Dare to Run : Amit Sheth

Dare to run is the inspiring story of Amit and Neepa Sheth, a husband-wife duo who took up running as a sport in their late 30s. In a collection of essays written over five years, Amit, a self acclaimed couch potato takes us long with him on an incredible journey of determination, discovery, courage, self-awareness and self-belief.

He takes us with him from his first, almost fatal, 200 meter jog on a beach in Mumbai, to the finish line of The Ultimate Human Race: the 89 km Comrades Ultra Marathon in South Africa. Along the way, Amit uses a combination of poetry, philosophy and scriptures to explain his unique perspective on life, religion, spirituality and running.

This is a book not just about running but about the need to relentlessly follow your dreams and passions, no matter what they may be. It is a book which encourages you to be the best you can be in all walks of life while at the same time maintaining a certain sense of balance and appreciation for the beauty of existence. It encourages you to enjoy the gift of life to its fullest.

The essays describe the journey of an ordinary husband-wife team doing extraordinary feasts, while having to balance family, work, training and injuries.

This is a book from which a novice runner will draw inspiration and motivation and it also a book in which an elite athlete will recognize his own strengths and weaknesses. It describes how ordinary people push the limits of their ability to achieve their goals, passions and dreams and it will inspire the reader to do the same. It is a book to be read not only by those who run but those who desire to run. It is a book which dares you to run.

What others say about the book:

When I first read the chapter 'The Agony and Ecstasy of the Comrades Marathon 2009', I immediately went out in search of the writer. What left an imprint on my mind was the way he encapsulated the emotions and moments of the greatest marathon in the world. My 25 years of running was captured in this inspiring essay. It portrays the trials and tribulations, not of running, but of the reality of life.

Amit's combination of poetry, philosophy and scriptures has inspired all those who have read his writings. The words of the wise all come alive when he relates them to running. Between the soles of his running shoes and the touch of the earth, Amit's connectedness with and awareness of his surroundings extols the joy and pain of running. Out of this arises peace and stillness. His is not a personal but a universal expression of being alive while running.”
- Naresh Nana, South Africa, 22 Comrades Marathons.

Amit's essays are about determination, discovery, courage, self-awareness and the joy and pain of running. They reflect on testing and pushing your limits, conquering your fears, and on the incredible spirit of community found amongst runners. And most of all, they are truly inspiring and a fun read.”
- Andrea Moritz, Canada, Ultra Marathoner, Comrades International Ambassador.

Amit writes as the 'everyman' of running, having to balance family, work, training and injuries. He shares insights that provide motivation and strength to stretch targets and open possibilities of achievement.”
- Steven Weeks, USA, Ultra Marathoner, Tri-athlete, Comrades Runner.

This book is a spiritual journey of self-belief, courage, discipline, determination, dreams and discovery. A labour of love. A gold medal performance. Thank you Amit!”
-Fillipo Faralla, South Africa, 16 Comrades Marathons.

For the novice runner, this book is well from which to draw inspiration and motivation. It reveals the path to progression in a life changing sport. This book will also touch the heart of all seasoned runners as they will recognize many of their strengths and weaknesses in these essays. A great book.”
– Harold Gleave, UK, Marathoner and Comrades Runner.

Like no other running writer I've read, Amit puts into words just what it means to challenge yourself to do the impossible. In this book Amit muses on why us lessthan-speedy runners are prepared to do something that so frequently takes us into our discomfort zone and gives a wonderfully insightful analysis of the emotional aspect of running. This is the story of an ordinary runner doing extraordinary things.”
- Lisa Jackson, United Kingdom, Ultra Marathoner