Rich Roll

This book has changed my life in several ways. As I read the story, I began to relate to the life of Mr Roll. I had reached middle age was in declining fitness. Then one day, I realized that I was 'tired' of being 'tired'. I happened to discover this book around that time. As I read through the story, I thought to myself why not try this? I can do this if it makes me feel better. Not become an ultra-athlete but obtain higher fitness. So as of this writing, I've lost 17 pounds and have been show more on a vegan diet for over a month. I like the results so far and will probably start running 10K's again. It has really helped me and it was an enjoyable story. show less

I absolutely loved this book and the absurdly wonderful inspiration I got from it. Confession: I am a lawyer, vegan, happily sober (5+ years), 44, distance runner (training for marathon #3) and spiritual seeker, so had a lot of this lifestyle and philosopy underway (thanks mostly to Brendan Brazier's "Thrive," Dr. Rau's "Swiss Secret", Dr. William Davis's "Wheat Belly" and tons of Buddhist reading), but to find someone who is not only charting, but positively blazing, new paths in these show more areas of life, well, wow, I found a guru. I have added he (and his wife's) recipes, ideas and science to my training and lifestyle. He's a bit more intense than I'll ever be, but that does not matter, he showed what is possible on a plant-based diet, with education, self-work and a whole lot of determination and belief in ones self. I also love how he has just added to the education of plant-based eating, and how to counter the daily question of "how do you get enought protein." This is a very short, easy to read, mid-life story. I think anyone in a rut will find some inspiration here, but especially anyone who is suffering from addiction and/or the SAD (Standard American Diet). There are lot of negative reviews out there ripping on Roll's ego, but it did not bother me one bit. I actually found him pretty humble and at times, self-debasing. In many ways, he was a pretty unlikely canditate for a vegan, ultraman, meditation poster boy. Go Rich! Highly recommended. show less

I listened to this audiobook, narrated by the author, mainly while out running – maybe I was hoping it would provide inspiration!

In this memoir of sorts, Rich Roll describes how on the eve of his 40th birthday, he realised that he needed to change his health drastically – overweight, unfit and scared of dying early, Rich transformed himself into an ultra fit, vegan triathlete and this book tells how it did it.

I should have enjoyed this – it had all the hallmarks of a book I would love. show more I am fascinated by people who find the mental and physical strength to push their body and achieve things way beyond the capability of most of us mere mortals. And running five Ultra-triathlons in less than a week is way beyond impressive by any standard you care to use. But…I never really enjoyed this book.

Having overcome alcohol addiction and some years later deciding to turn his health around, it is difficult not to be impressed by what Rich Roll has done. But for me, there was too much whining – things didn’t always go well for Rich, but that applies to everyone – and he had a distinct ‘why me’ tone to his voice (both literally and on the page). And there was too much spirituality attached to fairly mundane events. For example, in Hawaii Rich is confronted by an angry homeowner, annoyed to find Rich trespassing on his property (to clarify – Rich was not actually trespassing; he thought he had found a quiet place to relieve himself during an Ultraman race). But instead of seeing this as something that could happen to anyone anywhere, Rich decides that this is karma for not respecting the island. And when approached by an alcoholic woman who wants to party, of course he decides that this woman must be some kind of angel sent to show him the kind of life he could have wound up living.

Also, while fully respect the author’s vegan lifestyle choice, I disliked his dismissive attitude to anyone who doesn’t share the same values.

The whole thing just came across as a big ego-trip, and honestly I was pretty pleased to finish it. Oh well, onto the next one… show less

Can't decide between 2 and three stars. Tempted to say the guy is a psycho. Who would want to do the things he did to his body? Doing 5 Ironman type competitions in 5 days? That is 100% crazy.

But

You can't help being impressed that he was 40 and out of shape and changed his lifestyle to be this superfit endurance guy.

But

His out of shape didn't really seem that extreme (maybe 30 lbs overweight?). And he was a competitive swimmer growing up. Yes I know you can be completely unfit and still not show more be obese, but having a mere 30 lbs extra is the difference between him before and after becoming (I assume) Mr. Zero body fat, extra lean guy.

But

He is a vegan. Which is surprising. As an not particularly healthy eating vegetarian of 27 yrs (yum! cookies don't have meat!), I am interested in what he eats to sustain himself through the grueling workouts.

I am intrigued, but doubt I will ever find kale and beetroot smoothies a great way to start the day.

But

You never know. show less