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Hot Flashes And Half Ironmans
Hot Flashes and Half Ironmans: Middle-Aged Endurance Athletics Meets the Hormonally Challenged
Women get older, dammit, and sometimes it sucks, especially for women who pride themselves on athleticism and an adventurous spirit. Hot flashes. Weight gain. Sleepless nights. Yes, it can be hard, but middle age doesn’t have to be a flashing red stop light. It’s perfectly acceptable for women of a certain age, a certain level of hormonal imbalance, and a certain amount of cellulite to don spandex and even enter the rarefied sport of endurance triathlon. In fact, there’s a huge advantage to aging: much of the potential competition drops out in favor of the couch and a remote control. And the endurance high? The elation of dietary purity and discovering you can have arms like Madonna? The Zen of goal attainment? Better than a good Shiraz buzz. Once you get past the ugly mood swings, chafing on your girly parts, and “kill your own mother” craving for sleep and a hot Cinnabon, that is.
Women get older, dammit, and sometimes it sucks, especially for women who pride themselves on athleticism and an adventurous spirit. Hot flashes. Weight gain. Sleepless nights. Yes, it can be hard, but middle age doesn’t have to be a flashing red stop light. It’s perfectly acceptable for women of a certain age, a certain level of hormonal imbalance, and a certain amount of cellulite to don spandex and even enter the rarefied sport of endurance triathlon. In fact, there’s a huge advantage to aging: much of the potential competition drops out in favor of the couch and a remote control. And the endurance high? The elation of dietary purity and discovering you can have arms like Madonna? The Zen of goal attainment? Better than a good Shiraz buzz. Once you get past the ugly mood swings, chafing on your girly parts, and “kill your own mother” craving for sleep and a hot Cinnabon, that is.
- GenresNonfiction
248 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
About the author
Pamela Fagan Hutchins
109 books889 followersI'm a USA Today bestselling mystery/suspense/thriller author and a big horse and sled dog enthusiast.
My hunky husband and I ride our beloved draft cross horses way up in the frozen north of Snowheresville, WY, where we run a rustic, off-the-grid lodge on the face of the Bighorn Mountains. When I'm not writing or riding, I'm passionate about wilderness sports, always with a couple of rescue dogs, bear spray, a mountain lion knife, and my Judge. NO ANIMALS HAVE BEEN HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS LIFE ADVENTURE (but don't sneak up on me).
I've made some lists and won some awards, yada yada. Amazon Charts Top 25 bestseller. USA Today Bestseller. The Silver Falchion for Best Adult Mystery WINNER (Fighting for Anna), the WINNERS for USA Best Books Fiction: Cross Genre (Hell to Pay, Heaven to Betsy), and others. With books "in print" of over 3,000,000, readers seem to enjoy the books—I think they have exceptionally good taste. {insert goofy grin here} Lots of them follow my show Wine Women & Writing, too, where I fangirl my favorite authors and interview them for your listening and viewing pleasure. Subscribe free at http://bit.ly/PamelaWWWR <--case sensitive.
You can read my series in any order or as standalones, but they're a lot of fun if you do them like this:
* Detective Delaney Pace (coming soon!): Her Silent Bones, Her HIdden Grave, Her Last Cry, Her Forgotten Shadow, Her Burning Lies, and Her Cold Heart.
* Patrick Flint Wyoming-based series (PG):
Switchback, Snake Oil, Sawbones, Scapegoat, Snaggle Tooth, Stag Party, Sitting Duck, and Skin & Bones. #9 coming in 2026.
* The Jenn Herrington Wyoming Mysteries (PG-13):
BIG HORN, WALKER PRAIRIE, and RED GRADE coming in 2026.
