MAY NEWSLETTER

I don’t know about you but my drive and motivation have been lagging. If I’m totally honest I’ve found myself asking (more than a few times) what’s the point? Despite this, I think I have done a good job of pushing past the mental barriers and getting the workouts in any way. And of course, I always feel better after. However, the up and down motivation has been a circular loop I’ve found myself in week in and week out. So, I thought for this post I would share some of my favorite athletic-themed books which in times like these have never failed to reignite my passion to achieve whatever goal lies ahead or in some cases push me to say yes to that “thing” (whatever it might be) in which intimidation had been holding hostage. So, if you might find yourself relating to my current mood (or even if you don’t) and want a good read I encourage you to check these out.
 

Note these are not listed in order of favorites, I like them all.

1. Let Your Mind Run: A Memoir of Thinking My Way to Victory by Deena Kaster, Michelle Hamilton.  I LOVE this book, so much so that I have read it twice and I am certain I will read it again and again. I have lots of pages dog eared and I can honestly say that this book changed my entire mental approach to not just running but life. It’s one I will continue to learn from. 

2. Finding Ultra by Rich Roll. The story of Rich’s transformation in his life is incredible. He turned his life around from a struggling alcoholic who was on a path that was leading to destruction and turned it all around. Later in his forties, he was overweight and unhappy with his life and in one defining moment made a decision that changed the course of his entire life. He went on to accomplish some mind-boggling athletic feats and now hosts the Rich Roll Podcast of which I am a huge fan. 

3. North: Finding My Way While Running the Appalachian Trail by Scott Jurek and Jenny Jurek. Scott Jurek of ultra-running fame found himself in a very similar spot where I am right now, unmotivated, and seeking for a new journey that would challenge and inspire him. He started many challenges that he thought would scratch his itch but they did not. Then in 2015, he decided to attempt the Fastest Known Time (FKT) to cross the entire Appalachian Trail. The story is told by both Scott and his wife Jenny who was his crew for the entire thing. Hearing Jenny’s side of it as both a wife and friend provided a side to these athletic adventures that we don’t normally see. The pure honesty of both her and Scott’s retelling of the event was very refreshing and humanizing. I definitely recommend this book. 

4. A Life Without Limits: A World Champion’s Journey by Chrissie Wellington. Chrissie is another phenomenal athlete who got her start later in her life. She was an unknown who came out of nowhere to win the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. From there she tells here incredible journey which led to repeat championships which includes an honest telling of her own struggles such as anorexia, a controversial coach, and nearly drowning. This is definitely an inspirational story that will make you want to lace up your shoes and get out the door. 

5. Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins. If you need a good kick in the butt this is the book for you. I think I must have said “Oh my gosh” or “holy cow” or just had my mouth draped open at least a hundred times as I read this book. David Goggins had some serious life challenges to overcome and just when he’d conquer one another would come his way. Time and time and time and time again though he faced each one head-on with what I can only describe as a Goggins-Esque mindset to win the day. There are no victims in his story and he will be the first to call it like it is and make you take responsibility for each and everything in your life. This is in your face, kick-in-the-pants style motivation.

 

These are a few books that I have not yet read but are on my goodreads.com shelf waiting to inspire and motivate me. 

1. The Impossible First: From Fire to Ice- Crossing Antarctica Alone by Colin O’Brady. I heard about this one on the Rich Roll Podcast. Check out the podcast and story Here.

2. Paula: My Story So Far by Paula Radcliffe. 

3. Two Hours: The Quest to Run the Impossible Marathon by Ed Caesar. 

4. Runner: The Memoir of an Accidental Ultra-Marathon Champion by Lizzy Hawker. 

5. Living with a SEAL: 31 Days Training with the Toughest Man on the Planet by Jesse Itzler.

By: Michele Yates
 

Mud, dry dirt, rocks, roots, ice, and snow, Icespikes provide the traction you need on all-terrain, NOT JUST ICE!  Love your road shoes but can’t find a trail shoe that works? Screw some Icespikes in them for traction and you have the support, cushion, ride, and traction you need! 

For myself, a severe overpronator due to my flat feet and rotten hips, I have to have a high stability support shoe. A little cushion also aids in the prevention of hip joint ache. I put 4 Icespikes up top for traction when I run the trails. It doesn’t matter if they are muddy, icy, snowy or not. They provide all that I need to handle anything. Slick rock? Bouldering? Yup that too. Bombing down Fish Creek Falls at Run Rabbit Run 100, I thought for sure I’d wipe out… but much to my surprise Icespikes provided the grip I needed to get down safely just like a trail shoe! 

Sure, I wish they made severe stability trail shoes, but they don’t.  Saucony just came out with a moderate stability one, but they still don’t work for long periods of time for me.  As a matter of fact, I see most of you out there, feet turning down and inward “crushing” yanking on your IT Bands. Don’t be fooled, you don’t HAVE to have trail shoes, even if you don’t want to use the spikes, try your road shoes on some easier trail and see how they feel compared to your trail shoes. If they are better, joints, IT Bands less tight etc, then figure out a way to make them work on the trails! 

 

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