Eat & Run

If you’re curious about ultra running specifically, start here. Jurek is one of the greatest ultramarathon runners in history, and his memoir is as much about mental toughness as it is about covering impossible distances.

Why Start Here

Scott Jurek won the Western States 100 seven consecutive times, the Badwater Ultramarathon, and the Spartathlon. He did it all on a plant-based diet, which was considered extreme when he started and is now mainstream in endurance sports. His memoir traces the path from a working-class childhood in Minnesota to the starting lines of the world’s most brutal races.

What sets this book apart from other ultra running memoirs is its accessibility. Jurek doesn’t assume you know anything about the sport. He explains what it feels like to run 100 miles, what breaks inside you at mile 70, and why you keep going. Each chapter pairs a race or life story with a recipe, grounding the extraordinary in the everyday.

What to Expect

A chronological memoir structured around major races in Jurek’s career. The writing is straightforward and warm. You’ll get vivid race descriptions, honest reflections on failure and motivation, and practical insights about food and endurance. It’s the kind of book that makes you think, “maybe I could try running a little further tomorrow.”