Description

---

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

When Sid Garza-Hillman stood at the starting line of his first 50-mile-long trail ultramarathon, one thought was at the front of his mind: this was the last place he wanted to be.

After all, trail ultrarunning is a very different animal than marathons—in which Sid had barely taken part himself. The trails demand attention, and the long distances demand a shift in perception and mindset. Even in crowded races, runners often find themselves alone and with only their own thoughts. With trail running, a person can be stripped of almost everything—laid bare, vulnerable, and on the verge of quitting. Ultrarunning, at least to Sid, seemed to be a sport for Type-A people who love pain and suffering.

But as he became more involved with the sport, he realized that ultrarunning wasn't just for elite athletes. Moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas, young people, old people, people with full-time jobs, and more successfully cross the finish lines of races around the world.

Reflecting on his journey from dispassionately running a few miles here and there to running multiple ultramarathons, Sid divulges tips and tricks for how so-called "Normal People" can become successful ultrarunners.

Part humorous memoir, part guide for those interested in attempting an ultramarathon for the first time, Ultrarunning is for Normal People lays out the struggles, benefits, and life lessons that await anyone who’s ready to dive into the world of ultrarunning.

About the Author

---

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.

Praise For…

---

“As a runner whose life was changed for the better by tackling the challenge of completing ultramarathons, I’m encouraged by the growth in popularity of these events. With its combination of inspiration, humor, and practicality, Ultrarunning for Normal People promises to accelerate this happy trend, changing many more lives—and perhaps yours—for the better.”
—Matt Fitzgerald, author of Life Is a Marathon

“Have a job, family, and responsibilities, but want to challenge yourself with an ultramarathon? Sid Garza-Hillman has written the perfect book for you. Not your typical ultramarathon training guide, this book powerfully outlines lessons and habits to help you both successfully run your first ultramarathon and navigate a busy life.“
—Doug Hay, running coach and co-host of No Meat Athlete Radio