This book recounts the author's fight to overcome injury and return to the life she loves as a world-class ultrarunner.
In 2017, world-class ultrarunner Hillary Allen was at the top of her sport--and it felt like she was running on top of the world as she competed in Norway's Tromsø Skyrace. Allen was nearly halfway through the 50-kilometer race when she fell 150 feet off an exposed ridge, fracturing her back and breaking multiple ribs, both feet, and both of her lower arms. Beginning with the dramatic story of her accident and rescue, Out and Back: A Runner's Story of Survival Against All Odds recounts Allen's fight to return to the life she loves.
With vulnerability that reveals remarkable strength and introspection that yields wisdom, Allen shares the story of her recovery both physically and mentally, and hard-earned knowledge that the path forward is not always linear, that healing takes time, and that the process of rediscovery is ongoing as she learns what it takes to survive--and thrive. Out and Back is an inspiration to anyone who knows what it means to reclaim and rebuild your life, one day and one step at a time.
"Powerful and affecting. Hillary is an indomitable force."
—Dean Karnazes, ultramarathoner and NY Times bestselling author“Hillary’s story of tragedy and triumphant return will inspire you.”
—Jason Koop, Head Coach for CTS-Ultrarunning, author of Training Essentials for Ultrarunning"Hillary's story is blunt, raw, honest, and yet very positive and inspiring. I think anyone going through a rough time (accident, injury, depression, or simply just a low spot) would benefit from reading about Hillary's experience and how she was able to work her way back. The steps (both literally and figuratively) she took, mental challenges she overcame, and the new outlook she gained."
—Gina Lucrezi, Professional ultra trail runner and founder of trailsisters.net“Hillary Allen takes readers along an exciting and harrowing journey as she passionately tells her story about how she achieved enormous success, overcame a near-death experience and then worked extremely hard to once again reach the mountaintop of success. Not only does she tell her story with fervor, but she also provides cues for the hard work, tenacity and authenticity that has always defined her.”
—Brian Metzler, Founding Editor of Trail Running Magazine"Hillary Allen is a model of resilience, grit, and strength who I look toward when I'm struggling to find those things in myself. The story she's lived and the message she shares are important reminders to control what you can control, keep calm in the face of chaos, and dig deep when the next step feels impossible."
—Mario Fraioli, host of podcast The Morning Shakeout
"It wasn’t her innate passion and talent for running that brought out the best version of professional athlete Hillary Allen. Rather, it was the horrific accident she experienced whiledoing it that did. By so candidly chronicling her recovery in
Out and Back, Allen teaches us all that the progress of life isn’t measured by one’s physical transit through time or space but instead by the inner journey that accompanies us."
—Meghan M. Hicks, managing editor, iRunFar.com
