Seems that every since I wrote my 2010 I WIll list, little “things” keep popping into my path to help me on my way to having a great year.  I was visiting the library with Master P, not really looking for anything for myself when I stumbled across the autobiography Going the Distance by Tracey Richardson – it was the staff pick just around the corner from the kiddies section. The woman on the cover looked familiar, but I couldn’t be sure exactly who she was. I picked it up to read the back and still wasn’t sure how I recognized her (I figured it out while reading it…I’ll tell you later).

The synopsis for the story, her life,  was riveting and because I also felt some very small parallels to my own life, I decided it was definitely worth reading. I haven’t had much of a chance to read books for personal enjoyment lately, I devoured this one in just a couple of days, staying up late even to read it.

It covers Tracey’s struggle through depression, the birth of 2 children diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and her pulling herself out of her depression to compete in not one but 2 Ironman Competitions. The year that I completed my first (and only!) triathlon, she was the face on TV of the Special K Women’s triathlons here in New Zealand, that is why her face felt so familiar to me.

Tracey chronicles her struggle with dealing with the knowledge that she will eventually have to see her 2 CF children pass away – the average person with CF lives to 30 in New Zealand, American counterparts make it to an average of 38. Her retelling of how she comes to better deal with this harsh reality and come out on the other side of depression is truly compelling. Her thought process, positivity in the face of setbacks and overall courage makes for a really good read.

Motherhood is one of the happiest and most tremendous times in our lives, but any mother will also tell you it is a time that we struggle with melting Any mother would appreciate reading this book as well as identifying with how we can lose ourselves, our identity, our sense of worth as we become mothers.  For me, this was a very moving account of how we can bring ourselves back to a balanced place. Trust me, any mother will take away some nugget of wisdom or inspiration from  “Going the Distance”.

My training for a Half Marathon is not even close to what she will have gone through to train for not 1 but 2 Iromans (3.8km swim, 180km cycle, 42.2km run) but I felt charged and truly inspired by her words. I figure if Tracey can do it, so can I.

Be prepared to shed a few tears while reading this book. Tracey is truthful, funny and courageous. Some of you may appreciate how she writes about starting up in business. I highly recommend this book, a quick and easy read.

You can purchase Going the Distance from the Cystic Fibrosis Association of New Zealand or email them to place an order. {this is not an affiliate link}