Kirk Johnson

This extreme sports saga, part Plimptonesque narrative, part spiritual journey, explores the limits of personal endurance as a determined journalist takes on the 135 mile Death Valley marathon.

A Man, Death Valley, and the Mystery of Endurance

To the Edge

After his brother committed suicide, the author started running to escape the pain and embarked on the ultimate test of physical endurance--the 135-mile Death Valley marathon--where he learned to overcome his limitations and confront his personal loss.

Bryce Thornton

I'm a sucker for books about extreme endurance and this book certainly fits the bill. Though there are some lulls here and there when the author reflects on his brother's death, the book is really a page turner. I stayed up way too late a few nights without even realizing it.

It's truly mind-boggling to me that people can find the will to run a race like Badwater. I've ran one marathon and have another one scheduled this fall and, to me, that's extreme. Add over 100 extra miles, 120+ degree temps, and a mountain climb and that's just insane.

The author is a writer by trade, so the book is well-written in addition to being very intriguing. Recommended.

To the Edge A Man, Death Valley, and the Mystery of Endurance

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