Finding your best self | Dean Karnazis | TEDxAcademy

Karnazis was named by TIME magazine as one of the "Top 100 Most Influential People in the World." An internationally acclaimed ultramarathoner and endurance athlete, he has pushed his body and mind to inconceivable limits. He talks about how we can find our best self.
Karnazis was named by TIME magazine as one of the "Top 100 Most Influential People in the World." An internationally acclaimed ultramarathoner and endurance athlete, he has pushed his body and mind to inconceivable limits. He talks about how we can find our best self. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@SpecialBooksbySpecialKids]

Reading his books in college inspired me to run a 50 mile ultra. Changed my life!!!!!

[@bearkinsbear8409]

I love your videos😁🤗 they are so inspirational

[@vegansLucko]

met him numerous times at races if he comes off as "bragging" like many have posted he is not intentionally doing so. He is very humble and always takes the time to chat, photos, meet new people etc.

[@RobinHagg]

Good to hear.

[@farricco1]

Stating facts isn’t bragging, too many snow flakes and haters.

[@DmitriRuwan]

@@farricco1 people are offended by everything its getting ridiculous.

[@simonrankin9177]

Confidence is often seen as bragging ,thats the downfall of human nature ,im 61 who gets puffed out going to the letterbox, i admire this man incredibly. .

[@dev46195]

He's such an inspiration. Guy is so humble for someone who has achieved pretty much everything related to running.. 50 marathons in 50 days makes him a real superman..

[@successorcortes82]

I don’t want to take nothing from that accolade but Marshall ulrich ran 3,060 miles in 53 days at the age of 57. That’s almost 70 miles a day. In deans defense he is the imprecation to many great ultra runners now. Not to mention he dropped his MBA to run. That’s love

[@roadglide]

No running up to that point and able to run 30 miles. Amazing. Absolutely amazing.

[@davidpierce9949]

And he was drunk lol

[@momchilandonov]

@@davidpierce9949 being drunk helps at running :)

[@humanofearth7524]

Doctors did a study on him and he’s a freak of nature. Not normal at all.

[@joelouden6592]

He has a genetic defect that doesn't allow his body to produce lactic acid. A normal 30 year-old who doesn't exercise wouldn't be able to run more than a half mile to a mile.

[@joenobody5913]

Read his book years ago. He rode his bicycle like 40 miles to his grandparents house...on his 14th birthday. (I think 14th, could be wrong)

[@chenzenzo]

Imagine running a marathon and realizing you're not tired. Dean is a golden man.

[@jonasatia2102]

I don't get the people who say "this guy is just bragging" for me this is pure motivation.

[@Collins1dan]

Same here. I felt like he could’ve told us more but didn’t due to not wanting to brag. Just because he didn’t explicitly mention how it applies to others don’t mean it’s not motivating... The rest of the comments are just an ebodimebt of Tall Poppy Syndrome.

[@farricco1]

People are always trying to bring others down, haters gonna hate 🤷‍♂️

[@kunalsharma2116]

please bring him back.. He is a living LEGEND LOVE AND RESPECT TO DEAN KARNAZES LOVE TO TED.

[@alainmancilla8181]

This guys is pure motivation. Never settle, find that thing you love and just do it!

[@julio__3631]

This guy is a legend in the running world hands down, I remember the first time I ever heard of him was in a documentary about a human that could run the longest distances without much effort, and after that I was fascinated with running. He inspired me to be better and I'm sure I wasn't the only one.

[@suzanw9314]

He is not bragging or full of him self at all. He is the biggest legend raising the bar for us all. The ones that comment that he is arrogant are the couch potatoes...jealous...so they have to put him down. Sad.

[@rosalierivera5405]

Hmm...I couldn’t see that he was bragging- seemed very humble and genuine. Bravo to him and I think he’s awesome 👏🏼 👏🏼👏🏼I applaude you sir.

[@toddmaddaline997]

Dean the machine. Guy is a beast and an inspiration.

[@snazzycracker2]

Those who have read all his books and seen his previous talks will know that he states on many an occasion that he is uncomfortable in front of a crowd or audience, and it is always visible. He talks about himself as that is what people are there to see and hear, that is his forte and all he has achieved is his story, and his achievements are his examples of his best self via his performances. It is a story of inspiration to those who have the bottle and determination to try. To criticize him for allegedly bragging and telling of his best achievements is ridiculous. If he just shrugged of his achievements and didn't give them the credit they deserve he would come across as arrogant. He is talking about his best self, he found his best self achieving all he talks about here. That is an example of how it can be done. It is up to you to try and achieve your best. He cannot tell each individual how to better their self, we are all different, there is no one for all answer. The talk title is also likely predetermined by Ted ex talks themselves. The title on the screen in the background is 'Our best' 'Our self'.

[@davidpierce9949]

Im glad be talks about himself. It's inspiring.

[@salvatore4993]

Dr.Mohammed Alasiri, a physiologist at my uni, made me watch this. Shoutout tto Dr.Mohammed.

[@lagaman11]

Dean Karnazis was my inspiration to run my first marathon and my first ultra, and he continues to inspire me. That being said, if he wants to name the world's toughest, he needs to check out the Barkley, IMHO.

[@tuesdaysrunner4038]

Barkley is pretty far. He can do the Baldy Marathons 100. The Southern California Barkley. And he can run to the start from his home in SF the night before...then run back after he finishes it...

[@ZPL008]

You are a true LEGEND !

[@vivianpurplemess]

Great Inspiration from Legend! Awesome guy!

[@mychannel2054]

If people think here that he is bragging; I don't think he is but if he is, he has every right to do so!

[@KarlisAnsons]

very motivating and beautiful story

[@mayolosalgado1015]

Powerful man!

[@petrusgandamana]

Dean... Your story is great

[@ccarlton7809]

Read his book re 50 marathons in 50 days, so uplifting during my marathon training. 🦋🦋🦋🙏🙏🙏

[@biennaursula]

Beautiful story.

[@harishv9968]

This guy is a real life Superman.

[@JoseMendoza-qd5po]

Don’t hate he found himself let him have this if you really think about it he does teach you what the title says he just doesn’t explain it in the way other TED talk people do

[@vodka5803]

wow, I'm going to go binge-watch more episodes, does anyone recommend one for me to watch?

[@russellbonell]

He ran 30 miles when drunk!! I struggle to run to the toilet when I'm drunk!!

[@mogbaba]

Come here to Norway and we also say : Oh, you are fantastic! I am impressed by his achievement but I am astonished how self center he is!

[@davidpierce9949]

How is he self centered?

[@lookaway8936]

Great sense of humor

[@NoisqueVoaProduction]

Forrest Gump would be proud. Run that amount is mind-boggling!

[@rahulsehgal5339]

This guy gonna tell his kid about how he ran 350 miles to get to school

[@user-og1wp5pm5s]

I hope he keeps up with his foot hygiene 'Cause this man is a beast at running

[@tiffanyayseyaseminsungur1600]

Very intriguing.

[@robertobhro]

He may not be the best runner ever, but it remains amazing achievements for a human being, so why shouldn't he allowed to be a) proud of himself; b) talk proudly about his achievements, when c) he does inspire a lot of people through telling his story to get out there moving?

[@LukaszSkyWalker]

Thx!!

[@mattwernecke2342]

My body is fine now. I did not have insurance. I am a runner! I am.starting over!

[@NickLamagnaInvest]

outstanding! Keep it up!

[@TheoLeRigolo2218]

a legend

[@K1NG_D0ME]

I like how he's sipping water the entire time lol

[@trocomerlo]

I'm still trying to find the inspirational bit of the talk... It's all about showing his personal achievements... which are outstanding btw

[@mattwernecke2342]

I have been a long distance trail runner for a long time. I only run on trails. I only run in the woods. My longest run was The Stump Jump, in Tennessee. The most, that I have run is 85 miles in 1 week. I took a day off in 2012., day before Christmas. The next day was catastrophic. My body, punished me for taking a day off! I blew out my left ankle, then my left groin, then my right quad muscle, after 4 weeks..

[@jeffreybrignac1800]

Is this supposed to be impressive? I've seen some dedicated High School XC runners get close to 85 miles a week training for a 5k. And I know for a fact many Collegiate runners run 85+ miles a week training for 8k and 10k. If you are implying that you have been running consecutively and only took a day off for Christmas eve then your body is not "punishing" you for taking a day off. Your body was "punishing" you for not taking enough days off. Distance runners need at least a day off per or at least bi-weekly or else injuries, such as yours, will be likely to occur. And I do not understand how you can have 3 injuries such as those due to running/taking that one day off, when only one of those injuries would have not allowed you to run for several weeks after.

[@vaimast]

i cant stop see his biceps

[@limallen6311]

while i am seeing this video, he is probably running some where on the earth.

[@juandaa.g7295]

He is genetically gifted... His lactic acid clearance abilities are just insane hahaha

[@michaeljohnson2922]

KZbin David Goggins if you want to really find your best life. You're welcome.

[@hermanhelmich]

Michael Johnson thnx

[@codjh9]

Goggins is awesome.

[@anthonytanoi6452]

Roger that

[@davidpierce9949]

He'll yeah. Callous your mind

[@pinpointmarketing4183]

If I was in the audience at the Ted Talk I would have loved to ask - But, Who’s going to lift the boats??!!

[@ggmsgamingworld]

Hero my real hero.

[@Nisaros]

Very inspirational, μπραβο!

[@mattwernecke2342]

I can run 25 miles, and during that time, I have designed new food recipes, or products.

[@michaelaleach8195]

Hey TEDx... you spelled his name wrong.

[@canny3d]

They spelled his name wrong on the title. I believe it's Dean Karnazes, not Dean Karnazis

[@rohitkohok6631]

EXCEPTIONALLY EXCEPTIONAL ........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@catflapper125]

"I beat P.Diddy" (cue raucous applause)

[@fcosovic1]

How do I find my best self?

[@anthonyp.3909]

Tell your self “Who Am I?” “What Am I Capable Of?”

[@FromDesertTown]

Good question. It definitely wasn't addressed in the video. But to answer your question, just love the people around you :)

[@JK-vc7ie]

Cool talk by Richard Simmons

[@aliciam6725]

"So you just ran!"

[@lyellbro1]

If he can do it so can I

[@bipinacharya9418]

So what is the lesson????

[@Vitamincontrol1]

The runner

[@YoungTw]

You can tell this dude is from san fransisco

[@mooganoid]

I'm a big fan of TED ... but ... this wasn't as per the title. As much as this guy has achieved great things, where were the words of inspiration or the story ... or anything other than inflation of the self? Is it me or were there purposeful pauses for validation via applause?

[@PcnoicFxman]

Rich Moog you have to dig deep into yourself to find true motivation. Listen to Konstantinos' story, relate and then act. Don't expect others to give you inspirational quotes.

[@amblincork]

It rather depends on how you interpret the story - that said, this isnt the best version of Dean's story and perhaps may not give the best impression of his career

[@Fox_Zero]

He did pause, but I think, it was to give time to the translators to interpret. He was speaking to a Greek speaking audience and if he would not have paused, he would have been speaking over their laughter, as they reacted to his comments a few seconds late.

[@RamKumar-yi6wn]

You're a millenial or if you're older someone with millenial mindset.

[@jorgeromera3861]

It's truly funny to read the comments

[@bilibili68]

that included no message whatsoever. it was just a summary of his accomplishments..

[@davidpierce9949]

You missed it then, unfortunately

[@cgt2816]

Why is there a slow pan up his legs with the camera at 8:05?

[@riley9663]

For our viewing pleasures LOL

[@cheriefordham1831]

Wow whatever

[@damodaraomalley3974]

The furthest I have ran at one time is 12klm.... What do I need to do to run a marathon next?

[@_seebastiang]

Nobody would talk about how his friends let him go running drunk?

[@1192wehttam]

Brilliant but what is your why

[@raceofknowledge5070]

He is standing in a air conditioning hall thn y he is drinking regularly? Is he came here direct after completing a marathon

[@archangul]

Was there a cue sign to applause i was missing?

[@cgt2816]

Ikr.

[@ggdd1299]

Yes.. the a-hole stops talking about his great accomplishments for a second.. and the sheep in the crowd are expected to clap.

[@henrymiller8859]

A marathon a day is still only 182 miles a week, top marathoners can do around 120-150 and that’s with tempo runs intervals and strength work all at altitude. His runs seem more like ticking boxes than real high performance.

[@kingdaleclarke]

True,the pace he runs at is not impressive,almost to the point where I don't see the point in it

[@taladiv3415]

3:18 Early risers have no respect whatsoever for the beautiful and quiet NIGHT hours! They simply call it "morning" as if morning lasts from two hours past midnight until one second before midday...

[@drukjohn1982]

I'm an ultra runner, but all these marathon and ultra marathons talks I've ever seen on Ted X are terrible, they just talk about them self and their achievements. No substance. Once again I've learned nothing!

[@cicirunner]

Finding your best self? This is just all about him bragging what he has done in his life

[@mooganoid]

I wholly concur.

[@lagaman11]

Hate much?

[@tuesdaysrunner4038]

That is what Dean considers "his best self". He found it after he got drunk at a bar on his 30th birthday and went running to Half Moon Bay in his silk underpants...

[@PoetWithPace]

i agree. I'm wondering which part he said "how" he talks about finding your best self? As for top 100 influencer, i have never heard of him till it popped on my KZbin recommended view. I think i need to be on TED :-)

[@suraaj9481]

It's not about bragging if you can back it up

[@LazarusSlade]

Greeks: We invented running! Kenyans and Ethiopians: But we perfected it and no Greek will even beat us. Rest of the World: Sounds about right.

[@solseeker7502]

If the greeks invented running, the Hindu invented breathing.

[@hotbird3]

What he is missing is pace... Every top level runner can jog for miles ... But the real challenge is doing it at a competitive pace..anyway , its an extraordinary achievement non the less..

[@kingdaleclarke]

True he runs super slow

[@ReasonablyFit]

He brags more than Kurt Angle, it true it's damn true!

[@kingdaleclarke]

True and hs got nothing to brag about,all he does is run at the speed of a turtle and lets not forget...Kurt won a gold medal with a broken fricking neck!!!!

[@ReasonablyFit]

@@kingdaleclarke 😂😂😂😂

[@yorikvatral929]

I don't think people can't stop drinking water for 16 minutes period.)

[@amstorm8954]

on that first ultra photo he looks like bodybuilder... not sombody who didnt exercise

[@MultiMtbrider]

Finding your Best??? A fairer description would have been. "My Adventures from Night Club to Professional Ultra Marathoner" At least the revised working title would have changed ones expectations of what they were about to listen too and in process would have made him seem less arrogant.

[@hermanhelmich]

More like a summary Not very insightfull

[@oldmate86]

Why did everyone clap wen he said 51 degrees?

[@momchilandonov]

2:33 this story was told by him in a different manner so it makes you wonder if it's true or not...

[@gautamnagvekar9934]

South pole ? Only 3 runners

[@melaniewojak3239]

Books were inspiring but this just comes across as a big ego parade

[@thecreativemastermin]

This is such a weak talk. All that grandpa is doing is counting his achievements. And it's titled finding your best self! You can't put a tedtalk and not share any lessons in it. All that he shows is how he went from running an impromptu marathon to competing in the biggest, most challenging marathons. Which in a way justifies the title, he found his best self. But what do we have to learn from this? What's the point of a great story if it has no lessons in it?

[@jb1876]

So many people making rude comments, if you have nothing good to say , say nothing.

[@coveredinblood827]

You Need Jesus. He wants to give you eternal Life in HEAVEN. Take IT. You Need to Take IT.

[@alexukbrighton]

No

[@amblincork]

This is no the best version of Dean's story on KZbin - some comments refer to his talk about being just bragging -so maybe people not so happy with this might find the other one youtube

[@fernandoteruo3244]

The Green goblin anyone? Or Just me?

[@TheKauaiboyz51]

respect to this guy but he is a little arrogant. 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 states is incredible. but ironman cowboy did 50 ironman distances in 50 states in 50 days. if you dont know what an ironman is, its a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and a full 26.2 marathon. imagine doing that 50 days in a row 😲

[@steveotatooed]

TheKauaiboyz51 what cowboy did doesnt diminish Deans accomplishments

[@dastier3930]

TheKauaiboyz51 never heard of her

[@tuesdaysrunner4038]

Yeah, both are impressive accomplishments. But Ironcowboy also used IV fluids. I think Dean did not. And comparatively speaking, Dean probably had better relative "race times" statistically speaking, but he also was only doing a marathon, not swimming and biking too.

[@JM-vc6wv]

TheKauaiboyz51 And Dean ran 350 miles without stopping :) or 560 kilometers

[@dwheresmymana]

@10:54 the woman in the middle is not impressed. haha

[@jasonjames6870]

When did he start bragging he was invited to talk about his running career

[@christiangerhardt2408]

He loves to run..... Goggins hates it.

[@nathancoll5377]

Seems like an ego boost rather than a talk to help other people find their best self. Should be renamed; 'I want to do a TED talk to raise awareness about myself and massage my ego'. Misleading title. The message is inspiring to push limits, but delivery is too centred on the speaker unfortunately.

[@stonecat676]

but you gotta admit, what he's accomplished is really tough

[@flynncrean8107]

Didn’t learn anything

[@IzaakCha7]

why is he wearing a jogging outfit now? does he wear those dangle shorts all the time?

[@mattwernecke2342]

I can tap that for hours....Lol

[@cgt2816]

😲

[@marcl4007]

I bet he ran to that talk

[@anouarguidoum7882]

Arab plzzzz

[@pankaj94595]

I have an incredible talent of lying in bed and sleeping very fast.

[@divyanshusingh6916]

How can these runner's make money?

[@ggdd1299]

sponsorships.. book deals.. obviously this a-hole is great at selling himself, because he is soooo great