When Sid Garza-Hillman stood at the starting line of his first 50-mile-long trail ultramarathon, one thought was at the front of his mind: this was the last place he wanted to be.

After all, trail ultrarunning is a very different animal than marathons-in which Sid had barely taken part himself. The trails demand attention, and the long distances demand a shift in perception and mindset. Even in crowded races, runners often find themselves alone and with only their own thoughts. With trail running, a person can be stripped of almost everything-laid bare, vulnerable, and on the verge of quitting. Ultrarunning, at least to Sid, seemed to be a sport for Type-A people who love pain and suffering.

But as he became more involved with the sport, he realised that ultrarunning wasn't just for elite athletes. Mums, dads, grandmas, grandpas, young people, old people, people with full-time jobs, and more successfully cross the finish lines of races around the world.

Reflecting on his journey from dispassionately running a few miles here and there to running multiple ultramarathons, Sid divulges tips and tricks for how so-called "Normal People" can become successful ultrarunners.

Part humorous memoir, part guide for those interested in attempting an ultramarathon for the first time, Ultrarunning is for Normal People lays out the struggles, benefits, and life lessons that await anyone who's ready to dive into the world of ultrarunning.

About the Author
Sid Garza-Hillman is the author of three books: Approaching the Natural: A Health Manifesto, Raising Healthy Parents: Small Steps, Less Stress, and a Thriving Family, and Six Truths: Live by These Truths and Be Happy. Don't and You Won't. He holds a BA in Philosophy from UCLA, is a public speaker, podcaster (What Sid Thinks Podcast), certified nutritionist & running coach, Oxygen Advantage (R) breathing instructor, and founder of smallsteppers.com. He is the Stanford Inn & Resort's Wellness Programs Director and Race Director of the Mendocino Coast 50K trail ultramarathon. Author Residence: Fort Bragg, CA.

Reviews
"As a runner whose life was changed for the better by tackling the challenge of completing ultramarathons, I'm encouraged by the growth in popularity of these events. With its combination of inspiration, humor, and practicality, Ultrarunning for Normal People promises to accelerate this happy trend, changing many more lives-and perhaps yours-for the better."
-Matt Fitzgerald, author of Life Is a Marathon

"Have a job, family, and responsibilities, but want to challenge yourself with an ultramarathon? Sid Garza-Hillman has written the perfect book for you. Not your typical ultramarathon training guide, this book powerfully outlines lessons and habits to help you both successfully run your first ultramarathon and navigate a busy life."
-Doug Hay, running coach and co-host of No Meat Athlete Radio

"This book is funny, relatable, and very informative. If you are interested in taking the plunge into ultrarunning or if you're already an ultrarunner, I suggest you read this book. There's something for everyone."
-Hillary Allen, professional ultrarunner and author of Out and Back

"Garza-Hillman's book shows us that our connections to nature, community, and our bodies are more important than most of us realize in a fast-paced, technology-driven modern world. Trail running is one of the best practices to build these connections, to slow down, and is something nearly any of us can do. Whether you're on the fence about signing up for a race because it seems intimidating, or an experienced trail runner already, this book offers insights into how trail running can be a transformative life experience and bring us back to our empowering "wild" side."
-Tayte Pollmann, Writer for the American Trail Running Association


"As a road runner I found so many parallels but also felt so inspired to dabble in trail running because it no longer felt so far out of reach but rather attainable. I have no doubt I'll do an ultra in the future and be re-reading Sid's book."
-Michaela Robertson, Strides for Strength



Book Information
ISBN 9781958803387
Author Sid Garza-Hillman
Format Paperback
Page Count 164
Imprint Blue Star Press
Publisher Random House USA Inc