Avid runner Scott Ludwig has seen, heard, and experienced firsthand most everything the sport has to offer. Of course, that is to be expected of someone who has run every day for over twenty-eight years. In "Running through My Mind," Scott and his friends weigh in, sharing brutally honest, occasionally raw and always entertaining anecdotes to guide you through the physical and mental aspects of running:

A teammate on the Atlanta Track Club Men's Masters Team, discussing a 195-mile relay: "How many runners does it take to run Hood-to-Coast? Twelve members of the men's masters' team or one Scott Ludwig. " Scott after dropping out of the Western States Endurance Run: "That sure sucked. " Scott's views on treadmills: "It's not running if you don't go anywhere. " A pal and crewmember for Scott at the Badwater Ultramarathon: "When Scott was accepted into Badwater, the real question in my mind was not whether or not he would finish, but whether or not he would then let the" (consecutive days of running) "streak die a peaceful death. " Scott after "finishing" the Western States Endurance Run: "That still sucked. "

Discover the motivational narrative behind these and many other observations in Scott's story-so far. Whether you just bought your first pair of running shoes or are a grizzled running veteran, "Running through My Mind" provides the encouragement you need to get out and get moving

Runners will be inspired and fascinated reading about Mark Covert who has run every day for 45 straight years, how Pam Reed won the Badwater Ultramarathon, and Dean Karnazes ran 50 marathons in fifty states over 50 days, how Larry Macon set four world records for the most marathons in a calendar year, and Amy Winters-Palmiero ran and finished Badwater with a prosthetic leg. These are just some of the incredible and inspiring achievements of the endurance athletes profiled in "Running to Extremes: The Legendary Athletes of Ultrarunning. Each one of these athletes has pushed the limits of human endurance to become an inspiration for people around the world. Their achievements are profiled in individual chapters, each introduced by prominent ultrarunners and friends. In addition to the most prolific endurance athletes in the world today, one section is dedicated to the Father of American Ultrarunning, Ted Corbitt. Including a foreword by his son, Gary Corbitt, and a special section on his life and achievements, Running to Extremes serves to preserve his legacy. Whether you are an ultrarunner yourself or a casual runner, a fan, a historian, or a scholar, Running to Extremes and the incredible people and their stories in it will inspire you and ignite your passion for living life to the fullest. Above all, this Whos Who of ultrarunning proves one thing: The impossible is possible!

In 2003, defending champion Pam Reed, Dean Karnazes and 71 other runners took the ultimate challenge of running 135 miles in California from Badwater to the portals of Mount Whitney. Their journey would take them through Death Valley and subject them to temperatures ranking among the highest ever recorded on earth. Twenty-five runners tell of their adventures in arguably the absolute toughest of 'the toughest footrace on the planet' - the good, the bad and yes, the ugly - in this incredible and fascinating compilation. The runners - who experienced heat exhaustion, dehydration, nausea, blisters, hallucinations, and fatigue during the race - competed in temperatures literally 'a few degrees from hell.'

To: Editor, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

I believe your newspaper has been missing something for the last two decades. In fact it was the original reason I became a loyal subscriber in the fi rst place: the thriceweekly columns of my all-time favorite writer, the late, great Lewis Grizzard. Trust me when I say that as a loyal University of Florida graduate it's diffi cult for me to admit there is actually something good that came out of the University of Georgia, and that something would be Lewis Grizzard. Born and raised in nearby Moreland (I reside in Peachtree City, Georgia), Grizzard had a major influence on my writing style. This is my sixth self-published book; one of them sold so well a publisher came a-calling tobuy the rights to it. Now I'd like to take my writing to the next level. That's where you come in.

Consider this book as both my job application and resume for a position on your editorial staff.

Everything here on the back cover is my cover letter to you.

I leave you with one simple question: When do I start?

Multiple races of marathon distance or greater in a month...or perhaps in a weekend. Several unsupported runs of 50 and 100 miles through the mountains and forests several times a year. Have you ever considered running through a desert, across a frozen tundra or over multiple mountain ranges? Why not run for three days straight to see how many miles you can accrue? Welcome to a place where no locale is too inhospitable and no distance impossible. Welcome...to the Darkside.

The Darkside Running Club, established in 2002 is a place where runners meet to express their love for distance running and camaraderie by spending countless hours and miles committed to doing what they enjoy most. They share a singular focus towards achieving goals far off in the distance, both literally and figuratively. With their dedication and commitment you may believe the Darksider to be a professional athlete, or perhaps an Olympian. But you would be wrong: they are simply ordinary people doing extraordinary things in the sport they love: running.

Highly competitive while never taking themselves too seriously, they strive to shave off minutes or perhaps hours while adding a mile or two...or twenty while pushing their limits further and further. The impossible becomes possible; dreams become reality. They won't take 'no' for an answer as they persevere to move beyond physical and emotional discomfort to finish what they started. Excuses don't exist. Their passion is contagious. So reader be warned: they're in it for the long run.

