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A Turbulent Mind: My Journey to Ironman 70.3
Sometimes in life, you are hit by an unexpected wave of change. A change that will forcibly stir you out of your cocooned comfort zone. You may face despair, loneliness and depression. This is not a dead end but just a test to rediscover yourself and unleash your inner potential.I wasn’t ready to put myself through a gruelling training regime. At the same time I had to conquer my fear of swimming in open water and lay those inner demons to rest. When I completed my first Sprint distance Triathlon, I was elated. It motivated me to pursue this sport called Triathlon for which I developed passion over time. Ultimately, I followed my dream of crossing the finish line of the Ironman 70.3, to consider myself worthy of something.For those of you who are thinking about getting into this sport, this book will motivate you to take that plunge. And for the rest of us triathletes, you will find a part of yourself in the chapters of this book. Happy reading and keep ‘Tri’-ing!
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2020
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10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 28, 2020
The Ironman triathlon (combining 1.2 m swim, 56 m biking & 13.1 m run) has to be one of the toughest endurance sports one can do. While I have followed running experiences & stories since some time, it was interesting to read what it takes to do an Ironman. This book is Swetha’s journey to her Ironman.
Swetha, her husband Amit and daughter Samara travel to the Bay Area initially for a year. Amit has enrolled in a business leadership course and Swetha also joins a creative writing course at Stanford. Swetha struggles to form strong friendships and most people she meets come across as pretentious. This contrasts with her experience in Mumbai, India where she was part of a close-knit running community. This prompts her to consider take up triathlon as a sport with the support of Amit.
In a tough endurance sport, self-belief is obviously critical. Swetha has her apprehensions on swimming in open water and then there are the winds & cold water in the Bay Area to deal with. She overcomes her fears with encouragement from her family, her trainers, and the triathlon community. She starts with the Sprint version, then moves on to the Olympic version before finally doing the Ironman. There are several hurdles along the way including the fear of failure before she successfully does the Santa Cruz Triathlon. The Bay Area with its views must be a great place to do a triathlon, while there is obviously the chill & winds to contend with.
My observation of the running community (like the reading community!) is that it is a welcoming, mature & supportive community (there is an obsession with timings comparisons many times which has its risks though). This seems to be true of the Triathlon community as well.
I liked Swetha’s writing as it is well structured, honest & casual, as also potentially being instructional & inspirational if you are in a similar situation. There are many things which are a test of endurance, and it is combination of self-belief, discipline, family & community support which sees you through.
I have interacted with Swetha on the ‘Did you read today’ group on Facebook, though I do not otherwise know her personally. She graciously engages with others on discussions related to books.
My rating: 4.5 / 5.
Swetha, her husband Amit and daughter Samara travel to the Bay Area initially for a year. Amit has enrolled in a business leadership course and Swetha also joins a creative writing course at Stanford. Swetha struggles to form strong friendships and most people she meets come across as pretentious. This contrasts with her experience in Mumbai, India where she was part of a close-knit running community. This prompts her to consider take up triathlon as a sport with the support of Amit.
In a tough endurance sport, self-belief is obviously critical. Swetha has her apprehensions on swimming in open water and then there are the winds & cold water in the Bay Area to deal with. She overcomes her fears with encouragement from her family, her trainers, and the triathlon community. She starts with the Sprint version, then moves on to the Olympic version before finally doing the Ironman. There are several hurdles along the way including the fear of failure before she successfully does the Santa Cruz Triathlon. The Bay Area with its views must be a great place to do a triathlon, while there is obviously the chill & winds to contend with.
My observation of the running community (like the reading community!) is that it is a welcoming, mature & supportive community (there is an obsession with timings comparisons many times which has its risks though). This seems to be true of the Triathlon community as well.
I liked Swetha’s writing as it is well structured, honest & casual, as also potentially being instructional & inspirational if you are in a similar situation. There are many things which are a test of endurance, and it is combination of self-belief, discipline, family & community support which sees you through.
I have interacted with Swetha on the ‘Did you read today’ group on Facebook, though I do not otherwise know her personally. She graciously engages with others on discussions related to books.
My rating: 4.5 / 5.
