Forgot to say… I cannot imagine ever running an ultra. The concept totally intrigues me but I think I am too far past prime to train for it now.

    Reply

  58. I say that I would never run an ultra, but I said that about the marathon, and I’m signed up to do my first in October. So, who knows. But, for now, its not on my radar at all!

    Reply

  61. I just ran my first marathon last Oct. I never thought I would do that. So yes I would love to do an ultra. It’s finding the time to train that is hard for me.

    Reply

  67. Uh, I like the IDEA of an ultra. Kinda. But I haven’t gotten to a full marathon yet… so. I don’t think I would. But I didn’t ever think I’d be a runner, period. So, you never know. What kind of lousy non-answer is that??

    Reply

  74. Hi Heather….Heather here…Ulrich, that is. Thank you so much for your kind review of Running on Empty. Knowing that people “get” the book means the world to us – and you clearly got it! Can’t thank you enough for helping to spread the word. Oh…of course, I don’t need to be entered in the contest for a free copy of Running on Empty; I have an “in” with the author. 🙂

    Reply

  77. i actually just ran my first 50 miler a couple weeks ago! after running several marathons i was looking for a new challenge, to see how far i could push myself. i guess i just wanted to accomplish something that a part of me thought was impossible.

    Reply

  80. Totally in awe of anyone that attempts ultras. Just mind-blowing! I would LOVE to do an ultra – considered it for sometime. Unfortunately due to back problems – I think it would be very difficult and painful.

    Reply

  81. I ran a 50K trail run last year and loved it. I like the idea of pushing my limits. I also loved that, for me at least, I left my competitive self at home and just enjoyed the day. I will definitely be doing another one.

    Reply

  87. I would love to one day do an ultra….but would like to knock out my 50 states first! i think pushing the distance limits happens after you don’t feel as challenged in the previous distance.

    Reply

  93. I don’t think I can see myself running an ultra…well not now with a baby and 2 year old. But maybe someday when I have time in my life again!

    Reply

  96. Hi Heather! I actually can see myself doing an ultra someday…god, it’s scary even typing that! But I have to do a full marathon first.

    Reply

  101. I do not think I would ever run an ultra, but 5 years ago I didn’t think I would ever run 3 miles, so that could easily change. I am still “stuck” at 13.1 trying to fathom 26.2 at this point in my life!

    Reply

  102. I would love to run an ultra someday…I like the idea of pushing the limits and seeing what I can accomplish. Right now my goal is to run a full 5K though so it would be quite a ways off. 🙂

    Reply

  104. I love ultras, for the challenge and for the community of people it shares. There are so many great things about the general running community, and the ultra community is even better – they always make me feel like a rockstar even though I’m totally not.

    Reply

  108. After having two kids, I’ve learned to never say never – about anything! I love the hardcore badassness of the idea of running an ultra, but let me make it through my first marathon (this October!) and then I’ll have a better idea if I’ve got what it takes.

    Reply

  109. Unfortunately, I don’t ever see myself running an ultra. My furthest is a half, and at this point I don’t even think I’ll make it to a full.

    Reply

  116. Can’t say I’m up for an ultra but I sure would like to do a marathon someday. Guess I should’ve started running at a younger age when my body could take the abuse!

    Reply

  134. I don’t think I’m quite ready for an ultra yet… A bit scared of injuring myself and in so doing preventing myself from running happy ’till I’m 90! Maybe someday…

    Reply

  143. Run an ultra? hhmmm… I just can not see myself ever doing that but to be honest 1 year ago I never could forsee myself running a mile so anything is possible… just taking it one step at a time (literaly)

    Reply

  147. I can’t imagine running an ultra at this point. But that could always change. 😉 I ran my first half marathon and it didn’t take long to start thinking about a full marathon. Maybe once I get a full under my belt!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *