In all fairness, I don’t know the guy but I “think” I ran into him a few times at my old community pool.
Had no idea back then who he was but when he walked on the deck you knew you just met “god’s gift to mankind”
I met some arrogant athletes over the years but this guy was certainly up there.
At the time I was doing some water rehab with a broken collarbone and he was just looking at me as if if I was the biggest looser in the pool.
what really annoyed me though, how he was rolling his eyes at the 80 year old water aerobics ladies “taking up too many lanes”
Then again I don’t know the guy and maybe it wasn’t even him.
one of my pet peeves… people who roll their eyes or bitch about water aerobics classes. W/o those classes, a lot of pools would’t exist.
Highly doubt that was him. I’ve had dinner with him and definitely is a pleasure to be around. Dude is super nice and humble.
His podcast is unlistenable.
His podcast is unlistenable.
Could you elaborate?
next time you see him ask him if he ever swam at the Calabasas community pool. It’s been a few years.
Somehow I love those old ladies. They don’t take themselves too seriously always fun and flirtatious.
you know they get 3 lanes from 9-11am and you just deal with it.
I actually enjoyed his book, and dig his podcast (for the most part). Who knows if he was born with a silver spoon or not…but even if so (I know no one here likely wrote that review) the book was not titled “how to do ultramarathons, manage your family life, and just generally be a sweet ass dude” so the reviewer just sounds more pissed that the book didn’t lay that plan out for him/her.
Anyhow, he’s putting some good content out there if your curious about vegan diets and endurance events. The rest of it you just take what makes sense and/or is applicable to you. I’m eating up as many quality books around these subjects so it was a welcome read.
I know him really well and hung out with him a lot. He’s the opposite of stuck-up. Super humble guy.
Couldn’t agree more with the review. I remember finishing the book and thinking, “Cool story bro, what’s the take away”?
I met the guy twice, he comes out as a self entitled prick, who pretends to be humble. I’m sure people’s take on his character and demeanor will change depending on whether he is trying to sell his product or not.
What did I do with my copy? I gave it to someone I didn’t like very much as a birthday gift, true story. Sadly, she now thinks all triathletes come from similar backgrounds…
I read a story about the book being mandatory reading for college freshman at a school. I think it’s good if it gets people thinking about diet, alcohol, etc. As for the review, I’m always amazed when people take out their issues on someone they view as more successful. We live in a society where people whine & complain constantly and attack anyone they view as entitled. I read that review and thought the reviewer sounded like he needed a tampon.
I saw him speak at Worcester Vegfest and although I kind of expected it, I was disappointed because he basically talked about and read from his book. I shook his hand afterwards and maybe it’s bc he had to get from point A to point B but I was expecting a more laid back chill happy type reaction.
I’m sure he’s a great guy like a couple people have mentioned that really know him. But I do think there’s something valid regarding why the other posters have mentioned about there impression.
On a side note… I found Scott Jurek’s book to be much more humble. I like that he seems to do group runs with people before his speaking events too.
that is the best review I’ve ever read… lmao
He commented about this recently in one of his podcasts (#27) – something to the effect of this review hurting him a bit. Have not read the book personally, so I cant comment but the review is a funny read none the less.
On a side note… I found Scott Jurek’s book to be much more humble. I like that he seems to do group runs with people before his speaking events too.
Jurek is a world class athlete. Beyond humble individual of commanding presence that oozes compassion/love; It’s hard to describe.
I tried to listen to the McCormack podcast but the first like 30 minutes are just him talking about eating plants.
I am really glad I decided to try this as an audio book. That way, that 2 hours of my life weren’t completely wasted (I did get some yard work done). I couldn’t listen to the whole thing and opted to listening to the brats in the development across the way instead. I didn’t know anything about his background and don’t care if he is privileged or rich. He just seemed to epitomize the narcissistic athlete. I had no desire to know anymore about the author or his “epic” journey from an drunken, self-absorbed slob to a sober, self-righteous, self-absorbed endurance athlete.
I know him really well and hung out with him a lot. He’s the opposite of stuck-up. Super humble guy.
The only reason I even know who he is us because of your podcast, Brett. He always struck me the same way I react to Dean Karnazes, guys who do some extreme stuff and then sell it. I don’t have an issue with that, they are simply endurance sports opportunists.
I know Rich well enough. I’ve trained with Rich many times and spent a lot of that time chatting and getting to know him. I haven’t read his book, haven’t listened to his podcast, and haven’t read his blogs or anything like that. I don’t know what he was like growing up or what he’s done in the past. I just know what he’s like face to face.
Rich is as friendly as they come. Always cheery, really mellow, not outspoken, humble in every sense of the word. I was pretty shocked to read all the harsh words on this thread, and felt strongly enough to speak up and defend him.
I’ve been to the Calabasas pool with him plenty of times, too. He’s always gracious, friendly, and respectful of everyone around him. I think your “god’s gift to earth” comment is totally unwarranted. You must be talking about somebody else.
If you didn’t find what you were looking for in the book, that’s one thing, but all of the personal jabs at Rich (particularly coming from people who have never even met Rich) are complete nonsense. The comments about Rich being a bad husband/father are outrageous. Based on everything I know about Rich, his kids and wife are totally involved in his career and even travel with him to events frequently. He makes a ton of time for them; he once told me he couldn’t run after swim because was going to run with his son later. I recently went to hear him speak at my LBS - his whole family was there, sitting first row and he incorporated them into the presentation. I saw him at the Malibu triathlon last year - he was with his sons, just hanging out enjoying the vibe. His wife is essentially his business partner and the whole clan is vegan by choice, so it’s a family lifestyle with Rich being the public face of it all. By no means is Rich “neglecting” his family. That’s bold for anybody to make claims like that. It’s not right.
Rich Roll is a top bloke, his passion for health and wellness is totally legit. He’s realized that he can help people while doing what he loves, so he’s doing his best to make it a career. Respect!
I guess this is another reminder that half of what we see on TV or read online is completely fabricated and until we meet people one v one it’s generally not a good idea to jump to conclusions.
Cheers