(Dean and friends, 2005)Quote:
"Beginning Sept. 17, he will run 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 different states.I've run with Dean before, and he's super-nice. You can contact him on his Web site about running with him, but if you have trouble, let me know.Only eight of the 50 marathons will be actual events. For the other 42, Karnazes has reached an agreement with race directors in each of the cities to set up the marathon course just for him.
"That doesn't mean you can't run with me," says Karnazes. "Please, join me. The Tuesday run in Iowa won't exactly be crowded."
Thanks, SD
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ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by the blog! I appreciate you sharing your opinion, and signing your name on the comment.
ReplyDeleteI've heard some mixed reactions about Dean Karnazes (and Pam Reed for that matter) from the ultrarunning community. We were just talking about it on the bus to the start of the Ohlone 50k last week. Four people around me (all ultra regulars) thought he was being too boastful, and the other half of the bus were new ultrarunners inspired to try a 50k after reading his book. The regulars loved the fact that more people were trying ultras...so it's always a mixed reaction.
I have always been confused about why people think Dean is claiming to be the "ultimate ultrarunner". In my interactions with him, he's always giving kudos to Yiannis Kouros, Ann Transon, Christopher Bergland, and others. When I've heard him speak, he's always pointing out there are others who have done more. He goes out of the way to say he is not a figurehead for the sport. But magazines like to create the hero, so they edit these parts out.
I know Dean is personally torn between the slams from those who think he's "done the sport wrong", and those that find inspiration in sharing his story. He enjoys the press more than your average ultrarunner, so I'm sure you will continue to see him try new things.
He book is still doing well, especially internationally. I guess we'll each have to decide for ourselves if that's a good thing for the sport or not. Personally, I welcome anything that gets people outside and helps introduce new people to this great community.
I agree that runners like Scott Jurek are better representatives of the sport of ultrarunning. But in multiple attempts to invite Scott Jurek to interview, he doesn't even return my e-mails. That makes it tough to celebrate his achievements. But I'm not surprised - ultrarunning is humble by nature.
Thanks again for stopping by!
SD