Where do you turn for fitness inspiration? Friends, colleagues, professional athletes? Who doesn’t love a great comeback story or stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things? Especially during those cold, raining and windy days that invite you to make plans to hibernate during the winter.

Here are some books we have turned to for motivation and inspiration.

“Second Wind: One Woman’s Midlife Quest to Run Seven Marathons on Seven Continents,” by Cami Ostom.

This is a story about a local woman who takes up running to cope with a recent divorce and clear her mind during the struggle of redefining herself. The author did not originally consider herself an athlete but over time developed a passion that drove her to reach her goal of completing a marathon on every continent.

“Iron Heart: the True Story of How I Came Back From the Dead,” by Bryan Boyle.

This is a comeback story about an 18-year-old swimmer who recovers from a near-death car accident and three and one-half years later competes in an Ironman triathlon. Boyle’s story is a great example of overcoming obstacles and the power of goal setting. We may not all have the desire to become an Ironman but everyone can relate to having to overcome injuries and barriers to accomplish one’s goals.

“Swimming to Antarctica: Tales of a Long Distance Swimmer,” by Lynne Cox.

Cox started swimming almost as soon as she could walk. By age 16, she had broken all records for swimming the English Channel. She has conquered countless bodies of open water, escaping shark attacks and dangerous jellyfish. She shares her experiences, motivation and strategies for success.

“Becoming an Ironman: First Encounters with the Ultimate Endurance Event,” by Kara Douglass Thom.

This book is a collection of personal stories about competing’s in one’s first Ironman triathlon (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run). The stories come from men and women of all ages and abilities. These stories speak not only to the training involved in competing in this type of endurance event but to the emotional and mental preparation that is necessary. Whether triathletes or not, we can all learn from the experience of setting a lofty goal, motivating ourselves through immense challenges and reaping the award of finishing something that was difficult.

“Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest,” by Cheryl Strayed.

This is the story of a young woman who, after the death of her mother, finds herself lost and engaging in unhealthy and dangerous behaviors. She tackles hiking the Pacific Crest trail alone and in the process is able to come to terms with her mother’s death and build confidence in herself and her ability to make good decisions. Many of us can relate to how a tragedy forces us to re-examine our priorities and purpose in life.

“A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail,” by Bill Bryson.

This book details how the author, on a whim, decides to hike the Appalachian Trail with a dysfunctional friend and little experience. It’s a humorous account of the author’s experiences meeting other people and creatures on the trail as well as sharing some ecological and historical information about the area. This book is pure fun and a great read if you are inspired by nature.

We hope one of these books provides you with inspiration or motivation to try something new. We’d love to hear your book recommendations! Best wishes for your continued success.

Stephanie Norton-Bredl is the associate executive director at the Auburn Valley YMCA and may be contacted at snortonbredl@seattleymca.org. Bruce deJong is a group exercise instructor at the Auburn Valley YMCA and may be contacted at bruce@bicyclebootcamp.com.