North

From the author of the bestseller Eat and Run comes a thrilling memoir detailing a grueling 46-day attempt to break the speed record for the Appalachian Trail. Scott Jurek, a celebrated ultrarunner known for his endurance and speed on a vegan diet, has dominated elite ultrarunning events for two decades. However, feeling a deep need for personal discovery, he took on the challenge of the Appalachian Trail, a 2,189-mile journey that tested him in ways he could not have anticipated. Setting out in spring 2015, Jurek faced punishing terrain, harsh weather, and the likelihood of injuries, needing to run nearly 50 miles daily for almost seven weeks. He anticipated pushing his limits, but the physical and emotional toll was profound. Supported by his wife, Jenny, friends, and the kindness of strangers, Jurek navigated the trail, running, hiking, and stumbling northward, one white blaze at a time. This stunning narrative of perseverance and transformation captures a man stripped bare through one of the most demanding experiences of his life. It serves as an inspiration for both runners and non-runners to strive for their personal best.