About the Book
Finding Ultra is Rich Roll's incredible but true account of achieving one of the most awe-inspiring midlife physical transformations ever.
One cool evening in October 2006, the night before he was to turn forty, Rich experienced a chilling glimpse of his future. Nearly fifty pounds overweight at the time and unable to climb the stairs without stopping, he could see where his current sedentary lifestyle was taking him. Most of us look the other way when granted such a moment of clarity, but not Rich. Plunging into a new way of eating that made processed foods off limits and prioritized plant nutrition and daily training, Rich morphed--in a matter of mere months--from out-of-shape midlifer to endurance machine. One morning, ninety days into his physical overhaul, Rich left the house to embark on a light jog and found himself running a near marathon. It was time to scale up his goals.
How many of us take up a sport at age forty and compete for the title of the world's best within two years? Finding Ultra recounts Rich's remarkable journey to the starting line of the elite Ultraman World Championship competition, which pits the world's fittest humans against each other in a 320-mile ordeal of swimming, biking, and running. Following that test, Rich conquered an even greater one: the Epic5 Challenge--five Ironman-distance triathlons, each on a different Hawaiian island, all completed in less than a week.
But this is much more than an edge-of-the-seat look at a series of jaw-dropping athletic feats and much more than a practical training manual for those who would attempt a similar transformation. Yes, Rich's account rivets, and yes, it instructs, providing information that will be invaluable to anyone who wants to change their physique; but this book is most notable as a powerful testament to human resiliency, for as we learn early on, Rich's childhood posed numerous physical and social challenges, and his early adulthood featured a fierce battle with alcoholism.
Ultimately, Finding Ultra is a beautifully written portrait of what willpower can accomplish. It challenges all of us to rethink what we're capable of and urges us, implicitly and explicitly, to "go for it."
About the Author :
Rich Roll has been featured on CNN and has been named one of the world's twenty-five fittest men by Men's Fitness magazine. He is a graduate of Stanford University and Cornell Law School. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and four children and, when he isn't training or competing, manages the entertainment boutique Independent Law Group.
Rich Roll has been featured on CNN and has been named one of the world's twenty-five fittest men by Men's Fitness magazine. He is a graduate of Stanford University and Cornell Law School. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and four children and, when he isn't training or competing, manages the entertainment boutique Independent Law Group.
Review :
"Finding Ultra is about a journey we all take as human beings, when we decide to pursue the impossible and live a life of mission. When I need to dig deeper, push harder, and find a little boost, Rich Roll is the guy who comes to mind. He is inspiration embodied."
-- "Sanjay Gupta, MD, chief medical correspondent for CNN and New York Times bestselling author"
"Finding Ultra is the ultimate story of hope, perseverance, and endurance against life's biggest challenges."
-- "William Cope Moyers, New York Times bestselling author"
"Finding Ultra is an inspired first-person account of fast living and even faster swimming, biking, and running that will leave you convinced of the power of your own will."
-- "Brendan Brazier, New York Times bestselling author "
"An inspiring story of a man whose life took a tragic turn but then rebounded spectacularly. Down but not out, Rich Roll rose like a phoenix, taking the commitment to his own health to a new level and achieving a remarkable transformation. I believe everyone will be able to relate to this plant-powered athlete's riveting story and perhaps garner some inspiration for their own journey. A top read!"
-- "Luke McKenzie, five-time Ironman champion"
"I loved this. A rare book, unusual for its honesty and willingness to bare all, that really does deserve such superlatives as 'riveting' and 'compelling.' I was moved by watching Roll conquer his demons and felt privileged to share in his eventual enlightenment. By laying it on the line, Roll absolutely wins us over."
-- "Rip Esselstyn, New York Times bestselling author"
"If you liked Born to Run, you'll love Finding Ultra...one of the best books about health and fitness that I've ever read."
-- "Neal D. Barnard, MD, president, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine"
"Rich Roll's Finding Ultra is a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome any obstacle, break down walls, and redefine what's possible."
-- "John Brenkus, creator and host of ESPN's Sport Science and New York Times bestselling author "
"Roll has accomplished amazing things, but it is his ability to draw inspiring and uniquely insightful lessons from his experiences that sets him apart from other extreme athletes. Finding Ultra is a fascinating read full of practical tips."
-- "Dean Karnazes, bestselling author of Ultramarathon Man "
"The story itself is engaging and well written, but the real strength of the book comes from Roll's honesty...Roll shows the work, grit, and pain involved in such a dramatic overhaul...[and] provides an example of someone who's taken himself to the outer reaches of possibility."
-- "VegNews"
"This awesome piece of writing--one part memoir, one part how-to, and one part megadose of gut truth--reminds us to wake up and live our best life. Prepare to be entertained, but most of all, prepare to be inspired."
-- "Mel Stewart, fourteen-time national champion, former world record holder, and winner of two Olympic gold medals in swimming"
"You walk away from reading this book knowing you have the total power to transform your life on every level...Roll is immensely likeable, a most compelling storyteller, and a true shaman of health and fitness!"
-- "Kathy Freston, New York Times bestselling author "