* What Doesn't Kill You Super Series:
1.Caribben-based Katie Connell (PG-13): Saving Grace, Leaving Annalise, Finding Harmony, and Seeking Felicity
2. Texas-based Emily Bernal (PG-13): Heaven to Betsy Earth to Emily, Hell to Pay
3. Texas-based Michele Lopez Hanson (PG-13): Going for Kona, Fighting for Anna, Searching for Dime Box
4. Wyoming-based Maggie Killian (R, language): Live Wire, Sick Puppy, Dead Pile (plus shorts Buckle Bunny and Shock Jock)
5. Caribbean-based Ava Butler (R, sexual situations): Bombshell, Stunner, Knockout
I also have a children's book series featuring Poppy, the world's best grandfather, and Petey, his blind Boston terrier.
Free starter library https://pamelafaganhutchins.com/maili...
If after all that you still want to learn more about my books, my podcast, or me, then God Bless Ya.
There are many ways: My website and its blog. The aforementioned newsletter. Email me: Pamela at PamelaFaganHutchins dot come. And you can follow me around the web:
Website: https://pamelafaganhutchins.com
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pamel...
Pamela's Posse for Readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pamel...
Facebook http://facebook.com/pamela.fagan.hutc...
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/pamelafa...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamela_faga...
Twitter http://twitter.com/PamelotH
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/pamelafaganh...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/pamelafaganhu...
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pamela_fagan...
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pamelafaganhu...
And, finally, to learn more about my fellow SkipJack Publishing authors, visit: http://skipjackpublishing.com/.
My hunky husband and I ride our beloved draft cross horses way up in the frozen north of Snowheresville, WY, where we run a rustic, off-the-grid lodge on the face of the Bighorn Mountains. When I'm not writing or riding, I'm passionate about wilderness sports, always with a couple of rescue dogs, bear spray, a mountain lion knife, and my Judge. NO ANIMALS HAVE BEEN HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS LIFE ADVENTURE (but don't sneak up on me).
I've made some lists and won some awards, yada yada. Amazon Charts Top 25 bestseller. USA Today Bestseller. The Silver Falchion for Best Adult Mystery WINNER (Fighting for Anna), the WINNERS for USA Best Books Fiction: Cross Genre (Hell to Pay, Heaven to Betsy), and others. With books "in print" of over 3,000,000, readers seem to enjoy the books—I think they have exceptionally good taste. {insert goofy grin here} Lots of them follow my show Wine Women & Writing, too, where I fangirl my favorite authors and interview them for your listening and viewing pleasure. Subscribe free at http://bit.ly/PamelaWWWR <--case sensitive.
You can read my series in any order or as standalones, but they're a lot of fun if you do them like this:
* Detective Delaney Pace (coming soon!): Her Silent Bones, Her HIdden Grave, Her Last Cry, Her Forgotten Shadow, Her Burning Lies, and Her Cold Heart.
* Patrick Flint Wyoming-based series (PG):
Switchback, Snake Oil, Sawbones, Scapegoat, Snaggle Tooth, Stag Party, Sitting Duck, and Skin & Bones. #9 coming in 2026.
* The Jenn Herrington Wyoming Mysteries (PG-13):
BIG HORN, WALKER PRAIRIE, and RED GRADE coming in 2026.
* What Doesn't Kill You Super Series:
1.Caribben-based Katie Connell (PG-13): Saving Grace, Leaving Annalise, Finding Harmony, and Seeking Felicity
2. Texas-based Emily Bernal (PG-13): Heaven to Betsy Earth to Emily, Hell to Pay
3. Texas-based Michele Lopez Hanson (PG-13): Going for Kona, Fighting for Anna, Searching for Dime Box
4. Wyoming-based Maggie Killian (R, language): Live Wire, Sick Puppy, Dead Pile (plus shorts Buckle Bunny and Shock Jock)
5. Caribbean-based Ava Butler (R, sexual situations): Bombshell, Stunner, Knockout
I also have a children's book series featuring Poppy, the world's best grandfather, and Petey, his blind Boston terrier.
Free starter library https://pamelafaganhutchins.com/maili...
If after all that you still want to learn more about my books, my podcast, or me, then God Bless Ya.
