Such a truly inspirational read. I read this book two weeks ago before going into hospital for major surgery (I couldn’t have read this book at a better time). I laughed, I cried and re read parts of this book with amazement, the author was so honest and his account of his diagnosis and of the surgery were exceptional. To then overcome it all and to then do an IronMan is such an amazing achievement. Highly recommended
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I have been impressed by the book. Impressed, and frankly, moved. Words don’t mean a lot in front of sheer courage, but sheer courage serves as a humbling inspiration for the rest of the world.
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This book really puts the ‘living of life’ in to perspective and touches your soul. We are all guilty of taking life for granted and this book is a wake up call ‘to seize the day.’ I struggled to read the Ironman race chapters through teary eyes as I tried to appreciate the magnitude of Paul’s endeavour. An inspiring read by a remarkable man.
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Got myself a pre-release copy and wow. Half way through and have already been an emotional roller coaster. Going from fits of laughter to a bit of dust in my eye. Paul Smith has a great writing style that stops you from putting the book down. Get yourself a copy, grab a cuppa and you will not be disappointed!
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When life delivers you a low blow… This inspiration of a man is living proof of how far a bit of strength, determination and good old sense of humour can carry you.
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Just finished reading Paul’s Dead Meat to Athlete. The story is nothing short of inspirational. Helps put life and adversity into perspective. Thanks for sharing smithy. ..Now where’s my swimming hat?
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If you think you’ve had a crap day, week, month then get this and rethink, and then be inspired.
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Wow – such a deep message hidden in this book – for everybody!
Reading Paul Smith’s journey has made me realise that while physical health and fitness ARE really important, you can never underestimate the power of the mind…. for anything that confronts you in life. Whatever your inner demons, Paul’s tenacious spirit & drive will truly inspire you to smash your way through them. Sure, there are some things in life that you can not control, but there is a damn lot that you can – and your mind is DEFINITELY one of them!
For anyone that has ever trained for a serious event, you will know that blood, sweat and tears are all pretty much guaranteed. Laughter…. not so much! And as for a cancer diagnosis – DEFINITELY no laughing matter…. But Paul Smith tackles both of these feats, head on, with such robust determination and a good dose of humour along the way. It’s incredible.
Paul – you truly are an inspiration of a man. Your medal is such a small token representation of the Iron Man that you are, inside and out. So glad you have chosen to share your story!
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This honest, vivid and personal story is an incredibly moving and inspirational book. It is a well written and easily read account of what was an extremely harrowing experience, culminating with an incredible personal achievement, told with immense humility and some dry wit. The author manages to relate the confronting of the deep psychological reality of ones own mortality of whilst retaining an amazingly positive outlook on life.
The word “inspirational” is often overused to describe stories these days, but I would challenge any reader of this book to not agree that it is exactly the right description in this case.
The words “GET A GRIP – this isn’t drain 3 being removed” will carry meaning beyond the author and should be a mantra for anyone.
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A truly inspiring read
deadmeattoathlete.com 