SISTER MADONNA BUDER is 80 years old, has run more than 340 triathlons, and doesn’t know what all the fuss is about. In The Grace to Race, she shares the no-nonsense spirit and deep faith that inspired her extraordinary journey from a prominent St. Louis family to a Catholic Convent and finally to championship finish lines all over the world. As a beautiful young woman, she became an elegant equestrian and accomplished amateur actress. But as she describes in this intimate memoir, she had a secret plan as early as 14: she wanted to devote her life to God. After being courted by the most eligible bachelors in her hometown, she chose a different path and became a Sister of the Good Shepherd. She lived a mostly cloistered life as a Nun until her late forties, when a Priest suggested she take a run on the beach. She dug up a pair of shorts in a pile of donated clothes, found a pair of second-hand tennis shoes, and had a second epiphany. This time, she discovered the spiritual joy of pushing her body to the limit and of seeing God’s natural world in all its splendor. More than thirty years later, she is known as the Iron Nun for all the triathlons she has won. Just five years ago, the age 75–79 category was created for her at the Hawaiian Ironman in Kona, where she completed a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a full 26.2-mile marathon in record time. Now she has set her sights on a new goal: inaugurating another new Ironman age group, 80–84, in 2010.
Sister Madonna holds dozens of records, has broken dozens of bones, and tells of dozens of miracles and angels that propelled her to a far-flung race. “It is my faith that has carried me through life’s ups and downs,” she writes. “Whenever injured, I wait for the Lord to pick me up again and set me on my feet, confidently reminding Him, ‘God, you know, my intent is to keep running toward you.’”
The Grace to Race is the courageous story of a woman who broke with convention, followed her heart, and found her higher mission.
Amazing Inspirational Biograhpy Sister Madonna is an amazing woman. Her story should be read by EVERYONE – not just athletes. Her story life story proves that you can do anything… ANYTHING if you believe in yourself & have faith.
inspiring! I read the kindle edition of this book and never put it down. Wow! I came away feeling as though I have never pushed myself far enough, or hard enough. That S. Madonna Buder could do ironman length triathlons over and over, setting age group records all along the way and pioneering new age groups for the events she entered, was very amazing to me. I loved reading of her spiritual journey. Thank you for such an insightful and inspiring book!
No more excuses I thought I was getting old and starting to do races like duathlons and triathlons was maybe not for me. I started having some minor pains too and thought perhaps I needed to back off a little. After reading about Sister Buder I know I have nothing at all to complain about. The book showed me by example how someone can enjoy life, stay healthy, and be in competitions without necessarily being competitive except with yourself. Her faith was very inspiring as well. I would recommend the book for…