If you are are runner you probably know the name Dean Karnazes. If not, you should. Dean runs ultra-marathons. If you are looking for a good read, and an inspiring one for training purposes, check out his book Ultra-Marathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner about his journeys by foot and the reasons he runs long distances.

After reading this book I was certain I could run 50 miles at one time and I began to consider doing more than ‘just’ a marathon (yes, I am using these terms quite loosely because I know how difficult marathons are!) For instance, his book inspired me to train for a triathlon and to look into some potential endurance runs later in the future, after my second marathon is out of the way.

Dean is currently promoting a movie that he recently starred in called 50 Marathons. The showing happens just once at this point, this Friday, July 31, hopefully at a theater near you. Of course the hope is that it will be picked up after its showing, but that means we, the running community, needs to get out and support the movie.

Check out the trailer:

The premise of the movie is really quite simple in verbal terms: 50 marathons run in 50 days in 50 states in order to raise awareness of childhood obesity and the idea of getting fit and getting physical. What a great way to get out and promote running marathons! I’m hoping to take my four year old daughter to see the film. Since running her first half mile race, she talks nonstop about being a runner, about racing again, and about what foods will help her run fast (believe me, she doesn’t need the latter-she’s going to blow me away out there one day!)

They physical endurance needed for this film is insane, but if anyone can tackle this extreme physical feat, Dean can. Remember, he’s the guy that eats a pizza while running. While running! It was after reading his book that I realized during my own marathon training I needed to incorporate a little solid food into the end of my runs because I was draining myself of energy: Enter goldfish! Great little critters to munch on while out for a 20 mile trek.

Check out the website to see if a theater near you is promoting the movie and if so go! I’m hoping to get there and if so I will definitely report back.