Magic, Madness & Ultramarathon Running

Andy Mouncey: if you see his name on the
 start list, it's not going to be an easy race ...

If you've ever experienced an Alpine Oasis running camp, then you'll know the force of nature that is our coach Andy Mouncey: an inspirational ultrarunner; a great coach and motivator, and an all-round nice chap. If you haven't met Andy yet, then hold on tight ... and read on.

Amidst his hectic programme of training, coaching and public speaking, Andy's made the time to pull together the gripping tale of his own ultrarunning story so far in his inspirational new book, Magic, Madness and Ultramarathon Running. In it, he gives an entertaining and very honest account of the highs - and lows! - of his experiences
of some of the most iconic races on the British (and European!) ultra running calendar.

The book's foreword is by ultra-running legend Jez Bragg, who recalls his first meeting with Andy:

"I can still clearly remember the moment I first met Andy. It was late summer 2004, in a field, in the heart of the Worcestershire countryside. It was the eve of the Marathon of Britain, a gruelling multi-stage race across the heart of England, an adventure like many of those you will read about in this book which bonds a small group of like-minded runners together like no other. There is nothing like a tough, week-long, ultra distance race to forge lifelong friendships. And so our paths had crossed.

"For both of us, that was our first venture into the slightly obscure and some would say ‘underground’ world of ultra running. Since then I have regularly seen Andy at the big races around the UK and beyond, and it’s fair to say that if you see his name on the start list, it’s not going to be an easy race.

"When you meet Andy, the thing that will strike you most is the energy which comes with him. Always. It’s infectious; you can’t help but feel lifted and buoyed by his approach, attitude and mannerisms. You certainly won’t be disappointed in the energy found in this book either – it shines through in every sentence!

"In reading this book you will soon realise that Andy’s ultra running career is just the icing on the outside of his career; his many preceding years spent in other areas of endurance sport make his performances, consistency and general drive, actually quite hard to comprehend. Andy competes, finishes and often stands on the steps of the podium, time after time ...

"Ultra running is of course about being fit and durable, but more than that it is about your approach and attitude. The race tales and experiences Andy has pulled together in this book provide an inspirational insight into how he has gone about achieving all that he has in the sport, becoming one of the most consistent performers around. There is a lot to learn. I hope you enjoy his stories like I did."

Jez Bragg, 2012

Winner Ultra Tour Mont Blanc 2010

Want to read more? Magic, Madness & Ultramarathon Running is available from Amazon for £7.57