At last: The much-anticipated sequel to "My Life: Everything but BUY THE BOOK " Part 1 is here

Read what some notable personalities had to say* and you'll want to rush to plant your bottom on your favorite recliner, couch or commode and rip into the potpourri of subject matter you'll find in Part 2: 'Jaw-Dropping ' -Peter Benchley, author of Jaws 'Out of this world ' -Neil Armstrong, the first man to set foot on the moon 'Sure to make your head spin.' -William Peter Blatty, author of The Exorcist 'Could it possibly be any more fascinating?' -Chandler Bing, one of NBC's Friends

But don't take their word for it. BUY THIS BOOK and see for yourself

*Notable personalities may or may not have been referring specifically to this book at the time of their quote. It's difficult to ascertain with any degree of certainty so let's just assume they were. That way nobody gets hurt.

I've been around the block a few times.

Over half a million times, actually.

Assuming a block is approximately 100 yards long and 100 yards wide, running just over 130,000 lifetime miles equates to a few more than 500,000 times around the block.

So yeah, I've been around the block a few times.

I've had my share of ups and downs. The Boston Marathon, the Badwater Ultramarathon and having whatever it takes to run every single day since November 30, 1978 would fall into the former; an aging body, injuries, and-well, to be totally honest falling down while running much too often these days would fall into the latter.

But it's been a good, long run and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

My wife Cindy believes the 2003 Badwater Ultramarathon signaled the beginning of my declining health and running ability. I beg to differ: I believe it was my (last place, and darn proud of it) finish in the 2006 Western States Endurance Run that catapulted me into the downside of my running career.

However, I have no regrets. As I said earlier it's been a good, long run and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Besides, if it had been any other way I wouldn't have had the many tales you will find in this book that you, quite frankly, could not possibly find anywhere else.

These are my stories from...my experiences...and my perspectives on running as well as life.

They're all absolutely true. They're all brutally honest. They're all from the heart.

Most of all, they're all mine. Scott Ludwig, 2013

In his autobiography "Running through My Mind: Confessions of an Every Day Runner," author and runner Scott Ludwig states he would like to write a book about the superheroes he's grown to know throughout his running lifetime.

Ludwig's second book, "A Passion for Running: Portraits of the Everyday Runner" tells the amazing stories of 18 runners he has grown to respect and admire in his 31 years as a runner.

Inside you will meet:

Anne, an admitted couch potato at 40 and accomplished 100-mile runner at 56.

Bobbi, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon during a time when women 'weren't capable of running more than 1 1/2 miles.'

Elizabeth, who ran through the dark to complete her first 100-mile run despite having no vision at night..and 97% vision loss during the day.

Sarah, the only finisher--male or female--of a bitterly cold race which just happened to be 135 miles long.

Lloyd, a beginning runner at 59 and holder of various age group records once he reached the ages of 70, 75, 80 and now 85.

Bob, winner of countless races in his 30's and 40's who can't seem to slow down in his 50's.

Jerry, who ran an official marathon course 200 times in the year 2000 because...well, just because.

Al, who has run a sub-five minute mile, sub-three hour marathon, and 100 miles in less than 24 hours at age 60 yet still imagines what the future holds at the age of 64.

All have their own unique story to tell, and Ludwig is proud to be the one to tell them. You'll find all of their stories fascinating: how running became a part of their lives; their approach to the physical, psychological and emotional demands of running; and their special advice and insight into the sport.

You'll also hear their personal accounts of the most memorable running event in each of their lives, from the Boston Marathon to the Comrades Marathon to the Western States Endurance Run to the blistering Badwater Ultramarathon to the frigid Arrowhead 135

Their stories will be sure to inspire and motivate you for a lifetime.

Avid runner Scott Ludwig has seen, heard, and experienced firsthand most everything the sport has to offer. Of course, that is to be expected of someone who has run every day for over twenty-eight years. In "Running through My Mind," Scott and his friends weigh in, sharing brutally honest, occasionally raw and always entertaining anecdotes to guide you through the physical and mental aspects of running:

A teammate on the Atlanta Track Club Men's Masters Team, discussing a 195-mile relay: "How many runners does it take to run Hood-to-Coast? Twelve members of the men's masters' team or one Scott Ludwig. " Scott after dropping out of the Western States Endurance Run: "That sure sucked. " Scott's views on treadmills: "It's not running if you don't go anywhere. " A pal and crewmember for Scott at the Badwater Ultramarathon: "When Scott was accepted into Badwater, the real question in my mind was not whether or not he would finish, but whether or not he would then let the" (consecutive days of running) "streak die a peaceful death. " Scott after "finishing" the Western States Endurance Run: "That still sucked. "

Discover the motivational narrative behind these and many other observations in Scott's story-so far. Whether you just bought your first pair of running shoes or are a grizzled running veteran, "Running through My Mind" provides the encouragement you need to get out and get moving