There are many ways: My website and its blog. The aforementioned newsletter. Email me: Pamela at PamelaFaganHutchins dot come. And you can follow me around the web:
Website: https://pamelafaganhutchins.com
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pamel...
Pamela's Posse for Readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pamel...
Facebook http://facebook.com/pamela.fagan.hutc...
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/pamelafa...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamela_faga...
Twitter http://twitter.com/PamelotH
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/pamelafaganh...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/pamelafaganhu...
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pamela_fagan...
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pamelafaganhu...
And, finally, to learn more about my fellow SkipJack Publishing authors, visit: http://skipjackpublishing.com/.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 29, 2012
A MUST read for any woman over 35. Great insight into perimenopause, raising kids and bettering your life. Pamela is a hilarious, witty, intelligent writer who makes you laugh at her struggles. She also tells unfiltered stories about her husband which are extremely funny. If you are a athlete, over 35 and a woman you must read this book. It gives great tips on bike maintenance from her husband who owned a bike store. She also gives her full yeast free diet broken down week by week. A must buy book!
March 3, 2013
Hot Flashes and Half Ironmans by Pamela Fagan Hutchins is a book about author’s personal life adventure and struggles through hormonal issues during her everyday being, triathlon training and participation in sport events. I would give Pamela a credit for the bravery of brining her own life issues to the knowledge of the readers, for the sharing her experience of overcoming them and for the power and positive attitude she is dealing with these obstacles, kudos! I bet there are a lot of people who would really enjoy reading Hot Flashes and Half Ironmans and find it inspirational.
But regarding my personal opinion – I do not really like “reality TV” and this book is that kind. There is not much structure in the book and the language is a little too casual. I came across some useful tips and links, good jokes; do not get me wrong - I did not dislike the book; I just had a hard time to follow the story line. It took me awhile to get accustom to the author’s style and at the end it feels like something very important is missing mostly because there is no logical story wrapping up in this book.
Hot Flashes and Half Ironmans is more like a diary than a book. And I feel uncomfortable to read somebody’s diary – too much personal details I feel I should not know about – like about weekly 90 min foot massage by Eric and how many black toenails Pam has.
I have promised Pamela to write this book review since I got my free copy through Goodreads First Reads and this promise helped me finish reading it.
I would recommend this book to former athlete woman who fell off the track because life/work/kids disbalance – it has all means to be motivational reading in those cases.
But regarding my personal opinion – I do not really like “reality TV” and this book is that kind. There is not much structure in the book and the language is a little too casual. I came across some useful tips and links, good jokes; do not get me wrong - I did not dislike the book; I just had a hard time to follow the story line. It took me awhile to get accustom to the author’s style and at the end it feels like something very important is missing mostly because there is no logical story wrapping up in this book.
Hot Flashes and Half Ironmans is more like a diary than a book. And I feel uncomfortable to read somebody’s diary – too much personal details I feel I should not know about – like about weekly 90 min foot massage by Eric and how many black toenails Pam has.
I have promised Pamela to write this book review since I got my free copy through Goodreads First Reads and this promise helped me finish reading it.
I would recommend this book to former athlete woman who fell off the track because life/work/kids disbalance – it has all means to be motivational reading in those cases.
October 3, 2016
I am a triathlete and I've completed several Half Ironman races and one full Ironman. I am also over 50, so I could relate to Pamela's struggles with hormonal craziness. Much of this book is fun and funny, but it also addresses a serious subject: how women in peri-menopause or even menopause can continue doing endurance sports even when their bodies seem to go haywire. I appreciate Pamela's insights and honesty when telling her personal story. It is good for women to know other women's experiences, and to know there are solutions. Pamela doesn't insist her solution (bio-identical hormone replacement) is the only one. She states that this worked for her, but might not be the best choice for everyone. Every woman is different.
I really enjoyed the first 3/4 of the book, but then it became somewhat odd. There were several random chapters that, to me, had little to do with the subject and didn't hold my interest (Foot rubs??) . By the time the book was over, I was more than ready for it to end. And I like books to end with me wanting more! I think it went on too long.
