Book news: 'Magic, Madness & Ultramarathon Running' by Andy Mouncey with foreword by Jez Bragg
Published by Filament Publishing www.filamentpublishing.com
- ISBN 978-1-908691-26-2
- Trim Size 229 x 152mm (6” x 9”)
- 178 Pages
- To be launched on August 1st 2012
- Available in paperback from all good bookshops and on Amazon Kindle
- Kindle price £7.99
- Print price £9.99
If you have to ask the question ‘why?’ you wouldn’t understand the answer.
This book reconciles the madness of the ultra distance with the magic of the moment to give an insight into why more and more people are running trail ultramarathons for fun.
Nobody Tells It Like This Guy!
Mixing the intensely personal with the clinically professional, Andy Mouncey tells his story using three different and sometimes completely contrasting perspectives: As a fierce competitor, as an experienced coach, and as self-employed husband and father just trying to find his way in the world.
The brutal honesty, penetrating insight and tension-busting humour will suck you in and keep you engrossed even beyond the finish line.
If you do endurance sports, you will get this. If you don’t do endurance sports, you will really get this – and you will never have to ask the question ‘why?’ again.
It’s Not About The Distance
This is a transformational personal journey that was revealed only when Andy paused to look back - and it’s also an utterly compelling tale of some long races in great places where he ran as fast as he could for as long as he could. Sometimes it worked, and sometimes…
Extract from the Foreword
Ultra running is of course about being fit and durable, but more than that it is about your approach and attitude. The race tales and experiences Andy has pulled together in this book provide an inspirational insight into how he has gone about achieving all that he has in the sport, becoming one of the most consistent performers around. There is a lot to learn. I hope you enjoy his stories like I did.
Jez Bragg - North Face athlete. Winner of the Ultra Tour Mont Blanc 2010
What They Are Saying…
“Magic, Madness and Ultramarathon Running’ takes you on many journeys along trails, over mountains and down dales but on one very special journey - into the psyche of Andy Mouncey; record holder and experienced ultrarunner. His narrative style and internal conversation put you right there at that moment. You feel the wind, the rain, the frustration and the elation in the same way that watching climbing movies make your palms sweat.
Andy provides great insights into how he prepares for and executes key races - marshalling not only all his own experience and motivation but the power and support of friends and family too - with this book you see how running very long distances alone is actually a team sport. You also see the comedy, some of it tragi-comedy, that accompanies our endeavours; at one and the same time massively important and totally irrelevant.
If you dare to dream and love the outdoors I suggest you fill your pockets with gels, grab a waterbottle and sit down for a long read.”
Mark Hartell - Lake District 24 hour record holder and 11 times Fellsman champion
“Brilliant stuff. I read your intro, then the foreword and before I know it I’m on page 7 thinking I should really be getting on with some work. For a non-ultrarunner but keen mountain-biker I’m instantly engaged!”
Matt Kerslake - keen mountain biker
“It’s a frank insight into the exciting and often hilarious world of an elite endurance athlete; it will inspire weekend warriors and well worn ultra runners alike.
It’ll appeal to anyone who’s ever put one foot in front of the other in the pursuit of adventure.”
Gaynor Prior - Lakeland 100 winner 2011
“As with the journey of life, the messages are not always obvious, not always easy to see. But if you read this book with an open and receptive mind, and are able to feel beyond the race descriptions, then what is really important within ultra trail running (and possibly life) will hopefully become that little bit clearer.”
Stuart Mills - Seven time Beachy Head Marathon winner, and Lakeland 100 Winner 2010
“The massive highs and the painful lows, the view around every corner, the next checkpoint, the finish line, the support and supporters, team mates and family, the company of other runners etc.. you have said it all, each moment a fantastic memory. Your book certainly made me smile, feel the pain, laugh and dream a bit more. Nothing will happen unless we dream it first and my dreams are starting to scare me.”
Sharon Macdonald - ultra-runner
About The Author
Andy Mouncey 45, was born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK and graduated to ultramarthon running after 17 years in triathlon. In 2003 he set fastest stage times for the Enduroman Arch To Arc Challenge: a 300 mile solo triathlon linking London and Paris via an English Channel swim. He has been a professional speaker, trainer and coach since 2000, is a published author and has appeared on radio and TV.
He is married and lives with his family in the north of England.
Find out more about Andy at: www.bigandscaryrunning.com
