An “exciting and inspirational” account of the physical, mental, and emotional journey of an ultra-endurance athlete (Barry Siff, President of USA Triathlon) The search to find one’s own limits and surpass them is what defines us as human beings. By consciously choosing to walk the path of most resistance, we come to a better understanding of ourselves, and our potential for physical, mental and emotional growth. And nowhere is this universal journey better represented than in the crucible of extreme endurance sports, where athletes are truly pushed beyond the bounds of what seems possible. Direct from the trenches of ultra-endurance racing and mountaineering, Dirty Inspirations takes readers through environments as majestic as they are unforgiving—all while presenting the unique perspective of a woman who has made it her life’s work to exceed her limits. From the brutal heat of the Sahara, to the deep jungles of the Amazon and the awe-inspiring peaks of Denali, Terri Schneider’s quest to find the answers to life’s ultimate questions have taken her to the furthest reaches of the Earth. Now, readers have the chance to experience for themselves what can truly be accomplished when you reject common sense, personal safety and preconceptions of what is possible. Seen through the eyes of one of the most diversely experienced female endurance athletes on the planet, the stories in Dirty Inspirations showcase discomfort as a virtue, reinvigorating the life-long athlete and providing encouragement to anyone looking to bring more action into their lives. Part philosophical journey, part spiritual awakening, and part riveting drama, the stories presented in Dirty Inspirations embody the incredible resiliency of the human body and the indomitable nature of the human spirit.