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Special story from Dean Karnazes

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A Special Story by Ultramarathon Man, Dean Karnazes

Learn more about Dean at: www.ultramarathonman.com

“Turn your dissatisfaction into positive action.”

Quick Takes:

Ran a 135 mile ultra-marathon across Death Valley in 120-degree temperatures
Best-selling author of the book, Ultra Marathon Man
Named by Time magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People Alive Today
Outside magazine called him, “America’s Greatest Runner.”
Won the Badwater Ultra-marathon (considered the toughest footraces in the world)
Ran a marathon (26 miles) to the south pole in -40 degrees
Ran 50 marathons, in 50 states, in 50 consecutive days

I got sick of living the life that everybody told me I “should” be living, so one day I decided to start living life on my own terms. Frustrated with my job, I came home, put on my shoes, and just started running . . . and running and running. I ran 30 miles non-stop until 5 in the morning when my wife finally picked me up in a neighboring town.

I must say, it felt so good to be free. It was the first time I had ran in over a decade! I was frustrated and I had finally reached my threshold. At the time, there were several things that pushed me over the edge. Besides my apparent dissatisfaction with my job , I was devastated to learn that my younger sister had tragically died in a car accident. This really shook me up. I went through all of the usual stages of grieving, anger, denial, and finally, I came full circle to the understanding that life really is a very precious gift. I decided, in honor of my sister, that I would live every second of this life to the best of my ability—and that meant doing what I loved.

One of the first things I did when my wife picked me up after my “spontaneous midnight-run,” was set some new outrageous goals for myself. Some of the goals I set were:

Run a 135 mile ultra-marathon across Death Valley in 120-degree temperatures
Swim across the San Francisco Bay
Win the Badwater Ultra-marathon (considered one of the toughest footraces in the world)
Run a marathon (over 26 miles) to the south pole in -40 degrees

I had no idea how I was going to accomplish these goals, but they definitely inspired me to get up early and work hard each day—and that’s when you know you’re doing what you’re meant to be doing. Today, I am really grateful to say that I have accomplished all of those goals. But I knew I couldn’t stop there. I needed a new challenge, so I set one of my biggest objectives: to run 50 marathons, in 50 states, in 50 consecutive days.

At the time, however, nobody had done anything like this before so, to be honest, I was a little nervous and doubtful. I didn’t even know if the human body could be pushed to those limits! But there was only one way to find out … so I just started training and preparing to give it my best shot. It was a challenge in every way imaginable, but now, I’ve done it and I’ve learned about myself and the human body in the process.

Many people wonder where my passion for running came from. Quite honestly, it was actually unplanned. There were three kids in our family. My dad was working two jobs and my mom was having a hard time picking each of us up from school. At age six, I told my mom, “Don’t worry about me. I’ll just run home from school!” And everyday there after, that’s exactly what I did—and I loved it! That passion for running has stuck with me ever since.

I never set out to be known as an ultra marathon runner, an author, or an endurance coach, but as a result of following my passion, I have been able to make all three things possible. Today I earn a living from running—something I never thought was possible only a few years ago. It’s crazy to think that magazines have considered me one of the fittest and most determined people in the world! Even I’m not sure about that! I just want people to know I’m a normal guy. I wasn’t born with any extraordinary abilities and I don’t consider myself any different than the average person.

Although it feels great to achieve my goals, I’m not driven by merely completing one accomplishment after the next. To me, success means doing what I truly love. When I finally decided to dedicate myself to doing endurance sports, my life became so much more enjoyable.

I get to speak with all kinds of students and many of them ask me about what they should pursue in life. They describe all sorts of career options, but I always respond by saying the same thing: “What is it that you love to do?” If you like white-water rafting, designing, construction, writing, science, or working with people, then that’s what you should be doing. When you’re doing what you’re passionate about you will find a way to make it work. And chances are, you will most likely excel at it and enjoy the process—that is the answer to a fulfilling life.

