First published 2014
Rebecca Rusch opens her story as an ordinary kid from Chicago who chose adventure over predictability. She earned the title Queen of Pain through her relentless speed in running, paddling, and mountain bike racing. Rusch competed across multiple endurance disciplines including climbing, adventure racing, whitewater rafting, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking, collecting world championships throughout her professional career. She led adventure racing teams in Mark Burnett's Eco-Challenge series, battling through Borneo's jungles, racing camels in Morocco, navigating the Tian Shan mountains, and river-boarding the Grand Canyon in winter conditions. These extreme challenges forced her to confront personal demons while constantly pushing beyond perceived limits. At 38, when most athletes retire, Rusch made a pivotal choice to reinvent herself once more, focusing on endurance mountain bike racing and achieving record-breaking performances. Her story demonstrates how anyone can overcome self-doubt to discover their true potential through hard work, determination, and resilience.
Genres: biography, adventure, autobiography, memoir
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, inspiring, thought-provoking
Tropes: overcoming-the-odds, personal-journey, self-discovery
Setting: Borneo, Chicago, Grand Canyon, Morocco, Tian Shan
Period: 21st-Century
256 pages · Paperback · VeloPress