September 6, 2020
An Inspiring Story
A Turbulent Mind: My journey to Ironman 70.3
Author: Swetha Amit
Swetha, a runner for six years based out of Mumbai is in for a surprise/shock when Amit (her husband) announces the good news of going to California for a year. She is never comfortable being there in California though Stanford University offers a great Nest and always feels she has been caged, not in a position to do anything of her choice. She is not be comfortable with those who are either gossiping or shopping or partying and those who don't show even basic courtesy.
Swetha is a different type. She choices are different. Who else would be in a better position to show her the way, to unearth what she always aspire to do other than her husband Amit...! He does that exactly. He motivates her to take up mini triathlon events and finally she ends up doing the coveted Ironman 70.3, an amalgamation of three sports Swim, Ride and Run...! A story, a change over, a metamorphosis of Pupa to butterfly well narrated...!
I do recall, the book has sixteen chapters, I am literally racing chapter after chapter. If the first chapter gives a rollicking start, the second is emotional and well expressed. If third is great, she starts shifting gears from Swim to Ride in fourth chapter...!
The fifth chapter is just a sample, whereas she adds lot of value through out the book. She gets into the details of everything a novice like me in swimming and riding would want to know. How to choose a bike, how to adjust it for better seating, what are the things to carry for swimming, how to prepare the checklist, how to spec the suit for our need, what to apply for our body for easy removal of suit, what to have for energy during the event and so on...!
She narrates various forms of fear of open waters and how to overcome. Her humility can be seen through out the book while she explains anything and everything. I mean, she learns everything and therefore knows everything, however when she explains she would pass on the credit to various people. She would not take up for herself...! She addresses the change in diet too.
Her writing is so simple, yet another feature I liked in her book.( If Einstein had succeeded in many breakthroughs, I heard, it is precisely because of his simplicity in thoughts and actions. He believed the ranking of intellects in the order of ascending has to be "smart, intelligence, Brilliant, Genius, and finally Simple.") 'Her fears, her doubts, her anger, her smile, her gratitude, her failure, her pain, her success', nothing I found out of place. I felt as though I am in her position. Such an elegance in writing...! When I deep dived to know more about her, I come to know she is unstoppable in learning and now she is onto her Third Masters degree. A well read Author, yet demonstrating simplicity. I was sure to close down any book which makes me refer to dictionary very often. She ensures that is not the case.
All said, I would say she is very unfair atleast on four chapters...! Normally, I have reading schedule of one or two chapters and close for the day. Unfortunately for me, I take up her book on a morning, I miss my strength training, because i am reading her book. Also, the way she ends the chapter, hooks me onto next chapter and then again one more chapter. On that occasion, I miss to join my office morning meeting on time atleast by 5 minutes...!
Another aspect I noticed is to involve everyone around her. Be it Amit, Samara or Viv or Penny or Race Director or even volunteers...! She has profusely praised their role, given them sufficient space in the book...! And every chapter starts with a quote which are deeply thought through and placed.
A brilliant read for everyone, I would say, truly inspiring...! I wonder how can one do 3 Sprint distance, 4-5 Olympic distance and ultimately 70.3...! (For those who may not know what 70.3 indicates, it is 1.2 miles of swim, 56 miles of ride and 13.1 miles of run one after another within a time cutoff which is very challenging)
By her story, she has woken up me and created a dream of 70.3 miles...! Hats off...!
A Turbulent Mind: My journey to Ironman 70.3
Author: Swetha Amit
Swetha, a runner for six years based out of Mumbai is in for a surprise/shock when Amit (her husband) announces the good news of going to California for a year. She is never comfortable being there in California though Stanford University offers a great Nest and always feels she has been caged, not in a position to do anything of her choice. She is not be comfortable with those who are either gossiping or shopping or partying and those who don't show even basic courtesy.
Swetha is a different type. She choices are different. Who else would be in a better position to show her the way, to unearth what she always aspire to do other than her husband Amit...! He does that exactly. He motivates her to take up mini triathlon events and finally she ends up doing the coveted Ironman 70.3, an amalgamation of three sports Swim, Ride and Run...! A story, a change over, a metamorphosis of Pupa to butterfly well narrated...!
I do recall, the book has sixteen chapters, I am literally racing chapter after chapter. If the first chapter gives a rollicking start, the second is emotional and well expressed. If third is great, she starts shifting gears from Swim to Ride in fourth chapter...!
