Choose Strong: The Choice That Changes Everything

by Sally McRae, Nick Bare (Foreword)

A REAL LOOK AT STRENGTH

Known worldwide for her mental fortitude, hardcore training tactics, and an ability to push through extreme discomfort, pro athlete Sally McRae’s strength wasn’t built in the gym. For the first time, McRae candidly tells her shocking story of abuse, loss, and wild resilience that laid the foundation for the woman she is today.

In this powerful memoir, Sally bypasses the often loud sea of motivational quotes and hyped ideas about what it means to be strong and cuts right to the core of every human with her gentle, yet firm reminders that we are ALL strong!

Honest, relatable, and raw, every reader will connect with Sally’s story and see how they too can overcome even the most difficult situations in life and sport. Choose Strong is a story for everyone from every age and walk of life looking to live their strongest life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Audiobook, Sports, Fitness, Book Club

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2023

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like Sally but I thought this was kinda badly written. You can tell she self published (I think?) or the editor wasn't very good.

Her story is definitely a crazy one!

[Tori Grindstaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally was a teacher at my high school (class of ‘07!) and I knew she had gone on to be a runner but didn’t realize how amazing she was until I saw Zach Miller post about her on Instagram! I have been closely following Sally ever since as I also started distance running (training for my first 50k!) a few years ago. She is a magnet and has a gift of encouragement that overflows and touches everyone she encounters. I loved reading her story and was especially moved by the end when she states that things never got easy, but that’s okay. We live in a time where we are encouraged, both in church and out of church, that things are gonna get easier if we pray hard enough, believe in ourselves enough, work hard enough, etc. I am more inspired by those who overcome despite life not getting easier- those who keep moving and hoping when they don’t see things changing in their favor. Can’t wait for part two, though I fully would have read a 50+ chapter book if she’d written it.

[Tristan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this to be disappointing, almost an ultrarunning version of "Girl Wash Your Face". It was a fast read- took me about five hours total- and the writing is alright. It's certainly a compelling story, although a content warning for the extensive abuse might be in order. While not poorly written, it could've used a better editor, or any editor at all. The very linear structure of the story is a bit basic for a memoir of someone who has accomplished so much, in sharp contrast to the other big female runner memoirs out this year ("Run like a Girl", "The Longest Race", and "Choosing to Run"). Notably, if you want to know how McRae got into running, you'll have to wait because this is actually just the first part of a two-part memoir- a fact she doesn't mention until the end of the book.

What made me think of Hollis' books was the emphasis on the individual in the book. McRae survives considerable domestic abuse, but offers little commentary on how she has navigated that trauma as an adult beyond "choosing strong". There's a conservative theme underlying the story that we survive trauma just by "choosing" to be "strong" without much help or support from others. That's in line with how she generally depicts her life on her YouTube channel, podcast, and Instagram as well. Indeed, there's little social fabric to the story, and almost no broader social context. It turns out to be a fairly thin exploration about how we grow through surviving trauma.

I came to this hoping to get a richer sense of who Sally McRae is; hoping that she was more than a Rachel Hollis type rise-and-grind influencer. That simply isn't what I found.

[Christina Olague · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is an unbelievably strong woman. I have admired her as a local runner but to know all the battles she fought to be standing here today with a smile. I do not think there will be anyone like her. With such a positive outlook and a sense of dedication, workmanship, and perseverance….it’s baffling. A great book all aground. Working in the public school system you see how anyone working in a school can make a difference in a child’s life and you may not know what a child is going through because of how well they cover it up. As a runner, it is so motivating and I have gained a great amount of respect for her.

[Madeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally tells her brave, raw, heart wrenching story of childhood and what has shaped her into the icon that she is. The story mentions abuse and loss of a parent in an open way. Throughout the entire book are themes of hope, overcoming, and courage that inspire readers to choose strong. She also includes some fun pictures of her childhood and some information about her pro running and Choose Strong Project. Looking forward to book #2!

[Summer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to read another running memoir, but this wasn’t it (yet). I didn’t realize the author decided to split her memoir into two parts—0-18, and then 18-present. This book was mostly stories from a traumatic, insanely difficult childhood (seriously so sad and hard to read). She took us to the lowest point in her life…and then the book just ended. ?!?!

Redeeming qualities were her earnestness in telling her story and an insight into the ways people cope with grief and trauma. Honestly though I’d hold off on reading this until part 2 comes out.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book hit home for me on many levels. I connected with Sally…. Could feel her pain. My pain. Her suffering. My suffering. Her strength. And, my strength. I loved feeling that connection because it made me feel comforted and not alone in my own personal struggles from my past. It reminded me of how strong I am and how far I have also come. I applaud Sally for being so vulnerable and sharing her story with the world. I also know how hard that is to do. I too, like Sally, have worked hard on myself (in different ways, of course) and feel blessed for the woman I am today. Strong. Powerful. Resilient. For what seems to be a self published book, I think she did an outstanding job telling her story and delivering her message. The typos I came across didn’t bother me one bit because her voice was so STRONG.

[Lauren Carl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew Sally had endured a lot, but oofta. I’ve followed her as yellowrunner for several years and had the pleasure of meeting her at a BPN event for the launch of her documentary. I’m grateful for the courage with which she shares some of the harder parts of her story that she’s previously only alluded to vaguely, and for the humble encouragement to lean in and choose to believe the best, despite lies to the contrary. Inspiring.

