And it's an inspiring and entertaining life that Modzelewski describes in this memoir. Along with a ‘timeline' description of what it's like to run 100 continuous miles through wild country, the author weaves in growing up in the value-laden Midwest; youthful rambles through Europe and the American West; and working as an adventure travel writer, seeking out the offbeat and unusual in exotic places around the world.

During the course of a 100 miler you run a cumulative, Everestic 20,000 feet of uphill and 24,000 feet down.

Angeles Crest is about Family: reuniting with an estranged brother as they run the ultra marathon together, supported by the love of a famous father.

Infused with a protective passion for Nature, the author describes the effects of varied landscapes upon the human psyche. There are many close encounters with wildlife, including alligators in the Everglades, elephants in Africa, pumas in Patagonia, and a transformative Dream-Bear that helps explain to Modzelewski his astonishing experiences with an Angel and Extraterrestrials. As he writes: "Running and the paranormal experiences were directly connected. I may have had them if I was a non-runner, but long distance running is expansive, carrying the body, mind, spirit past measurable boundaries and self-imposed limits, creating a portal into all possibilities."

Angeles Crest is a tour de force, showing a man not only tapping the depths of human potential by running 100 miles but also in exploring the mysteries of the universe, the author finishes with answers for us all.

"Everyone has a wide, vacant-eyed look -- what combat soldiers call the 'thousand-yard stare': the inner spirit leaving the surface, gathering forces deep within, here, creating a trance that helps insulate you against the demands of running 100 miles . . . . "

Marching on through the heat of the day..........

Buckle Boys
The reward for finishing a 100 mile ultra marathon under 24 hours
-- a silver belt buckle money can't buy!

Book Reviews for Angeles Crest

• Writer Survived Shift on Almost-deserted Island Palm Beach Post, October 18, 2000.
• URProfile, Mike Modzelewski, Author, Model, Television Host and Adventure Seeker Ultrarunning Magazine, October 2000.
• Running Wild Continental Magazine, November 2000.

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*A portion of profits will go to The World Wildlife Fund to aid their efforts in saving endangered species.