However, the majority of the book was entertaining, and offered some good information and alternatives to female endurance athletes in middle age. We do not have to stop our athletic pursuits just because our bodies are getting older. In fact, triathletes in their 40's and 50's are putting up some impressive times in Half Iron and Full Iron events.
I really enjoyed the first 3/4 of the book, but then it became somewhat odd. There were several random chapters that, to me, had little to do with the subject and didn't hold my interest (Foot rubs??) . By the time the book was over, I was more than ready for it to end. And I like books to end with me wanting more! I think it went on too long.
However, the majority of the book was entertaining, and offered some good information and alternatives to female endurance athletes in middle age. We do not have to stop our athletic pursuits just because our bodies are getting older. In fact, triathletes in their 40's and 50's are putting up some impressive times in Half Iron and Full Iron events.
March 24, 2013
I won this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway, and while I love the idea of free books, I especially love the idea of free books that are about things I love (in this case, running). I'll admit that I'm not a triathlete, and don't really have the desire to ever become one, but that didn't diminish my enjoyment of this book at all.
I'm definitely in the same age group as Fagan, so I can relate to much of what she's talking about from an aging perspective, even if I haven't experienced it first-hand. The whole mental aspect of running, training, competing, injuries, and aging were captured perfectly (and most of the time quite hilariously) in Fagan's short, accessible story-per-chapter format. So much of my own identity is tied up in being a runner, and I found myself nodding, laughing out loud, and wincing by turns at the stories she tells. There are some elements of "how-to" within the book (the section on eating no white foods was both intriguing and terrifying) although I would classify the book as strictly entertainment; if you want to do some research of your own, Fagan footnotes throughout the book.
You don't have to be in your 40's or a runner/triathlete to get this book, but if you are, you'll no doubt see yourself within the pages. An entertaining, fast, and fun read. I recommend it!
AM
I'm definitely in the same age group as Fagan, so I can relate to much of what she's talking about from an aging perspective, even if I haven't experienced it first-hand. The whole mental aspect of running, training, competing, injuries, and aging were captured perfectly (and most of the time quite hilariously) in Fagan's short, accessible story-per-chapter format. So much of my own identity is tied up in being a runner, and I found myself nodding, laughing out loud, and wincing by turns at the stories she tells. There are some elements of "how-to" within the book (the section on eating no white foods was both intriguing and terrifying) although I would classify the book as strictly entertainment; if you want to do some research of your own, Fagan footnotes throughout the book.
You don't have to be in your 40's or a runner/triathlete to get this book, but if you are, you'll no doubt see yourself within the pages. An entertaining, fast, and fun read. I recommend it!
AM
January 15, 2013
This factual book covering Pam’s struggle through perimenopause and training is a humorous, yet serious account spanning a few of years of her life. She goes into great detail of the physical and emotional stresses she suffered while along side her husband they both trained for some very adventurous competitions! Included were sections filled with information from dietary advice to aid perimenopause symptoms, to bike maintenance!
While I did get the feeling Pam was quite OCD, she was also very inspirational. Just because you are over forty and your body is starting to fall to bits that’s no reason to sit down and give up. You’re not dead until you’re dead so get out there and run, swim, cycle or do what ever else you want to do…….. which in my case is sit down and read while eating a packet of biscuits, but each to their own!
This is a well written, well edited book, with the odd photo (that I couldn’t see too great on my kindle) and lots of helpful links. It is a light hearted and entertaining read, one I think I enjoyed even more because I read it during the London Olympics!
Copy supplied for review
While I did get the feeling Pam was quite OCD, she was also very inspirational. Just because you are over forty and your body is starting to fall to bits that’s no reason to sit down and give up. You’re not dead until you’re dead so get out there and run, swim, cycle or do what ever else you want to do…….. which in my case is sit down and read while eating a packet of biscuits, but each to their own!
