It's Not A Sprint: Lessons of Faith and Endurance on the Marathon of Life

Publisher Marketing:

'A must-read for anyone seeking motivation to tackle challenges against the odds.'

• Tim Oberg Founder of Parkrun Australia

'It's impossible to read her memoir and not feel inspired.'

• Sheri Colberg, PhD World-leading expert in diabetes and exercise, and author of 'The Athlete's Guide to Diabetes' (and twelve other books)

When life feels like a marathon, how do you find the strength to keep running the race? It's Not a Sprint is the story of couch-potato-turned-ultrarunner, Stephanie Walters. From the highs of crossing the finish line of a gruelling 150-kilometre race in the Simpson Desert to the valleys of life's deepest struggles, Stephanie candidly shares the challenges that have tested her faith: managing type 1 diabetes, experiencing a painful divorce, suffering multiple miscarriages, recovering from injuries, and battling anxiety, depression, and alcohol addiction.

Weaving her passion for running into her journey of faith, Stephanie presents a powerful metaphor for the Christian life. Just as the marathon demands endurance, so too does the race that God has set before us. In the face of trials, Stephanie discovers that true victory is measured not by podium finishes, but by fixing our eyes on Jesus and trusting His perfect plan.

It's Not a Sprint offers hope and encouragement to anyone feeling weary on the race of life. It will inspire you to run with perseverance, reminding you that no obstacle is insurmountable with God on your side.

KEY IDEAS

1. Life lessons inspired by running: It’s Not a Sprint draws meaningful parallels between the Christian life and running a marathon, highlighting lessons such as perseverance, humility, and endurance that apply to both running and everyday life.
2. Encouragement to keep running the race: It’s Not a Sprint reinforces that the Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint, urging readers to fix their eyes on Jesus as they run the race that God has set before them, even in the face of trials.
3. Trusting in God’s perfect plan: Stephanie shares her journey of overcoming obstacles such as type 1 diabetes, divorce, miscarriages, addiction, depression, and injuries, reflecting on how her faith gave her strength during life’s darkest moments.
4. The importance of community: From running events to personal moments of vulnerability, It’s Not a Sprint highlights the importance of having family, friends, and like-minded communities who support us as we navigate the marathon of life.
5. Inspiration for those with chronic illness: With a focus on type 1 diabetes, It’s Not a Sprint provides a powerful message of hope, proving that living with a chronic illness doesn’t need to stop you from achieving your dreams.

ENDORSEMENTS ‘Steph’s story is an inspiring journey through her early life and young adulthood living with type 1 diabetes — and overcoming hurdle after hurdle… It’s impossible to read her memoir and not feel inspired. It goes to show you that life is definitely best approached as a marathon — whether you have diabetes or not.’

• Sheri Colberg, PhD World-leading expert in diabetes and exercise, and author of 13 books ‘Steph shows that for a person with type one diabetes, every day is a mission. She could easily be excused for simply deciding that mere survival was enough, but instead she excels. Through this book and her deep faith, she unlocks the spirit that we all have and allows us to realise our own potential. It’s Not a Sprint is a manual for life, not just ultrarunning. I am sure you will be inspired, just as I have been after reading about Steph’s struggles, to take on the road less travelled and embrace all that it has in store for you.’
• Pat Farmer AM Professional ultramarathon runner/adventurer, motivational speaker, and author of Pole to Pole: One Man, 20 Million Steps ‘Steph provides us with an entertaining, highly personal, and inspiring account of her life, set against a backdrop of running, type 1 diabetes, and her ever-present faith. A must-read for anyone seeking motivation to tackle large challenges against the odds.’
• Tim Oberg Founder of Parkrun Australia ‘It’s Not a Sprint is more than a book! It is a beautiful invitation into life, finding and trusting God, and how to experience life despite the challenges it throws at us… As a woman who lives with type 1 diabetes, her resilience and persistence for the things she loves has given me the inspiration and nudge to go live my life doing all the things I love that God has in store for me. I believe regardless of your circumstances, it will inspire you to do the same! This beautiful book, a real and raw share, will be a blessing to anyone who reads it. Let’s go live this one amazing God-given life, at our pace. Life is not a sprint! Thank you for writing this life inspiring, life changing book, Stephanie!’
• Dr Monica Devanand Business Growth and Transformation Coach, author, and speaker ‘Steph’s story is one of hope and triumph, proving that through perseverance and a strong unwavering faith, we all have the power within us to keep going and achieve amazing things. It is a story of resilience and strength to challenge the realities of living with type 1 diabetes as an athlete, and to create a life with meaning and purpose through the pursuit of what we love.’
• Nicole Bunyon Founder of Running Mums Australia