The challenge that life presents us is to find and embrace our own passions. For author C. A. Todd this passion is endurance running.
To participate in the Badwater 135-mile Ultramarathon, the single-stage race through California's Death Valley that takes place in mid-July, you must be selected from thousands of applicants around the world who are all passionate about the sport. In preparation for the exclusive event, C. A. Todd trained during the extreme heat and high humidity of desert-based Dubai, where she lives. Grueling? Yes. Crossing the finish line as the first female in the toughest footrace on earth in 2013? The best moment of her life.
In Shhhhh! Runner! Todd shares her own running stories, provides tips on everything from maintaining motivation to caring for blisters, and discusses the passion that drives her to do the things that others would call "crazy."
She speaks candidly and from the heart about the joy that running brings her, from spectacular sunrises, to natural surroundings, to the feeling of accomplishment a morning run brings, to the camaraderie among runners, as well as the many difficulties that must be overcome to train and to make it the finish line.
In addition to examining why we would want to run, how to support the runner in your life, and various running philosophies, Shhhhh! Runner! encourages you to embrace your own passion in life.
About the Author: Dr. C. A. Todd is an Australian expatriate living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where she is an associate professor in electrical engineering and research director in Simulation and Smart Systems. She has international publications in top-ranking journals and conference proceedings, and her work is supported by several industry collaborations as well as funding awards for research projects related to simulation and assistive technologies for people with special needs.
An elite runner, C. A. Todd is an accomplished ultramarathon runner, the winner of the Badwater 135 Ultramarathon 2013, and an Australian record holder. She has finished and podium placed as well as set course records for both male and female categories in a number of 100- and 135-mile single-stage ultramarathons. She shares her passion for running in her inspirational book Shhhhh! Runner!
