Great book....but

I really found this book most enjoyable and inspiring. Being read by the author (who does an excellent job of it) also given credibility. It would be great, however, if the appendices with Rich's recipes etc could be made available as a pdf for download because those elements of the book don't lend themselves to audio.

39 people found this helpful

Impressive but not recommended

His athletic and other accomplishments are impressive, no question.

But I feel the title and description are misleading.
A more accurate (and unwieldy) title might be "Confessions of a College Athlete: How Alcohol Ruined My Life and How I Rebuilt It With Training, Veganism, and Spirituality ."

What I liked:

* whatever his background, his transformation is indeed inspirational
* the description of the training prescribed by his coach offers good pointers for more research
* however flawed his reasoning, it's great to see someone dispelling harmful stereotypes about vegans
* he certainly is honest
* self-narration adds something

What I didn't like:

* Endless melodrama. I didn't need an unabridged confession of his many alcohol-related sins.
* Misleading: he started out as a world-class athlete.
* Ridiculous arguments: "I switched to cheese pizza and didn't feel great. So vegetarianism is bad; you have to go vegan."
* Ridiculous spiritualism: "Some guy warned me away with a gun when I was relieving myself on his property in the middle of the night with a flashlight. It must be because I didn't show proper respect to the island deities."
* Poor science: most of his nutritional advice is backed by "I drink/eat this and I'm an ultra man."
* Conceitedness: to his credit he cites instances of this as his failures. But still I get the impression of thinly-veiled contempt for non-vegans.
* Self-promotion: this is minor, but I still found off-putting the few times he mentions that "by the way I sell a vegan power drink"

37 people found this helpful

Two Different Books

The first half (first file of the download) focuses on the authors struggles with alcohol. The real story of the ultraman begins in the second half. It is a fantastic story of what a person can accomplish and endure at any age. I was inspired to workout harder and eat different. Beginning with vegan dinner and we will see how it goes from there.

28 people found this helpful

Not all there...

Any additional comments?

The story is really interesting. I listened to the entire book very quickly, however... resources are referenced within the appendices of the book many times. The resources are not provided with the purchase of this audio book though... very disappointing.

25 people found this helpful

Helped Change My Life!

What made the experience of listening to Finding Ultra the most enjoyable?

While his semi-nasal, dispassionate voice drives others that happened to hear some of it crazy, I really liked the fact that this was read by Rich Roll himself.

Any additional comments?

I'd already committed to my program of getting fit and healthy prior to listening to to this. Listened to some books like It's Not About The Bike (Lance), I'm Here To Win (Macca), read Iron War and been working out consistently and changing my diet. That being said, I took a lot from Rich's book and applied it to my life.I could relate to Rich's journey as I'm a similar age and was even more unfit. I never dealt with the addiction issues (closest would be food for me) that Rich had to and remember feeling like that section was pretty long but I related to or hope to relate to the rest of the book. The story was quite enjoyable and kept me listening and interested. I loved the further insight into ultra endurance events. And my family has adopted many dietary changes that Rich mentioned. We haven't gone vegan (and probably won't) but are still feeling much better from eating more in line with his philosophy. I liked that these details, as the other technical information, were shared in context of his story rather than a non-fictional guide.I do admit that I regret not having the appendixes and access to some of the reference data that is mentioned.All in all, transformational book for me.

24 people found this helpful

Self narrated

I liked the story, but the self narration almost turned me off the book. I powered through it and was glad at the end.

4 people found this helpful

Self-Aware & Honest - perhaps some bad science

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed Finding Ultra. Unlike many of the other reviews, I did not find it self serving and egotistical. Rather quite self aware, open and honest. The description of the ultimate challenge (5 iron men in 5 days) was particularly self-aware and quite inspiring. Rich had no problem delving into his failings in some detail, concentrating however, on how he had found ways to struggle past them.
Rich Roll talks about finding his way out of alcoholism with some "belief" and this, along with some (though not all) of the "science" behind his diet choices is a bit jarring for me. As a dedicated rationalist, I find these things do not mesh with my world view, however, it is clear that they have worked for Rich and helped him fight and vanquish his demons. So they add value to the book - despite my discomfort :)
A life-long vegetarian/almost vegan, Finding Ultra and Eat and Run have helped me get back into long distance running and concentrate more closely on my fuel. Including learning to eat real food during a run.
All and all a good listen, inspirational and Rich's performance reading is very well done.

4 people found this helpful

Outstanding!!! Rich Roll is my new hero.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Finding Ultra is an inspirational and moving account of a man not only facing his addictions, middle age and personal fears, but conquering them as well. Mr. Roll has become a role model (pun intended, ;o) for me. This is a true mid-life coming of age story that proves anything is possible if we are willing to do the footwork.

The author holds nothing back as he explains, in detail, how he eats and why. The appendices -- especially -- are filled with copious amounts of information and resources that will get anyone started in the right direction towards better health. I can’t wait to start my new Plant Power Diet.

19 people found this helpful

Insightful conquering life's challenges

Where does Finding Ultra rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book is great. It starts you off right in the moment of the race. It is read by the author himself which leaves it more genuine. Full of great information on finding ways to change your life for the better through understanding Rich's life story. If you love running or find yourself at the a fork in the road you might like this book.

What did you like best about this story?

His determination to conquer during challenges.

Which scene was your favorite?

Hard to say I liked the whole book. Fascinating.. that someone can turn their life around and reach such fetes.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Inspiring!

Any additional comments?

Look forward to future books by Rich!

16 people found this helpful

Tough to hear

I am not into celebrity train wrecks and therefore did not enjoy 2 hours of listening to Rich’s descent into self injury. I am happy for him coming clean in the end; I just could not force myself to endure 7 more hours of it. This is one of the few books I have ever returned to Audible.

3 people found this helpful