The only regret I have is not pursuing my passion earlier. If I could travel back in time I would tell myself, “Don’t go after money. Do what makes you happy.” I guess, to make up for the years that I spent in a job I didn’t like, I now try to pass what I’ve learned on to others. There is nothing worse than regret. I would much rather fail than never try at all.

I believe that enthusiasm flows from doing what you’re passionate about. It’s so exciting to see people learn about my story and then they get excited too. I never thought, in my wildest dreams, that so many people around the world would cast their votes enough times for me make the list of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People.” What that shows me is that my message, to follow your heart and live with passion, really resonates with a lot of people.

Life should be a journey to be cherished. It should also be something where we continue to explore and play. The last few years of my life have been so much fun because I have developed a great sense of curiosity. The more things that interest you, the more interesting your life will be.

My curiosity has also helped me expand the limits of my potential. I try to challenge myself in both small and big ways. It’s important to experiment with your performance to learn where your “edge” is so you can push yourself without going too far. If I set a goal to run 31-miles I will get important feedback with every step I take. I learn about my body—my capabilities and my limitations, but I usually discover that most of my “limitations” were just imaginary mental barriers. If we push through the barriers to go a little further, then eventually, we prove to ourselves that we are better than we think and that we can actually go much further than we thought was possible.

A lot of people will ask me, “But how can I follow my passion to run competitively?” And the answer is, just sign up! Just pay the entry fee and get started. If you need more pressure, then run for a charity event and tell your friends about it so they will keep you accountable. Set a goal and set a deadline so you’ll be compelled to get out there and train. The key is not to overanalyze things. Many times, if we just get started we will figure out what the next step is.

Over the years, I’ve noticed that people who succeed get excited about the outcome whereas people who never take action tend to focus on everything they have to do to finally reach the goal. In running, as in life, there will always be “on” and “off” days—no matter who you are! I try not to focus on the upcoming challenges. If I’ve made it through the first thirteen miles then I try not to get overwhelmed about the next thirteen miles. Instead, I create smaller goals. I think in terms of baby-steps.   For example, I might say, “Okay, I’m just going to get to that stop sign ten feet up the road”—and then I’ll quickly set another small goal and then another. Sometimes the overall goal can seem too daunting, but by putting one foot in front of the other eventually you will reach the finish line.

Now, I try to run for causes that contribute to others. Recently, I ran 350 miles in 90° temperatures. I ran consistently for three nights without sleep because I was inspired to help raise enough money to help a young girl who was in need of a heart transplant. Those are the events that really move me. Running is generally a very solo endeavor, but doing it for the benefit of other people has a much deeper meaning for me. As a result of that event, the young girl did receive a heart and now she’s a happy, healthy person with a new opportunity to live.

In the next year I plan to do a lot of international travel. I’m working on my second book and for 2008, I have another 50-50-50 marathon-like-adventure in the works. It’ll be a slightly different venue, but the most important part of it will be inviting other people to come run with me for as long as they desire.   It’s really about inclusion and about uniting people. With so many things in this world that divide people, I am thrilled that I have been able to use the sport of running to unite people.

The greatest reward for me was learning more about myself and what I was capable of doing. I went from somebody stuck in a boring job to somebody who was living his dreams! It’s strange to think that I never would have done any of it if I hadn’t first set some big goals in line with my passion that really challenged me to grow. Even though I’ve done a lot, I’ve also failed many times. But I encourage people to take risks and not be afraid to fail because that’s the only way to learn about what you’re capable of doing.

I challenge people to set big goals that help them break through their comfort zone. Life is too short to chase small dreams. Just go for it! You’ll probably surprise yourself like I did. Only by stepping out into the unknown and stretching ourselves can we really discover what our true potential is.

-    Dean Karnazes

You can learn more about Dean at www.ultramarathonman.com

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I hope you found this interesting. Much success to you,

- Kent Healy

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