The first time I heard about Julie Moss was when I saw TRI the movie. A lot of people who are into triathlons are probably thinking, “Really? You never heard of Julie Moss, the most famous triathlete?”
At that time, I was about two years into the sport and after researching who Julie was, I was inspired! So when the book, Crawl of Fame – Julie Moss and the fifteen Meters that Created an Ironman Triathlon Legend by Julie Moss, crossed my desk, I was excited to delve right in!
Watching Julie on YouTube
When I watched Julie Moss on YouTube, I was amazed by her determination and her drive. Julie first participated in Kona in 1982 as a project for school. She didn’t train much and didn’t know about nutrition. She just got out there and competed. Along the way, she ended up in first place among female athletes, even beating the likely lead. About 15 meters from the finish line, she collapsed and crawled through the finish line. She came in 2nd place among women athletes. (It was a lot much more dramatic than the way I explained it, so I would suggest you read the book, Crawl of Fame, by Julie Moss.)
Julie Moss changed the face of Ironman and defined it. An Ironman is a 2.4 mile swim, 112-114 mile bike and a full marathon 26.2 miles. It takes drive, determination and strong will to be able to complete this event which has a strong cut off time at under 18 hours. Moss set the tone and told the world that anyone can accomplish an Ironman, as long as you set your mind to it.
Crawl of Fame
Crawl of Fame was a fascinating book that took the reader on an adventure of a lifetime. The book is for anyone and everyone who loves to swim, bike and run but it will be particularly appealing to the female triathlete.
It starts off with her gearing up for Kona, then participating in the monumental experience that shaped the lives of many to follow.
In chapter 8, she has a quote from Dr. Brene Brown, author of Daring Greatly, which says, “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” What a truth! Moss talks about this in her “Girl Power!” chapter where she’s at a yoga studio and says she would never take off her top because she was self-conscious. She has a breakthrough moment when she takes it off during yoga class and writes, “here I was, a nearly sixty year old woman doing empowering things but unwilling to be seen. The yoga class ‘reveal’ was an ‘A-ha’ moment of moving deeper into my authentic self.”
She Talks About Mark Allen
She also talks about her relationship with Mark Allen and their son, Mats. It was fun to learn more about Mark Allen from a different point of view. It was sad when their relationship ended.
I was on the edge of my seat when there was a tsunami and Moss tells her son about it. He grabs his surf board and goes for it. Incredible! I could just imagine what life must have been like for Mats. He seems to be just like his parents, determined to get it done!
The book delves into everything from raising their child to competing in triathlons. It takes you on a dark path that Julie lead after her divorce and how she was able to overcome it.
Julie Moss will be racing again at the Ironman World Championship on October 13. You can purchase the book on Amazon.
