North: Finding My Way While Running the Appalachian Trail

It's amazing how far the human body and mind can be pushed. While I'll never attempt something like the AT and won't push my limits this much, the book is still very inspiring. We can do so much more than we think we can. Was hard to put down. Well written. Highly recommended. Simply, good stuff!

Hiking through this book was an amazing journey- though I’ll never do anything similar, there were so many life lessons and insights to be discovered on its pages- I loved the way Scott and Jenny guided the way on this amazing hike!

The title says it all - this book chronicles Jurek's 2015 attempt at the Appalachian Trail FKT (fastest known time). He made the attempt with a tremendous amount of help from his wife Jenny and some friends. Every chapter ends with Jenny's point of view on things as well which provides not only interesting external perspective on Jurek but also some insight on the simultaneously monumental undertaking required to assist with an endeavor of this scope. He's an incredible athlete - it's amazing to what extremes he is able to push himself. I also found the book refreshingly honest from both Scott and Jenny's view points with regards to their struggles in life and the difficulties of tackling a very personal endeavor for them in an incredibly open, social-media way. If anything, despite Jurek already being so open and inviting, I think it just makes us all want to know even more about what's going on his life. He's just such a likable guy that you want to know more about all the gossip he alludes to in his books. This was a "criticism" some had about Eat & Run - we all wanted to know the nitty gritty of his divorce! Understandably, for a man who already shares and opens up so much, it seems he tries to balance this with his level of comfort as to how much he wishes to reveal. Nevertheless, being huge fans our gossip-mongering hearts always yearn for more. I honestly think a lot of us, myself included, just want to hear more from him about his divorce and how it affected him - to learn how a man with the capacity to endure the tempests of physical human suffering made it through what is generally a very devastating life event. I would give the book 4.5 stars if I could - the half star off solely because I continue to yearn to know even more about his life. Suffice it to say, I won't fault him for not going more in-depth, but I mention this all because it's possible, like me, you will read North and enjoy it and enjoy getting to know Scott Jurek, but you may also find yourself wanting even more depth and insight. It is otherwise an interesting read about attempting the AT (which I have never done myself). I did not realize what a harrowing challenge it is and the unique dangers of each portion of the trail. It has been a while since I read Eat & Run but I believe I enjoyed it a bit more (including the wonderful recipes at the end of each chapter). Of course that book and this are about two different times in his life. North is definitely motivational. No doubt that many pieces of it will play through my mind in the future to provide strength and inspiration during difficult times. Thank you Scott and Jenny for sharing this very personal endeavor with the world - both back then in the moment and now.

Naturally I thought this book would be good but NORTH is SPECTACULAR! It has elevated both Scott and Jenny into masterful story tellers. Beautifully written and well detailed, it reveals the emotional depths of their very souls. Shifting voices, from Scott’s to Jenny’s, as they described their own experiences was gracefully executed. I am thoroughly impressed by this tome and couldn’t put it down until I reached the end, leaving me emotionally moved and finally relieved. At the time, I followed their journey on social media, who didn’t? This book answered questions that I had about the cast of all-star ultra-community characters that showed up to assist them. Having had a close eye on Scott’s glorious career and thrilling seven wins at the Western States 100, (my favorite era) I’m well acquainted with his phenomenal capabilities, including continuing on a badly sprained ankle at 50-miles into the race. He has a force about him that I found hard to identify, I settled on “warrior spirit” within. This book unwraps the layers revealing his heart, soul, and the core energy of his true champion spirit. Jenny’s role was equally important as the Crew Chief, I could easily relate to her daily routines having had the experience myself of crewing on a New York to California horse race, including the entire Pony Express Trail. It’s a lot of work! Her contribution to the book characterized the tasks of being in charge of Castle Black and embodied they phase “Home is where you set the parking brake.” With every mile, she endured the elements and unknown conditions with bravery and courage. Well done, Jenny, well done. To both Scott and Jenny, I am so proud of you both and remain your biggest fan.

Interesting look at the physical and psychological challenge of attempting the FKT. Overall really good book and worth the read

I just finished North, and I’m in awe again. I loved Eat and Run for its easygoing narrative, the way that Scott weaved race day stories, yummy vegan recipes, and memories from his childhood into a motivational biography. This was a tale of how a personal goal turned into a story of strength and friendship, of how there is nothing in the world like the community of runners. Scott is an incredible athlete and a badass record breaker but what I love most is that he always displays humility and kindness, and it’s so refreshing to read a story that is less about him personally as much as it is about the trails, the people, the melding of runners both competing and simultaneously championing each other. I absolutely loved reading his wife Jenny’s portions, it added so much and gave such a richer perspective to the whole adventure. I cried the last few chapters and it made me want to lace up my shoes now and conquer some personal roadblocks. Can’t wait until the next adventure and the next book, Team Jurek!

I felt like I was there with Scott and Julie every step of the way. Scott has been a hero of mine for many years. I haven’t been able to run for a longtime. I am now recovering from bilateral knee replacements and I am hoping to start running again. This is the first book on running I have read in years. Everyone tells me I cant run after knee replacements. Scott’s epic adventure has given m the hope that I will be able to return to running.

I’ve read both of Scott Jurek’s books. They are interesting, inspiring and very well written. You don’t have to be an endurance athlete to enjoy this book, but when I start to get tired on my 10 km runs I remind myself what Scott endured!

Every runner should read this at least once. My words can't do justice to the brilliance. A fantastic insight into a beast of a runner and a beautiful human being. A story about a woman who has no quit in her. Absolutely mesmerising.

This is a great book, one that makes you feel happy and insipred. Perfect for sporty people and nature lovers. Thanks Scott for another beautiful book packed with positivity and awesome characters.

A brilliant read. Very inspirational making you want to explore and get out to see what you an active yourself by whetting out more. Very well written too.