Finding Ultra, Revised and Updated Edition: Rejecting Middle Age, Becoming One of the World's Fittest Men, and Discovering Myself Paperback – May 21, 2013

The incredible number of people that Rich has directly helped through this book and now through his podcast is simply astonishing. It's even more incredible than even his athletic accomplishments. This book is not a 'how to' and I think that people may be disappointed by that, but it is in fact much much more. It opens a world that many of us simply do not know exists, especially on the east coast. He provides just enough information imbedded into his own personal story to allow the reader to start on their own journey. He is on a journey too and it is incredible to watch his life keep improving as he expands Jai and the ecosystem of wellness around him. He is improving our lives through it and I am forever grateful. His podcasts allow this book to keep expanding its reach. I cannot recommend checking that out enough.He touches on heart rate for training, veganism, juicing, Vitamix, gluten!, effects of dairy on running (I had asthma my whole life until I read this and stopped eating cheese, took one week to fix and Rich 1 and 25 years of doctors 0), marathons, ultra marathons, racing in general (there are tons of them out there, I had no idea), other athletes and trainers that are equally inspiring, yoga, meditation, GMO, writing, training methodologies, fixing health problems from within, dealing with addiction. He provides just enough inspiration and tools to change your life forever and those around you. So thank you Rich.I picked your book up a few years ago, a day after I walked out of my apartment hung over and incredibly confused as to why there were so many people outside and police barriers. They were running a half marathon that started one block from my apartment and I had no idea it was going on. I was upset at them because they were blocking the entrance to Starbux. Well I've run that race twice now, some half marathons, a 100 mile relay race...going to keep improving and getting closer to 100% vegan every day. Plants. Thanks Rich.

What could I, a 40 year old plus-sized woman, find interesting in a book about running, swimming, and cycling? Plenty!Rich Roll had a bright future when he enrolled at Standford. He was an amazing swimmer who had already had great success. Unfortunately, he became an alcoholic and that ended his chances for glory in the pool. Years of drinking nearly ruined his professional life as an attorney. He was lucky enough to have caring individuals around him who helped him enter into rehab and find sobriety.Years later, Rich is 40 years old and finds himself breathless when climbing the stairs of his house. He decides to make a change there and embark on a mission to become an endurance athlete. He beings training for an Ironman competition, eventually finding the Ultraman competitions. He also completely changes his diet to a plant-based one.I really enjoyed the story behind his success. The book is well-written and difficult to put down once you get into it. It's amazing how perseverance and dedication can completely change your life. I was concerned at one point that the book was more of a sales pitch for Rolls' website, Jai Lifestyle. I like reading about plant-based diets, but I don't want to be preached to or sold to either. Thankfully, the book didn't come across that way in more than a couple of places.My favorite quotes from the book:*Unfortunately, I'd once again brought myself with me.*You're what I call terminally unique. You think you're special. Your problems remarkable and singular. People like you die. ~ Therapist to Rich*"The prize never goes to the fastest guy," Chris replied. "It goes to the guy who slows down the least." True in endurance sports. And possibly even truer in life.*So if that was it, would you be satisfied with how you'd pursued your life? ~ Rich's wife to himI truly enjoyed this book. I may even buy it in hard copy for the nutritional information in the appendices.Highly recommend.

The book itself is worth a read if you're somebody into interesting life stories, somebody looking into the endurance fitness lifestyle or somebody looking for motivation to kick some sort of addiction habit or problem. I'm familiar with Rich's story and I still found lots of new information in this book.As for the copy itself, it's like I got a second hand reprint. I purposely bought a used copy but immediately I noticed the image on the cover wasn't crisp and the margins of the printed material inside were off. The bottom sentence of each page is literally the bottom of the page. It didn't affect the read and I don't know if that's an issue with the seller, but this certainly wasn't a copy sitting on a shelf in a store somewhere.

This is one of the most helpful books I've read in a long time for surprising reasons. It reminded me to put pride aside, try hard if it's really important, set a goal and and don't give up, remember to rest, and how important it is to use food for fuel. I've never run a race, but this book is applicable for whatever "race" you are running in your life. The chapter "There are no finish lines", is, in essence the best, most succinct summary of every self help book I've ever read. The author is humble and open about his struggles and even his arrogance at times. This book has been an unlikely but indispensable resource for me as I struggle through my own "ultra marathon" of grief and depression. I think of this book when I don't want to get up and run or go to the gym. Our health is everything, and my mental health depends on moving my body. Most of us don't have the luxury and opportunities that the author had in this book, but the life lessons can be applied to anyone's journey, no matter the situation. I am grateful to Rich Roll for this book. I dislike using the overused cliche, but it really has changed, maybe even saved my life.