Movie Review: UltraMarathon Man

UltraMarathon Man is the story of Dean Karnazes and his challenge to complete 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days, otherwise known as the Endurance-50 (E50). The movie played in theaters for one night only on July 31st. Overall I was happy to have seen the movie. I found it very inspiring, however there were a few questions left unanswered for me.

The movie was narrated by Dean while he is running. Dean takes the viewer along on each of the 50 marathons. He explained that the E50 started as a family vacation, but then turned into his attempt to run 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. The movie touches on each marathon even takes the time to go into the the stories of those who signed up to run with him.

One woman whose story stuck out specifically was a 53-year old woman who started running at age 50. In three years she has run 50 marathons and is a 3:30 marathoner. Dean had to keep telling her to slow down! I found her inspiring for her sheer love of sport. She wasn't decked out in the latest running gear, but she carried this essence about her that seeped through the movie screen. I could tell just by looking at her face that she truly loved running. There were also many stories of cancer survivors, first time marathoners and people who had taken up running late in life. I found all of these stories even more inspiring that Dean himself.

The funniest part of the movie was when they were filming one of the men who was running with Dean. The man had his head turned to the left looking at the support vehicle and he said, "so you guys got any football scores yet." And just as soon as he finished that sentence, a girl says, "watch out - pole." And then... you guessed it. He runs right into the pole! That scened was played a couple more times throughout the movie and each time I laughed - even when they said he broke two ribs (I know it's terrible I laughed, but the scene was so funny).

Unfortunately, I did think the movie was lacking a little in one particular area. I was hoping to hear more about his family, in what ways they support his endeavors and how they feel about his ultramarathoning. Dean did say that the E50 started out as a family vacation, but we saw very little of them. After each marathon, Dean hopped in the RV with the Carmichael Training Systems team and broke down his race. I wondered if he ever told his wife how the races went or if his kids were watching and cheering at each one.

After Dean finished the E50 he did some interviews in New York City and then headed west, running 1,300 (I think it was 1,300... maybe 1,500) miles. He had said that he felt like he lost himself during the E50 and I wonder how that happens. In what way did he lose himself? And in what way did he need to find himself again?

I enjoyed the inspiration that I received from this movie, but I do wish there had been more detail about Dean and his family.