I'm a middle-aged and weak (like a normal m-age person), but I like to run and I'll like to test myself from time to time. This book was easy to read (even though my language skills are not good - my native language is Estonian). I read the book before I met Lisa and before the running event in Sahara in 2010. I got to know about her - why she is such as she is and the book helped me to understand himself, ultra running (theme) and survive in desserts (bad news - I don't learned about it; good news - I have one more person to care and admire).

Indeed - the book is not step by step instructions for running. Indeed, the book does not radiate enthusiasm and excitement (and unfortunately there's no talk of hot sex or politics). But whether a person's life is just a great joy and happiness (without politics and other crap)? I read this book and discovered that my life is still very good and easy. Probably I can do a lot more than I thought.

One of the reasons why I bought this book was because everything I was reading about ultrarunning was from the US. Lisa Tamati is a New Zealander and I'm and Aussie, and it's easier to identify with her because of the close relationship our countries, and cultures, have. Irrespective of this connection, I wasn't disappointed in this book.

Lisa's story is honest, engaging, inspirational. I found it hard to put the book down, voraciously wanting to learn whatever I could about what led her to ultrarunning, what traits and experiences and values and opportunities came together to produce the accomplished endurance athlete that she is. Even better, she does this without the false modesty that distractingly comes across in other ultrarunners' stories.

This has been one of the most influential books inspiring my own dreams about becoming an ultrarunner.

Lisa's story is a fascinating read - not just for runners, but anyone who sets personal goals that stretches their imagination. As a runner myself, I enjoyed the insights Lisa shares of the extreme footraces she has raced in around the world and the various hurdles overcome to complete them. Great stuff!