Ultrarunning for Normal People: Life Lessons Learned On and Off the Trail

Whether you're an experienced runner or a complete beginner, this inspiring book will motivate you to train your body and mind to complete one of the hardest physical feats of all—an ultramarathon

Ultra-races—distances longer than 26.2 miles—aren’t for “normal people.” Normal people have jobs, families, or a million other obligations that do not exist in the world of ultrarunning. Or that’s what Sid Garza-Hillman thought as he faced the starting line of his first 50K.

But the more he learned about the sport, the more he realized that ultrarunning is for more than elite athletes: moms, dads, grandparents, young people, old people, people with full-time jobs, and others successfully cross the finish lines of ultra-races around the world every year.

In this book, Sid distills the life lessons he's learned from the trails—as a ten-time ultramarathoner and Race Director of the Mendocino Coast 50K—to teach you how to:

• Move through the fear and mental blocks that prevent you from reaching your goals—on and off the trail
• Slow down and be present in a world full of endless distractions
• Test your mettle and prove you’re stronger than you ever knew
• Commit to a well-rounded—but realistic and adaptable—training plan

Not your typical ultramarathon training guide with rigid schedules and prescribed workouts, this book powerfully outlines the invaluable struggles, benefits, and life lessons that await anyone who dares to dive into the world of ultrarunning.

Sid Garza-Hillman is the author of three books: Approaching the Natural: A Health Manifesto, Raising Healthy Parents: Small Steps, Less Stress, and a Thriving Family, and Six Truths: Live by These Truths and Be Happy. Don’t and You Won’t. He holds a BA in Philosophy from UCLA, is a public speaker, podcaster (What Sid Thinks Podcast), certified nutritionist & running coach, Oxygen Advantage® breathing instructor, and founder of smallsteppers.com. He is the Stanford Inn & Resort’s Wellness Programs Director and Race Director of the Mendocino Coast 50K trail ultramarathon.