This is a well written, well edited book, with the odd photo (that I couldn’t see too great on my kindle) and lots of helpful links. It is a light hearted and entertaining read, one I think I enjoyed even more because I read it during the London Olympics!
Copy supplied for review
January 15, 2013
This factual book covering Pam’s struggle through perimenopause and training is a humorous, yet serious account spanning a few of years of her life. She goes into great detail of the physical and emotional stresses she suffered while along side her husband they both trained for some very adventurous competitions! Included were sections filled with information from dietary advice to aid perimenopause symptoms, to bike maintenance!
While I did get the feeling Pam was quite OCD, she was also very inspirational. Just because you are over forty and your body is starting to fall to bits that’s no reason to sit down and give up. You’re not dead until you’re dead so get out there and run, swim, cycle or do what ever else you want to do…….. which in my case is sit down and read while eating a packet of biscuits, but each to their own!
This is a well written, well edited book, with the odd photo (that I couldn’t see too great on my kindle) and lots of helpful links. It is a light hearted and entertaining read, one I think I enjoyed even more because I read it during the London Olympics!
Copy supplied for review
While I did get the feeling Pam was quite OCD, she was also very inspirational. Just because you are over forty and your body is starting to fall to bits that’s no reason to sit down and give up. You’re not dead until you’re dead so get out there and run, swim, cycle or do what ever else you want to do…….. which in my case is sit down and read while eating a packet of biscuits, but each to their own!
This is a well written, well edited book, with the odd photo (that I couldn’t see too great on my kindle) and lots of helpful links. It is a light hearted and entertaining read, one I think I enjoyed even more because I read it during the London Olympics!
Copy supplied for review
July 26, 2012
I have now had the opportunity to read all 5 of Pamela Fagan Hutchins recently released books and I am now a HUGE fan.
This particular book carries with it a strong message of DON'T GIVE UP, to every woman facing the physical/hormonal challenges of aging. It provides real life, realistic suggestions regarding improving health and wellness that are within everyone's reach. But the beauty is that it is not a boring lecture, it is not preachy. It is hilariously funny occasionally sad, often deep and introspective and ALWAYS entertaining. You will be laughing so hard through some of the chapters that it will not be till the end that you realize how much you have learned and how motivated you are to get off the couch, get out of bed, and realize that life does not end because one doctor says so, or because your body appears to be telling you no. YOU CAN solve hormonal problems, you CAN do things that in the past you only dreamed of. A Great Book THANK YOU THANK YOU Ms Hutchins
This particular book carries with it a strong message of DON'T GIVE UP, to every woman facing the physical/hormonal challenges of aging. It provides real life, realistic suggestions regarding improving health and wellness that are within everyone's reach. But the beauty is that it is not a boring lecture, it is not preachy. It is hilariously funny occasionally sad, often deep and introspective and ALWAYS entertaining. You will be laughing so hard through some of the chapters that it will not be till the end that you realize how much you have learned and how motivated you are to get off the couch, get out of bed, and realize that life does not end because one doctor says so, or because your body appears to be telling you no. YOU CAN solve hormonal problems, you CAN do things that in the past you only dreamed of. A Great Book THANK YOU THANK YOU Ms Hutchins
March 20, 2016
I love this book! I found this book so entertaining I read it in one sitting. Pamela is so real and so inspiring that by the end of the book I was okay with my own short-comings and felt I could find the "gumption" to get off my couch and conquer my world! I haven't exercised consistently in years but reading this book made me want to train for a marathon. The stories are honest, heart-warming, and funny. One chapter had me laughing out loud so much that my husband had to read it out of sheer curiosity. He laughed, too. Besides being entertaining, the book offers great insight and easy-to-read advice for things ranging from handling perimenopause to bike maintenance. I highly recommend this book!
March 6, 2013
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads
Hot Flashes And Half Ironmans is a factual book describing the author's experiences with perimenopause and training. It's very personal and informative and I felt it was well written.