The fifth chapter is just a sample, whereas she adds lot of value through out the book. She gets into the details of everything a novice like me in swimming and riding would want to know. How to choose a bike, how to adjust it for better seating, what are the things to carry for swimming, how to prepare the checklist, how to spec the suit for our need, what to apply for our body for easy removal of suit, what to have for energy during the event and so on...!
She narrates various forms of fear of open waters and how to overcome. Her humility can be seen through out the book while she explains anything and everything. I mean, she learns everything and therefore knows everything, however when she explains she would pass on the credit to various people. She would not take up for herself...! She addresses the change in diet too.
Her writing is so simple, yet another feature I liked in her book.( If Einstein had succeeded in many breakthroughs, I heard, it is precisely because of his simplicity in thoughts and actions. He believed the ranking of intellects in the order of ascending has to be "smart, intelligence, Brilliant, Genius, and finally Simple.") 'Her fears, her doubts, her anger, her smile, her gratitude, her failure, her pain, her success', nothing I found out of place. I felt as though I am in her position. Such an elegance in writing...! When I deep dived to know more about her, I come to know she is unstoppable in learning and now she is onto her Third Masters degree. A well read Author, yet demonstrating simplicity. I was sure to close down any book which makes me refer to dictionary very often. She ensures that is not the case.
All said, I would say she is very unfair atleast on four chapters...! Normally, I have reading schedule of one or two chapters and close for the day. Unfortunately for me, I take up her book on a morning, I miss my strength training, because i am reading her book. Also, the way she ends the chapter, hooks me onto next chapter and then again one more chapter. On that occasion, I miss to join my office morning meeting on time atleast by 5 minutes...!
Another aspect I noticed is to involve everyone around her. Be it Amit, Samara or Viv or Penny or Race Director or even volunteers...! She has profusely praised their role, given them sufficient space in the book...! And every chapter starts with a quote which are deeply thought through and placed.
A brilliant read for everyone, I would say, truly inspiring...! I wonder how can one do 3 Sprint distance, 4-5 Olympic distance and ultimately 70.3...! (For those who may not know what 70.3 indicates, it is 1.2 miles of swim, 56 miles of ride and 13.1 miles of run one after another within a time cutoff which is very challenging)
By her story, she has woken up me and created a dream of 70.3 miles...! Hats off...!
September 15, 2020
Powerful!
A turbulent mind is the story of endurance. Swimming, cycling and running - orchestrated by language that rises and falls like a roller-coaster. While the reader is transported from rolling oceans, to cycle tracks, and running trails, the story is in fact, a journey into the mind of a woman with a goal. The nagging doubts, and panic attacks only make her story that much more real, and her victory that much more triumphant! After a point, the book ceases to exist and in its place is the strong imagery of a gritty woman doing what she has set out to do. A wide grin appeared on my face when Swetha crossed the finish line, and her daughter, Samara, exclaimed, "You're a champion, Mom!"
An engaging story told in an engaging way!
September 15, 2020
Story of Grit and Determination
A must read.. It takes courage to show your weakness and overcome them. In today's glistening social media world, everyone show off their strengths no one shows the real struggle a person specially a mother of young child managing home and career envisions dream of being Ironman and does it with Bang. Swetha is a story teller and one can enjoy this journey of hers through her words. Amazing, superb, fantastic, inspiring.
A must read.. It takes courage to show your weakness and overcome them. In today's glistening social media world, everyone show off their strengths no one shows the real struggle a person specially a mother of young child managing home and career envisions dream of being Ironman and does it with Bang. Swetha is a story teller and one can enjoy this journey of hers through her words. Amazing, superb, fantastic, inspiring.
October 12, 2020
It's a memoir of her journey to achieving the Ironman 70.3. The book is all about pain, fear, grit and persistence. How she overcame her fears of open water swimming, the grueling training sessions, her diet and pushing to train even after injuring herself, everything speaks about her passion and conviction.
Swetha emerges as a winner after pushing her inner demons away, from adjusting in a new country, to a not so friendly community and overcoming her fears. The constant support from her husband and her trainer added to her determination pushed her towards achieving her goal.
Swetha emerges as a winner after pushing her inner demons away, from adjusting in a new country, to a not so friendly community and overcoming her fears. The constant support from her husband and her trainer added to her determination pushed her towards achieving her goal.
