Ultra, Top Model to Top Ultra Runner is a beautiful story on how Michele spontaneously moves from the easy life on the teat of his parents to America and then onto his Ultra Running career. I liked the overall flow and it was very easy to read. At only 252 pages I did this in one sitting. This is particularly refreshing at a time when many books contain ‘filler’ done to extend what should be a few pages into a Ben Hur sized novel.
One man, many lives…
I enjoyed the use of contrast with the key element being the comparison of the hedonistic lifestyle of Miami (expensive cars, penthouses, parties, celebrities, drugs, sex and rock ‘n roll) versus the Ultra Running life of solitude, reflection and mental focus. This reminds me of the classic conception of comedy with the purpose to hold a mirror up to society to reflect its follies and vices, in the hope that they will, as a result, be mended and the key character will find true meaning, purpose and worth.
However, when I peel back the layers, I find the backlash is due to Goggin’s book taking away people’s excuses for mediocracy. For Goggins, childhood was a nightmare – poverty, prejudice, and physical abuse coloured his days and haunted his nights. He has every right to be a statistic, to fail in life and settle for less. But through self-discipline, mental toughness, and hard work, Goggins transformed himself from a depressed, fat piece of shit with no future into a U.S. Armed Forces icon and one of the world’s top endurance athletes.
I think his success bothers a lot of people. It highlights flaws in their chosen way of thinking, the way they life their life and make excuses for their own short comings. For the reader Goggins shows us that despite all the challenges that life throws at you, it is your responsibility to do everything in your power and more to achieve the utmost you can out of life.
A story of contrast and perspective
Michele’s story is also contrast to many other ultra-runners in that he comes from such a privileged background, blessed with wealth and opportunity yet somehow, he becomes disillusioned with this so early and is then drawn to Ultra as a way of finding meaning and depth in a world shallower than a puddle after a sun shower. I found this aspect fascinating and it contrasts from Dave Goggins and Scott Jurek who both came from troubled beginnings.
While there are a few clichés (Michele’s not a native English speaker) Ultra, Top Model to Top Ultra Runner is a great story and rather than being focused on purely winning or running it’s a philosophical journey about finding meaning, your purpose and giving your all on the pursuit for your best life.