I didn't in any way dislike this book, I just felt I couldn't really get into it & I think it's because I haven't reached an age where I can relate to the authors experiences. I like to be able to understand a story on a personal level and I just couldn't do that. However, I do feel like I've had a friendly warning of what's likely to be in store for me one day.
I would recommend this to women of around 35+ as I can see how it would be very inspiring.
Hot Flashes And Half Ironmans is a factual book describing the author's experiences with perimenopause and training. It's very personal and informative and I felt it was well written.
I didn't in any way dislike this book, I just felt I couldn't really get into it & I think it's because I haven't reached an age where I can relate to the authors experiences. I like to be able to understand a story on a personal level and I just couldn't do that. However, I do feel like I've had a friendly warning of what's likely to be in store for me one day.
I would recommend this to women of around 35+ as I can see how it would be very inspiring.
July 28, 2012
What a great book!
How many middle aged woman have been stuck in a rut of, I feel terrible, my body hurts, I don't want to get off the couch, I don't want to get out of bed? How many have heard from their doctors, we're sorry but there is just nothing that can be done for you? Well the author does a great job of having us laugh and cry with her on her way to doing a half Ironman triathlon, in the middle of battling with really tough hormonal issues.
What you come away with, including just the satisfaction of a great read, is that you are not alone and that you need to measure success on your terms, not on anyone elses.
How many middle aged woman have been stuck in a rut of, I feel terrible, my body hurts, I don't want to get off the couch, I don't want to get out of bed? How many have heard from their doctors, we're sorry but there is just nothing that can be done for you? Well the author does a great job of having us laugh and cry with her on her way to doing a half Ironman triathlon, in the middle of battling with really tough hormonal issues.
What you come away with, including just the satisfaction of a great read, is that you are not alone and that you need to measure success on your terms, not on anyone elses.
March 5, 2013
This was a goodreads firstreads signed copy I won. I am only 28...so I wasn't sure if I would really get this book. I was hooked after the first time she described herself as the werewolf. There were honestly parts of this book that made me lol. I swear my kids thought I had lost my mind. I would reccommend this book to ANY woman. It definitely makes you stop to think about how good you have it. And sometimes it really is better to step back and laugh at a difficult situation because every moment in life is worth treasuring :)
July 26, 2012
An empowering story of an every-woman lady (who is also a great story teller) who fights her way through battles with hormone problems and feeling terrible to ultimately training for triathlons. She teaches anyone who reads it that anything is possible and that its worth the effort. When you are done you are going to want to get out and do something for yourself.
January 10, 2013
I really liked it! I can't wait for others to enjoy it. In reading this book, I felt like we were friends discussing her life over coffee. I enjoy learning things and learning with humor involved is a bonus. Thank you for selecting me as a winner of this book. I am sure I will look back to it for reference in the future.
July 26, 2012
An intriguing story that explores issues many older athletes confront. It is an honest look at what it is really like to be an aging athlete. This could help all people, male and female, understand some basic concepts inherent in your changing hormonal physiology.
July 26, 2012
Funny stories. It was so heartwarming to read about the joys and struggles of a middle aged woman who wants more than anything to compete in endurance sports with her new husband. Very compelling reading.
October 30, 2013
I found a lot of what Pamela writes touches on feelings and emotions (and hot flashes!) I too am having. It is a light, easy enjoyable read. I marvel at how people can train and compete for any type of athletic competition.
July 26, 2012
I loved this book! This book kept me up all night. They were very heart warming stories, and absolutey hilarious! Love, Love, Love!
July 26, 2012
This was a really funny and honest book, the story about the elk was hilarious, I would really recommend this to women over thirty!
March 5, 2013
I enjoyed this book very much. Her stories are hilarious!
May 8, 2013
Wasn't sure about this book in the beginning, but then... I loved it! So many funny stories and made me smile so many times :)
August 13, 2014
This woman sure tells a funny, well-written story, repeatedly. The book is easy to read and contains a laugh a minute.
June 24, 2015
This book was great!!! I felt like I was on the journey with her, very well written!! Please I want a sequel!! I didn't want it to end!!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews