The Grace to Race: The Wisdom and Inspiration of the 80-Year-Old World Champion Triathlete Known as the Iron Nun

Yes, she sort of pumps herself up a bit and doesn't like that in other triathletes.Hmmm...I was reminded of a visit with my 75 year old aunt who talked about herself(in a Wonderful glorious way) and I sat and listened for 6 hours.Trust me when I say: Kona and the Queen K highway is HOT and unforgiving.There is no shade, it's you, the heat and the desert. What she has done (repeat.repeat.repeat races)IS incredible for a Normal person, but for someone her age is AMAZING.I've watched 3 Ironman World Championships in Kona and was exhausted just from theheat and I wasn't competing!The fact that her family had money and her fees are "comped" does NOT get her to thefinish line. We've all seen that rich people don't become perfect~ but, she put in thehard work to get to where she is now. Who cares that her fees/travel is paid for?In Oct, 2003: My husband and I spend a "hard" day watching the Ironman race, having drinksand dinner and wandered the dark streets to the IM finish line to cheer on the triathletes in Kona.In the dark, here came Sister Madonna, alone, jogging the last 2-3 miles. We were side by side,me: full of dinner and wine, tired from the day, and Sister Madonna, up since 4 AM, working the race for15+ hours....We cheered her on in the darkness and it sort of got to me~ The Irony of that incredibleand ~~humbling moment. I felt like: Wow, why can't I be like HER? I felt like a failure.I was 42 (overweight, out of shape) and she was maybe 73? (my math might be off, but you see what I'm saying)Sister Madonna "works out" with me as I train for my first half marathon. She has give me some good advice! :)She says, "patience" and "one mile at a time". Not sure it's her or Her Master!

As a triathlete in the Pacific NW, I'd heard about Sister Madonna. I found the idea of a nun who competed in Iron-distance triathlons fascinating. When I heard there was a book, I jumped at it.I have to say I'm disappointed WITH THE BOOK.Let me be clear. Sister Madonna Buder has an amazing story. Although not an Ironman (yet) myself, to do what she does - and has done for 25 years, more if you include the marathons - is immense and inspiring.Yet in having such wonderful material sitting there, you'd think it would be easy to piece that into a great book. Yet they failed. So very badly. I almost gave up half way through it. My wife did.I.M.H.O. it's very badly written. Although the first half starts with a kind of chronology of her life, later chapters jump all over the place (I admit that I prefer a 'structure' to my autobiographies). Added to which, the writer chooses to focus on some very odd facets of Sister M's life, whilst skating over or ignoring other parts. For example, about the only time we hear of Sister M's training, is if she somehow injures herself! Also, despite some really close races (where Sister M was right up against the race cut-off), there is a distinct lack of drama. Perhaps it's meant to be a reflection of Sister M's persona, but it just doesn't "grip" you.If you like a light-hearted 'skim' through Sister M's life, then you may enjoy this. Otherwise, you'll get as much reading Sister M's Wikipedia page.Rock on Sister M - I hope to run into you (not literally) one of these days.

It was hard to put this book down. A very captivating story that is told with a simple yet brilliant language. How can someone endure so much for the sake of others and personal growth?She is a powerful person and a celebrity in her community. Such people will always be criticized. Some people might disagree with some of her actions. However, if you doubt, think about it for a moment, her actions always led to a good outcome, period.She is an inspiration and a true pioneer.

I gave this book a 5 because I found a kindred soul in these pages. I found strength and the motivation I was lacking after fracturing my elbow in a bike accident. I was depressed. This book lifted me and got me back on my bike. Thank you Sister for sharing the wisdom of your vast experience.

This may not be unbiased! My family has hosted Sister Madonna at our home three separate times when she came to Panama City Beach, Florida for a triathlon. We love her to pieces and truly respect and admire her. So when I heard she wrote a book, I immdiately bought several copies to read and pass along as gifts to family members, one of whom is a young lady just starting out in triathlons. She is inspirational, and so is her book. She is unassuming, and really not egocentric in any way and the book helps point out that how you live and act is sometimes way more important than what you say. I give her full marks, and her book, too.

We were informed of this book by none other than the Author, Sister Madonna Buder herself. Having known Sister for many years this book was a great insite to her early years, family and how she got to where she is now. My husband has raced with her at Ironman Hawaii and St Anthony's and she is truly a divine spirit. Her book tells it like it is. She is always on the "run". She travels light, with only her bike box and a back pack. Always has her camera and is quite a accomplished photographer. Sister is always aware of those in need of prayer no matter where she is and what she is doing. We have witnessed first hand her need to administer to others even while traveling on the interstate.The book is a quick read, and most enjoyable. Sister is one fascinating woman and an inspiration to us all.

A good read. I really enjoyed this book. I’d recommend it to anyone who needs inspiration wether they are runners or not.I warmed to Sister Madonna’s attitude of just “having a go and trying her best “. I was also inspired to see that at times she didn’t finish races, but accepted that and did the next race.The fact she didn’t get into running until her fifties and then went on from marathon running to Ironman is an inspiration to us all.My only slight concern was reading how many injuries she got along the way , but forewarned is forearmed. I plan to run a marathon , I’m very aware now of the need to train gradually, rest, eat well AND watch out for other road users!

How did she do it? This book was a delightful and inspiring read filled with nuggets of wisdom and insights about living gracefully from one of the oldest iron women. She shares that the real conquest in life isn't the race, but conquering oneself and to do that, you have to let go and let God or whatever higher being you believe in. I love this excerpt, 'Ultimately I must be true to my own pace. I might outrun some people even younger than I but also allows others to outrun me. To preserve my own gifts, I had to be careful not to push beyond my capacity or I would do myself in'.

I really enjoyed reading this story of the Nun with unbreakable spirit. Wise words and crazy risks with wall to wall stories.

A truesly inspirational read. Well written and a must for any runner or indeed anyone who believes that hard work always helps you to achieve. Hardback so easy to store and keep for future readers.

Found this book very relative and would recommend to anyone training for a triathlon or marathonThis lady is very inspirational