Today’s guest, Dean Karnazes, is an internationally recognized endurance athlete and NY Times bestselling author of “Ultramarathon Man”, “50/50” and “RUN!” Among his many accomplishments, he has run 350 continuous miles, foregoing sleep for three nights. He's run across Death Valley in 120 degree temperatures, and he's run a marathon to the South Pole in negative 40 degrees. Vinnie discusses with Dean discuss the life-changing decision he made on his 30th birthday, his life as an endurance athlete and the challenges he has faced. How Dean Began to Run Again Dean was married and worked in the corporate world. He hated what he was doing Felt he had to support his family but realized he had to change On his 30th birthday he got drunk and at 11:00 pm decided to run 30 miles. He hadn’t run in a decade Running brought him freedom and passion His story encourages people to live life the way they want to Dean’s Diet No refined or processed food Nothing that comes out of a bag His hero and mentor, Jack LaLanne, said, “If man made it, don’t eat it and if it tastes good, spit it out” ElliptiGo Elliptical bicycle...gives a high intensity, low impact workout Fantastic device...emulates the motion of running without impact Have advantage on climbs You are standing upright Tragedy and Grief Dean’s sister was killed in a car accident on the eve of her 18th birthday They were very close and Dean went through the stages of grief starting with denial It took him a decade to get over it Altered the course of his life How Does Dean Handle Critics At first he was shocked and took it personally Never tried to come off as the best Most of his worst critics have never even met him Matthew McConaughey told him, “Haters are gonna hate. So move on, get over it” Links www.ultrmarathonman.com Books: “Ultramarathon Man” “50/50” “RUN! 26.2 Stories of Blisters and Bliss” “Fitness Confidential” Audible