Amelia Fattore

Amelia Fattore

50/50

Dean Karnazes with Matt Fitzgerald

Inspirational non-fiction

Challenge

I am on page 172

1. What is going on in your book right now?

Right now, Dean has just completed marathon number 29, Boston. On September 16, 2006, Dean Karnazes set out on the North Face Endurance 50, a challenge he set for himself. The core of the Endurance 50 is Dean running 50 marathons on 50 consecutive days in all 50 states! It is amazing one can achieve this feat as many train months for just one! He is suffering from lack of sleep (only two-three hours a night), lack of motivation and more. Unfortunately, he continues to doubt himself causing the reader to wonder if he will complete all 50.

2. How do you feel about your book?

I am really enjoying this book. My dad got it for his birthday and I just picked it up. I must say it is really fun to have someone you can discuss a great book with! This book is a combination of tips on running, stories of his experience and life lessons. I wish I had known about the Endurance 50 when it was occurring! My father has been a runner my whole life but I’ve never heard of ultra runners like Dean Karnazes.

3. What is a theme in your book?

A theme I’ve noticed in the book is motivation. One of Dean’s main incentives of undergoing this crazy challenge was to inspire children. He created a foundation, Karno’s Kids, with the motto “No Kids Left Inside”. The foundation’s goal is to get kids active! The sad fact that this generation is the first generation to have a lower life expectancy than their parents is addressed. This horrible yet true fact is due to obesity. In addition, Dean seeks motivation from many sources during the Endurance 50 including other runners, his family and himself. This factor could make or break the challenge. At the moment, Dean is not very motivated as he is in the middle of the race, with no beginning or end in sight. Only time (and miles!) will tell what happens.

4. Who is your favorite character?

My favorite character is, of course, Dean Karnazes. He is a fantastic runner, motivator, father, and activist. I praise him for undertaking two challenges; one, the 50 marathons; two, eliminating childhood obesity. Even nonrunners can find inspiration in his story that they can carry into their own lives. In addition, Karnazes rarely complained during the journey around the country as he knew everyone helping was trying their hardest. That is really kind of him considering the suffering he underwent. Overall, he is the heart and soul of the story and also dominates my interest throughout the book.

5. Who is your least favorite character?

Though I don’t particularly dislike any character in this book, I would have to say Dave, the tour manager is my least favorite character. Dave’s job was to oversee the whole challenge and assure everything went as planned. After marathon 11 he quit, leaving abruptly. This caused the other members of the challenge to scramble to find a replacement. Turns out the fill-in, Robin, brought a great, fresh mind to the team! Though it resulted in a benefit, I believe it was selfish of Dave to leave his job with no warning, disrupting the challenge’s production.

6. What do you think is going to happen next?

I believe Dean will continue to complete the marathons until a major conflict arises that jeopardizes the rest of the challenge. In addition, I believe Dean will find a new source of motivation, as he is in a “motivation slump” at the moment. Overall, I think whatever happens will be exciting and intriguing. I cannot wait to read more. J