Solo

Summary:

The incredible story of a six-continent journey of self-discovery

Jenny Tough is an endurance athlete who's best known for running and cycling in some of world's most challenging events - achieving accolades that are an inspiration to outdoor adventurers everywhere. But SOLO tells the story of a much more personal Jenny's quest to come to terms with feelings and emotions that were holding her back. Like runners at any level, she knew already that running made her feel better, and like so many of us, she knew that completing goals independently was empowering, too. So she set herself an audacious to run - solo, unsupported, on her own - across mountain ranges on six continents, starting with one of the most remote locations on Earth in Kyrgystan. 

SOLO chronicles Jenny's journey every step of the way across the Tien Shaw (Asia), the High Atlas (Africa), the Cordillera Oriental (South America), the Southern Alps (Oceania), the Canadian Rockies (North America) and the Transylvanian Alps (Europe), as she learns lessons in self-esteem, resilience, bravery and so much more. 

What Jenny's story tells us most of all is that setting out to do things solo - whether the ambitious or the everyday - can be invigorating, encouraging and joyful. And her call to action to find strength, confidence and self-belief in everything we do will inspire and motivate. (Summary and cover courtesy of goodreads.com)

Review:

The first I was introduced to Jenny Tough was through the Trail Running Film Festival and immediately knew that I would need to read the book.  The book is structured by trip, and it is an easy one pick up and read one by one.  Jenny is a badass – that is clear.  The piece that makes this book so accessible is that she talks about her doubts and fears throughout each stage.  She still takes leaps of faith that seem huge to me, yet also accessible at the same time. 

The only reason this did not get a full 5 stars is because I felt that we missed out on reflection after the trip(s).  The book was an amazing travelogue – each step of the journey you have a vivid picture of the challenges and environment – but I wish I had more insight to how she felt she grew and learned.  This one is highly recommended to anyone interested in an armchair travel!

Warning: Discussion of disordered eating and may cause insatiable wanderlust.

Rating: 4 stars!

Who should read it? Anyone who loves a good adventurelogue!