Dirty Inspirations: Lessons from the Trenches of Extreme Endurance Sports

The search to find one's own limits and surpass them is what defines us as human beings. By consciously choosing to walk the path of most resistance, we come to a better understanding of ourselves, and our potential for physical, mental and emotional growth. And nowhere is this universal journey better represented than in the crucible of extreme endurance sports, where athletes are truly pushed beyond the bounds of what seems possible.

Direct from the trenches of ultra-endurance racing and mountaineering, Dirty Inspirations takes readers through environments as majestic as they are unforgiving--all while presenting the unique perspective of a woman who has made it her life's work to exceed her limits. From the brutal heat of the Sahara, to the deep jungles of the Amazon and the awe-inspiring peaks of Denali, Terri Schneider's quest to find the answers to life's ultimate questions have taken her to the furthest reaches of the Earth. Now, readers have the chance to experience for themselves what can truly be accomplished when you reject common sense, personal safety and preconceptions of what is possible.

Seen through the eyes of one of the most diversely experienced female endurance athletes on the planet, the stories in Dirty Inspirations showcase discomfort as a virtue, reinvigorating the life-long athlete and providing encouragement to anyone looking to bring more action into their lives. Part philosophical journey, part spiritual awakening, and part riveting drama, the stories presented in Dirty Inspirations embody the incredible resiliency of the human body and the indomitable nature of the human spirit.

Terri Schneider is an ultra-endurance athlete, speaker, author, coach, and sport psychology consultant. A former 10-year professional triathlete focusing on the IRONMAN(R) distance, she expanded her challenges to include adventure racing with the inception of the Eco Challenge in 1995, as well as ultrarunning and mountaineering. Terri earned a degree in exercise physiology as well as a master’s degree in sport psychology with a research emphasis on risk taking and team dynamics. She is co-author of Triathlete’s Guide to Mental Training and author of Triathlon Revolution: Training, Technique and Inspiration. While Santa Cruz, CA remains her home base, she spends time each year volunteering in Bhutan while continuing to explore and adventure around the globe, sharing her experiences through her speaking, writing, and photography. For more information, visit www.terrischneider.net.