What 1400km on the Antarctic ice taught an ultramarathon runner about overcoming pain and adversity.
'Donna Urquhart is one of the most inspiring people I have ever met. Her gripping story shows us the true power of the human spirit in one of the most unforgiving places on the planet. You'll be willing her on, step by icy step!' Michael Rowland
'Wild courage, relentless determination and a hunger to challenge expectations. Donna is a pioneer for women and girls, this story should be celebrated for generations.' Chloe Dalton
'They say it's all about the journey not the destination; well, it is fair to say that for Donna it was one hell of a journey. It is hard to fathom the enormity of her challenge and how driven to achieve a goal one person can be. I have such admiration for her determination & resilience to simply 'find a way'. Destination made, job done.' Steve Moneghetti
'A must-read for anyone looking to explore their full potential.' Jessica Stenson
In January 2024, Donna Urquhart set the world record for the longest run in a polar region by completing a 1402-kilometre ultramarathon in Antarctica. She had trained for nine months, running on a treadmill in a refrigerated shipping container and also in an industrial wind tunnel.
To achieve the record, Donna ran up to 60 kilometres each day across 28 days in the coldest, windiest and driest desert on earth. Some days, the temperature plummeted to -20 degrees Celsius and the winds reached a brutal 80 kilometres per hour.
Donna is a pain researcher and well-versed in the science of pain and how humans can cope with it. She is drawn to exploring the limits of human performance, and she pushed herself to the extreme to discover what she was capable of, gaining insights that now help her navigate everyday challenges.
In Life Without Limits, Donna has brought together her comprehensive toolkit for understanding and handling pain and adversity-whether physical, emotional, mental or social-showing that all of us can challenge our boundaries and thrive: at home, work and everywhere in between.
A captivating story of human growth and potential, this book will leave you asking: what might be possible in my life if I dare to live without limits?
WHAT YOU CAN LEARN FROM THIS BOOK:
• Discover the science of pain and gain insight into how we experience pain and what strategies can help us cope.
• Explore psychological approaches for performance and wellbeing and how we can apply them to our daily lives.
• Learn the core principles of managing emotions, including how to recognize and regulate them effectively.
• Understand how to navigate social challenges and draw on supportive relationships that help us thrive even in difficult times.
About the Author
Donna Urquhart is a passionate runner who had a lifelong dream to take on an extraordinary adventure. She began running seriously in her thirties, after becoming a mum, and has since completed over 50 ultramarathons, including representing Australia at World and Asia championships and conquering gruelling events like the 240-kilometre Coast to Kosciuszko ultramarathon. Donna is also an associate professor at Monash University and a pain scientist with over two decades of experience as a researcher and physiotherapist. She is fascinated by pain how it works and how we can effectively manage it.
Charisse Ede has more than thirty years' experience as a journalist. She has covered major Australian and international stories across crime, politics and entertainment, as well as the Olympic and Commonwealth games. Charisse now shares her significant journalism expertise as a strategic communications manager, including as part of the Run Antarctica media team.