February 1, 2021
As they say age is just a number to achieve the pinnacles of life and to reach the zenith. One can actually attain whatever he or she sets eyes on and with sheer will power, unquenchable hunger and eagle like laser sharp focus. This is the story of Swetha Amit who conquers her fear of open water to be the ultimate Ironman 70.3 ( 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and 13.1 mile run, one after the other in a time bound manner).
Even after suffering hardships, juggling with her issue of identity crisis and being somewhat hydrophobic, life of Mrs. Swetha takes a 360 degree turn when suddenly she has to make an unanticipated shift to California. Out of her comfort zone, with a feeling of loneliness settling inside, she finds her safe haven in sport. With some gruesome tasks ahead, she first decides to conquer her fear. With insurmountable support from her husband, an understanding cute daughter and a perfect guide in the form of coach, she finally makes it possible with her enormous determination.
In a heartfelt journey full of emotions, what stands out the most is author's humility. Her down to earth attitude, be it in giving credit of her success to people around her or passing the baton of her sheer knowledge to the readers , it is something that differentiates her from most people. The book also shows how immense support from family can help one attain the unthinkable.
The story telling skill of author is outstanding. The way she has balanced the narration of technicalities related to swimming and biking alongwith an emotional portrayal of her journey deserves all praises. Irrespective of whatever preferences one has, after reading this masterpiece, he or she will certainly think of considering Triathlon seriously and taking that plunge into the sports.
Undoubtedly, one of the best memoirs I ever read.
Even after suffering hardships, juggling with her issue of identity crisis and being somewhat hydrophobic, life of Mrs. Swetha takes a 360 degree turn when suddenly she has to make an unanticipated shift to California. Out of her comfort zone, with a feeling of loneliness settling inside, she finds her safe haven in sport. With some gruesome tasks ahead, she first decides to conquer her fear. With insurmountable support from her husband, an understanding cute daughter and a perfect guide in the form of coach, she finally makes it possible with her enormous determination.
In a heartfelt journey full of emotions, what stands out the most is author's humility. Her down to earth attitude, be it in giving credit of her success to people around her or passing the baton of her sheer knowledge to the readers , it is something that differentiates her from most people. The book also shows how immense support from family can help one attain the unthinkable.
The story telling skill of author is outstanding. The way she has balanced the narration of technicalities related to swimming and biking alongwith an emotional portrayal of her journey deserves all praises. Irrespective of whatever preferences one has, after reading this masterpiece, he or she will certainly think of considering Triathlon seriously and taking that plunge into the sports.
Undoubtedly, one of the best memoirs I ever read.
January 25, 2021
This is the journey of writer and runner Swetha Amit to her first Ironman 70.3 . I had known her through one of the common reading groups Did You Read Today and considered her more as Journalist and prolific reader and a casual runner...this book depicts her totally different journey of fitness...goals... setbacks and achieving them overcoming all odds with grit and determination.
This is a very well written book ,infact makes u glued to the journey like a thriller....author has kept the focus simple to her Ironman journey though it would have been better if she would have given more insight to her previous fitness and academic life or before...
It gives you insight into what it takes to train and prepare for Ironman and is a must read for anyone aspiring to be an Ironman
This is a very well written book ,infact makes u glued to the journey like a thriller....author has kept the focus simple to her Ironman journey though it would have been better if she would have given more insight to her previous fitness and academic life or before...
It gives you insight into what it takes to train and prepare for Ironman and is a must read for anyone aspiring to be an Ironman
September 5, 2020
Great to read Swetha’s journey into the world of triathlon. Battling her fear and trepidation of open water (ocean) swimming and vanquishing those demons on her way to finishing an Ironman 70.3 triathlon. Glad that we, Team Asha, were part of her journey.
April 28, 2022
inspiring
Great book to help you to get over fears and insecurity in the triathlon sport. This book is one of my inspiring stories to finish my fist 70.3 Ironman.
Great book to help you to get over fears and insecurity in the triathlon sport. This book is one of my inspiring stories to finish my fist 70.3 Ironman.
May 30, 2024
This kinda book keeps me motivated to keep on pushing myself, and to also want to anticipate in an Ironman 70.3.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews