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Rich Roll
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Finding Ultra, Revised and Updated Edition: Rejecting Middle Age, Becoming One of the World's Fittest Men, and Discovering Myself Audio CD – Unabridged, March 13, 2018

by Rich Roll (Reader)
4.6 out of 5 stars 6,671 ratings
#1 Best Seller in Triathlons
Finding Ultra is Rich Roll's incredible but true account of achieving one of the most awe-inspiring midlife physical transformations ever.One cool evening in October 2006, the night before he was to turn forty, Rich experienced a chilling glimpse of his future. Nearly fifty pounds overweight at the time and unable to climb the stairs without stopping, he could see where his current sedentary lifestyle was taking him. Plunging into a new way of eating that made processed foods off limits and prioritized plant nutrition and daily training, Rich morphed-in a matter of mere months-from out-of-shape midlifer to endurance machine. Ninety days into his physical overhaul, Rich left the house to embark on a light jog and found himself running a near marathon. It was time to scale up his goals.Finding Ultra recounts Rich's remarkable journey to the elite Ultraman World Championship competition, which pits the world's fittest humans against each other in a 320-mile ordeal of swimming, biking, and running. Following that test, Rich conquered an even greater one: the Epic5 Challenge-five Ironman-distance triathlons, each on a different Hawaiian island, all completed in less than a week.But this is much more than an edge-of-the-seat look at a series of jaw-dropping athletic feats and much more than a practical training manual for those who would attempt a similar transformation. Yes, Rich's account rivets, and yes, it instructs, providing information that will be invaluable to anyone who wants to change their physique; but this book is most notable as a powerful testament to human resiliency, for as we learn early on, Rich's childhood posed numerous physical and social challenges, and his early adulthood featured a fierce battle with alcoholism.Ultimately, Finding Ultra is a beautifully written portrait of what willpower can accomplish. It challenges all of us to rethink what we're capable of and urges us, implicitly and explicitly, to go for it.This revised and updated edition of Finding Ultra includes a new and original foreword, a bonus chapter and appendices, and updated resources.
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  1. Language
    English
  2. Publisher
    Blackstone Audiobooks
  3. Publication date
    March 13, 2018
  4. Dimensions
    22.4 x 1.1 x 5.7 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1538554623
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1538554623
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The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Rich Roll has been featured on CNN and has been named one of the world's twenty-five fittest men by Men's Fitness magazine. He is a graduate of Stanford University and Cornell Law School. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and four children and, when he isn't training or competing, manages the entertainment boutique Independent Law Group.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Blackstone Audiobooks
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 13, 2018
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Unabridged
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1538554623
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1538554623
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 22.4 x 1.1 x 5.7 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 6,671 ratings

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Rich Roll

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
6,671 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well-written and engaging, describing it as life-changing and extremely inspiring. They appreciate the health advice, particularly the well-planned plant-based whole food diet, and value the author's heart-felt, personal approach. The book receives positive feedback for its authenticity and honesty, with one customer noting how it helps readers eat better. The content quality and story length receive mixed reviews, with some praising the resources while others find the content misleading, and one customer mentioning the story fizzles towards the end.

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ReadabilityInspirational storyHealthHonestyHeartfelt contentAuthenticityContent qualityStory length
558 customers mention "Readability"534 positive24 negative

Customers find the book engaging and well-written, describing it as a fun and enjoyable story.

"...He touches on heart rate for training, veganism, juicing, Vitamix, gluten!,..." Read more

"...I really enjoyed the story behind his success. The book is well-written and difficult to put down once you get into it...." Read more

"The book itself is worth a read if you're somebody into interesting life stories, somebody looking into the endurance fitness lifestyle or somebody..." Read more

"...are no finish lines", is, in essence the best, most succinct summary of every self help book I've ever read...." Read more

450 customers mention "Inspirational story"450 positive0 negative

Customers find the book extremely inspiring and life-changing, with one customer noting how dedication can completely transform one's life.

"...that are equally inspiring, yoga, meditation, GMO, writing, training methodologies, fixing health problems from within, dealing with addiction...." Read more

"...It's amazing how perseverance and dedication can completely change your life...." Read more

"...It reminded me to put pride aside, try hard if it's really important, set a goal and and don't give up, remember to rest, and how important it is..." Read more

"...Athletes will love the book for the familiar drama and the training insights, people just curious about a change toward a plant-based lifestyle will..." Read more

115 customers mention "Health"108 positive7 negative

Customers appreciate the health advice in the book, particularly the well-planned plant-based whole food diet and nutritional tips.

"...yoga, meditation, GMO, writing, training methodologies, fixing health problems from within, dealing with addiction...." Read more

"...Our health is everything, and my mental health depends on moving my body...." Read more

"...American reader this book should be educational, as far as eating healthy and exercising, and it should be inspiring in the sense that the mental..." Read more

"...the motivations and what lead him to endurance racing and his plant-based diet. He tells you how he got there and how his process evolved...." Read more

37 customers mention "Honesty"37 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's honesty, describing it as a heart-pouring and humble account of the author's journey, with one customer noting how the author openly shares his struggles.

"...The author is humble and open about his struggles and even his arrogance at times...." Read more

"...I like the author's candid telling of his lifestyle before and after sobriety...." Read more

"...Rich digs deeper in the revision, telling his story in a deeply vulnerable way, all in the attempt to show his humanity and prove that YOU can do..." Read more

"I just adore Rich Roll on his podcast and blog and appreciate his honesty, chosen delivery of his message, and insight as a person...." Read more

25 customers mention "Heartfelt content"25 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the heartfelt content of the book, describing it as personal and passionate, with one customer noting how it helps readers identify with the thoughts and feelings expressed.

"...health benefits of this diet, the increase in energy plus the emotional stability the author describes is something I find intriguing...." Read more

"...This book is a gift of courage, of wisdom and of heart, and for me, a gift that I choose to pay forward...." Read more

"...This book is an enjoyable read that is personal and inspirational, as well as informational - enjoy the ride." Read more

"First off, thank you Rich Roll for baring it all in this fun yet heart felt story...." Read more

19 customers mention "Authenticity"14 positive5 negative

Customers appreciate the authenticity of the book, describing it as raw and real, with one customer noting the author's honesty.

"...job of telling his story, he tells it in a matter of fact way and it's authentic...." Read more

"...The authentic and honest approach in Rich's abilty to tell his story is certainly refreshing...." Read more

"...how he talked about his history as a child but I still felt it was a little bit superficial. I would’ve like to have more depth to the book...." Read more

"...It makes the whole story/book very authentic and worth the read...." Read more

30 customers mention "Content quality"20 positive10 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the content of the book, with some finding it amazing with useful resources, while others describe it as misleading.

"...This book has been an unlikely but indispensable resource for me as I struggle through my own "ultra marathon" of grief and depression...." Read more

"...an endurance athlete, I found half of this to be plain bizarre and misleading...." Read more

"...I think the biggest selling point are the references and links to some great resources which I think is worth the price of the book...." Read more

"...has undertaken is not a fluke, it is absolutely real and attainable for almost everyone with the courage to face their fears and change their lives...." Read more

24 customers mention "Story length"13 positive11 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the story length of the book, with some finding it engaging from the first chapter, while others find it repetitive.

"..."Roll dog", if I may, your story, in your own voice, took me on a journey that allowed me an incredible experience of my own inner landscape as I..." Read more

"...And then the story faded a little bit when he explains in great detail the effort it took to do five triathlons on the five islands in as many days...." Read more

"...There were long chapters on how he overcame addiction to alcohol as well. He likes telling his story. It can be addictive (to read)...." Read more

"The book is a little too simplistic in approach and seems a bit overly dramatic on Rich's encounters with weight problems, revelations through his..." Read more

Awesome book! I actually listened to the audiobook and ...
5 out of 5 stars
Awesome book! I actually listened to the audiobook and ...
Awesome book! I actually listened to the audiobook and throughly enjoyed it. Rich Roll shares his story with candor, which I really appreciate. Super inspirational and motivating! I recommend it.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Christian Wallace
    5.0 out of 5 stars Rich Roll is the most inspiring person of his generation.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2014
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    The incredible number of people that Rich has directly helped through this book and now through his podcast is simply astonishing. It's even more incredible than even his athletic accomplishments. This book is not a 'how to' and I think that people may be disappointed by that, but it is in fact much much more. It opens a world that many of us simply do not know exists, especially on the east coast. He provides just enough information imbedded into his own personal story to allow the reader to start on their own journey. He is on a journey too and it is incredible to watch his life keep improving as he expands Jai and the ecosystem of wellness around him. He is improving our lives through it and I am forever grateful. His podcasts allow this book to keep expanding its reach. I cannot recommend checking that out enough.

    He touches on heart rate for training, veganism, juicing, Vitamix, gluten!, effects of dairy on running (I had asthma my whole life until I read this and stopped eating cheese, took one week to fix and Rich 1 and 25 years of doctors 0), marathons, ultra marathons, racing in general (there are tons of them out there, I had no idea), other athletes and trainers that are equally inspiring, yoga, meditation, GMO, writing, training methodologies, fixing health problems from within, dealing with addiction. He provides just enough inspiration and tools to change your life forever and those around you. So thank you Rich.

    I picked your book up a few years ago, a day after I walked out of my apartment hung over and incredibly confused as to why there were so many people outside and police barriers. They were running a half marathon that started one block from my apartment and I had no idea it was going on. I was upset at them because they were blocking the entrance to Starbux. Well I've run that race twice now, some half marathons, a 100 mile relay race...going to keep improving and getting closer to 100% vegan every day. Plants. Thanks Rich.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Angela Risner The Sassy Orange
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational
    Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2012
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    What could I, a 40 year old plus-sized woman, find interesting in a book about running, swimming, and cycling? Plenty!

    Rich Roll had a bright future when he enrolled at Standford. He was an amazing swimmer who had already had great success. Unfortunately, he became an alcoholic and that ended his chances for glory in the pool. Years of drinking nearly ruined his professional life as an attorney. He was lucky enough to have caring individuals around him who helped him enter into rehab and find sobriety.

    Years later, Rich is 40 years old and finds himself breathless when climbing the stairs of his house. He decides to make a change there and embark on a mission to become an endurance athlete. He beings training for an Ironman competition, eventually finding the Ultraman competitions. He also completely changes his diet to a plant-based one.

    I really enjoyed the story behind his success. The book is well-written and difficult to put down once you get into it. It's amazing how perseverance and dedication can completely change your life. I was concerned at one point that the book was more of a sales pitch for Rolls' website, Jai Lifestyle. I like reading about plant-based diets, but I don't want to be preached to or sold to either. Thankfully, the book didn't come across that way in more than a couple of places.

    My favorite quotes from the book:

    *Unfortunately, I'd once again brought myself with me.
    *You're what I call terminally unique. You think you're special. Your problems remarkable and singular. People like you die. ~ Therapist to Rich
    *"The prize never goes to the fastest guy," Chris replied. "It goes to the guy who slows down the least." True in endurance sports. And possibly even truer in life.
    *So if that was it, would you be satisfied with how you'd pursued your life? ~ Rich's wife to him

    I truly enjoyed this book. I may even buy it in hard copy for the nutritional information in the appendices.

    Highly recommend.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Chris E.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Reprint
    Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    The book itself is worth a read if you're somebody into interesting life stories, somebody looking into the endurance fitness lifestyle or somebody looking for motivation to kick some sort of addiction habit or problem. I'm familiar with Rich's story and I still found lots of new information in this book.

    As for the copy itself, it's like I got a second hand reprint. I purposely bought a used copy but immediately I noticed the image on the cover wasn't crisp and the margins of the printed material inside were off. The bottom sentence of each page is literally the bottom of the page. It didn't affect the read and I don't know if that's an issue with the seller, but this certainly wasn't a copy sitting on a shelf in a store somewhere.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Lily
    5.0 out of 5 stars So many reasons to love this book
    Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2022
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This is one of the most helpful books I've read in a long time for surprising reasons. It reminded me to put pride aside, try hard if it's really important, set a goal and and don't give up, remember to rest, and how important it is to use food for fuel. I've never run a race, but this book is applicable for whatever "race" you are running in your life. The chapter "There are no finish lines", is, in essence the best, most succinct summary of every self help book I've ever read. The author is humble and open about his struggles and even his arrogance at times. This book has been an unlikely but indispensable resource for me as I struggle through my own "ultra marathon" of grief and depression. I think of this book when I don't want to get up and run or go to the gym. Our health is everything, and my mental health depends on moving my body. Most of us don't have the luxury and opportunities that the author had in this book, but the life lessons can be applied to anyone's journey, no matter the situation. I am grateful to Rich Roll for this book. I dislike using the overused cliche, but it really has changed, maybe even saved my life.
    19 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Rodrigo Machado
    5.0 out of 5 stars I Loved The Book!!!
    Reviewed in Brazil on March 29, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book changed my life, I was going through a complicated period in my life. Overweight, didn’t love my job, no purpose in life, etc. Rich Roll was my inspiration to regain control of my life and change everything. Thanks Rich
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  • Vaibhav Sharma
    5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing book that describes a very interesting journey as well as debunks lot of food myths.
    Reviewed in India on December 10, 2019
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    The book can be best described as consisting of three sections. The first section is the author's journey from a bright and promising childhood to an adult life of alcoholic addiction, followed by sobriety, then followed by junk food and screen addiction, then followed by his journey to being an ultra-athlete and a triathlete. The book is very honest about life situations faced by the author, which led him to the decisions that he made. The author's journey from someone who had the ticket to join a number of ivy league universities (Havard, Stanford) to getting into rehab for alcohol addiction is very honest. The books lay bare all the wounds suffered by the author.

    The second section is about the training and experience of the author while training and participating in Endurance events. The author also reveals to a certain extent his spiritual discoveries as he prepares for Ultraman competition. Once again author is very forthcoming with the challenges faced, making him look like an ordinary guy who is trying to juggle so many things. The books also document the author's journey of EPIC5 - Five ironman distance triathlons, each on a different Hawaiian island, all completed in less than a week.

    The third section is about Nutrition. This talks about author's discovery of Plant-based nutrition. The book talks in detail about the food choices that the author makes and the reason behind it. The book goes in detail in debunking lots of food myths, especially in the fitness/endurance field. The appendices offer lots of information, indices, as well as resources for anyone interested in switching to a plant-based (read Vegan) nutrition or diet.

    I loved reading the book and there were lots of takeaways. I will strongly recommend this book to anyone who is or looking forward to being an endurance athlete. If you are planning to lose weight or have a dream of running a half-marathon or complete a triathlon event, then this is a must-read.
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  • LenaM
    5.0 out of 5 stars Eines der besten Bücher, die ich je gelesen habe
    Reviewed in Germany on May 26, 2013
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Ich nehme es gleich vorweg: Finding Ultra ist eines der besten Bücher, die ich jemals gelesen habe, auf jeden Fall unter den Top 3, wenn nicht sogar Platz 1. Ich war sowas von geflasht von diesem Buch.

    Rich Roll beschließt einen Abend vor seinem 40. Geburtstag, dass sich in seinem Leben radikal etwas ändern muss. Eigentlich hat er das perfekte Leben, eine tolle Frau, tolle Kinder, eine super Karriere und den damit erreichten Wohlstand. Doch körperlich merkt er, dass er einfach nicht mehr der Fitteste ist. Es reicht ihm aber nicht einfach ein bisschen mehr Sport zu machen und sich gesünder zu ernähren, nein, er wird innerhalb kürzester Zeit zum Vegetarier, dann zum Veganer und sucht sich ambitioniertes sportliches Ziel: Ultraman. Dabei handelt es sich um eine besondere Art des Triathlons, bei dem 10km geschwommen, 421km Rad gefahren und 84km gelaufen werden. Hammer hart oder? Zum Zeitpunkt seines Entschlusses hat er ein halbes Jahr Zeit, um darauf zu trainieren.

    Die Story beginnt mit einem Preface, in dem man als Leser unmittelbar in den zweiten Tag des Rennens katapultiert wird, und zwar zu einem bösen Sturz, der nichts Gutes erahnen lässt. Ob es Rich dennoch am Ende ins Ziel schafft nehme ich mal nicht vorweg. Nur so viel: Schon allein das Preface hatte mich in seinen Bann gezogen, sodass ich das Buch am liebsten gar nicht mehr weglegen wollte. Leider kam ich nur in der Ubahn wirklich zum Lesen, aber freute mich auf jede einzelne Fahrt und konnte es gar nicht erwarten weiterzulesen.

    Das erste Kapitel beginnt dann mit besagtem Abend vor dem 40. Geburtstag und die Entwicklung der folgenden Tage. Anschließend erzählt Rich aber erst einmal wie es soweit kommen konnte, was ihn in seiner Jugend geprägt hat, wie er während des Studiums zum Alkoholiker wurde, davon wieder loskam, mit welchen Struggeln er zu kämpfen hatte und wie er letztendlich zu dem Leben mit seiner Frau Julie kam, das er jetzt führt.
    Der Großteil des Buches widmet sich natürlich dann der Vorbereitung, dem Training und den Rennen selbst. Wirklich beeindruckend.

    Das siebte Kapitel widmet sich komplett der Geheimwaffe von Rich, der Pflanzenpower. Dabei geht er sowohl auf die gesundheitlichen Vorteile für ihn als auch auf die allgemeine Durchführbarkeit einer veganen Ernährung ein. Auch die ökologischen und ethischen Gründe reist er kurz an. Rich kam „zwar“ aus gesundheitlichen Gründen zum Veganismus, ist aber nun durchaus auch ein Verfechter der ethischen Gründe für den Veganismus.
    Der Appendix 1 am Ende des Buches widmet sich ebenso der veganen Ernährung. Es zeigt die Grundlagen eben dieser auf. Dabei geht Rich neben Fragen, wo man bestimmte Vitamine und Eiweiß herbekommt, auch auf das Prinzip der alkalischen Ernährung, Hintergründe zu Gluten, Getreide, Sprossen und Keimlingen ein.
    Im Appendix 2 wird ein typischer Tagesablauf bzw. Mahlzeitplan vorgestellt sowie Strategien fürs Essen außer Haus.
    Im letzten Teil des Buches, dem Appendix 3, werden relevante Quellen, Links, Bücher und weitere Informationsmöglichkeiten genannt. Ich konnte da den ein oder anderen Tipp mitnehmen.

    Insgesamt ist das Buch ein unheimlich motivierendes uns inspirierendes Buch. Mich hat es fasziniert, in seinen Bann gezogen und nachhaltig bewegt. Nicht zulesetzt der angenehme und packende Sprachstil macht es für mich zu einem ganz besonderen Buch. Finding Ultra ist keine Anleitung wie man einen Ultraman läuft, noch ist es nur für Menschen geschrieben, die vorhaben einen zu laufen. Es geht um weit mehr als nur den körperlichen Akt des Laufens. Rich Roll fasst das in einem Interview ganz gut zusammen:

    [It is] much more of a spiritual journey, a return to the heart, a return to a more authentic way of living in alignment with one’s soul purpose.[It is about] finding that thing inside you that you always wanted to do and determining a way to unlock it and unleash it, whatever that is. Ultraman is only a metaphor for whatever that dream deferred is that we all have that life seems too busy to ever attend to.

    Ich würde mir sehr wünschen, dass das Buch in weitere Sprachen, insbesondere ins Deutsche, übersetzt wird. Ich würde das Buch so gerne meinem Vater und meinem Onkel zum Lesen geben.
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  • Brack
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and encouraging story.
    Reviewed in Japan on October 5, 2013
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Long story short: 3.5 stars for the book by itself but a real 5 stars if you head over to his podcast.
    I actually picked up the hard cover a year or so ago when it came out and I was devouring, still am, books on the subject of whole foods, plant based nutrition and health and performance.
    I enjoyed the book and it's a good story.
    If the above topics interest you I'm sure you will too.
    A few months ago I came across the RR podcast and got hooked. I've since gone back and listened to every episode.
    This review is actually based on the kindle version which I just now finished. I downloaded the book as I had sold the hardcover I had bought but wanted to read the story again because of the podcast.
    I had been introduced to so many amazing people through the podcast and the book came alive as I now could put voices and details to many of the people in the book that I couldn't the first time around.
    I just bought "the no meat athlete" after he had the author on his show. Keep up the good work.
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  • Loukritia
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good book but should advise and emphasize more on its content
    Reviewed in Belgium on August 22, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Nice journey from addiction to running ultras, but i wish he spoke clear about the necessity of supplements. It should be a small mention of the book.
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