[Madeline Moczynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story about how we can choose strong over the most difficult periods in our life. Sally encourages her readers that it’s not a matter of winning or losing but whether we choose to keep going when faced with difficulty. She displays this message through her own life story that has been incredibly difficult since day one.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally McRae is an inspiration. Reading about the emotional pain she endured as a child was difficult. And the physical pain, from the hands of the one who was supposed to love her unconditionally, that was gutting. Sally has chosen strength over despair, to read what she grew up with and see the amazing mom, human, and athlete that she has become, is the true embodiment of love, hope and inspiration.

[Elizabeth Taylor-Linzey · Rating 5 out of 5]

harrowing story that chronicles triumph against all odds

Though I know Sally, reading this book (in one riveting sitting), broke my heart over and over. First in anguish for the terror she experienced, then in grief for the losses she endured. Next in gratitude for the privilege of our lives touching each others, and finally- my heart burst with pride for the woman that Sally has become. This gripping account of Sally's childhood is not for the faint of heart. I want to take an eraser to the most painful passages, but this story is her "refiner's fire", and to take anything away would diminish the victory that is her life.

[Jami Hanafin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though Sally is well known for her hard work and success as an ultra runner, this book truly isn’t about running. It’s about her heartbreaking childhood and her choosing to stay strong when all hope seemed to be lost. Seeing the person Sally chooses to be on social media or through her documentaries…this joyful, hard working, kindhearted woman is almost unbelievable when you read about the tragic circumstances she grew up in but at the same time it gives hope that if she can choose strong we all can 💛

[Tatiana Gamache · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very inspiring read!

[Vaux Adams · Rating 1 out of 5]

Popsugar Reading Challenge 2024: Prompt Seven - "A book about women's sports and/or by a woman athlete”

If I could give this book a half-star, I think I would. Not that it was poorly written or unbelievable. I mentioned in a previous review, while trying to power through this challenge, it’s hard to hate things that are real. Well, I think I am eating those words after reading this.

I initially thought that this was going to be a self-help book, so color me surprised when I realized that it was a memoir. Thankfully it was though, because the stories that Sally shares with us are brutal. If you are a fan of seeing how people can overcome abusive childhoods and poor upbringings, this is the book for you. For me, it’s far from my cup of tea, and I wouldn’t suggest this read to anyone that isn’t in need of a depressing story to ruin their week.

All jokes and slamming aside, I cannot imagine the pain Sally must have had to go through to relive these stories while writing this book. I’m glad she’s in a better place now and can look back on all of the things she went through as character development, but I truly don’t think that this book was worth the read.

[Angela McVay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an inspiring story of courage, strength, and remaining positive through adversity. It reinforces that choosing to be strong is the foundation for reaching goals and through life struggles. This story is applicable to anyone and not just athletes. I thoroughly enjoyed Sally’s story and could not stop thinking about it.

[Tyrone Precious · Rating 4 out of 5]

#PreciousReads Book Review

Choose Strong: The Choice that Changes Everything by Sally McRae

The memoir of a renowned Ultra Marathon Runner, McRae documents her first 18 years of life which is filled with hardship, abuse, more abuse, and struggle.

I chose this book because I have felt thoroughly uninspired fitness wise and feel like I lost my purpose. And was hoping this book would iNsPiRe me.

I dont know whether it did but there were a lot of nuggets of motivation without it being “mOtIvAtIoNaL”. I think the book definitely helped reshape things like gratitude and journeys (life, fitness, or otherwise); and I will look to incorporate into my journaling.

Additionally, drawing from personal experience, her explanation of the environment of a domestic abuse household during “good” times and bad was as good as Ive seen it expressed.

3.65/5 (a GoodReads 4 though)

[Savannah Levisay · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Choose to be strong or choose to give up.”

I have been following Sally on Instagram and YouTube for the past few years since hearing about her from Nick Bare. I’ve recently been introduced to the Choose Strong podcast and really felt seen and inspired by her views and beliefs about mental fortitude and belief in oneself. That’s why I wanted to pick up this book. I really connected with her story on so many levels. Her mantras and simple truths that keep her moving forward have definitely impacted me and how I want to act in my present and future. I want to choose strong and embody this mindset in all of my endeavors. Thank you Sally for being vulnerable and sharing your life with the world. Thank you for choosing strong everyday.

[Hugo's Mom]

I am not rating because I'm not sure how to........the book was definitely insightful but it stopped at her senior year of high school which I wasn't prepared for. I guess this is supposed to be a multi-volume thing, but that would have been nice to be informed of, just to know what you are getting into.

That being said, Sally has one of the most inspiring stories of overcoming a ton of obstacles and life experiences that people often choose to turn into excuses. She obviously did not.

Looking forward to future volume(s)!

[Camden Schwiebert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not what I thought it would be. It tells the story of Sally who overcame the odds to become a successful ultra runner, wife and mother. I thought this would be another success story of a young girl who through determination and grit became a great runner. This book went in depth into her terrible childhood and highlighted her struggles from early childhood into adulthood. She is a hero in my mind and makes me appreciate how amazing my family is that much more. Her story reminds me of Goggins upbringing, but unlike Goggins who ended up hating his father for what he did to him, Sally in the end said she forgave him for the torture he put her and her family through. I don’t think I would be strong enough to forgive someone like that.

[Olivia Law · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of this book was really good, Sally’s story is super inspirational. However, I do feel like this book has not been edited at all. Lots of it was repetitive, lots of it seemed
Redundant.

That being said, sally is an incredible person and athlete and if you’re looking for something bigger than an instagram caption from her, this is the book!

[Amber Renton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Held back tears more times than I could count reading this one. You truly never know what someone else is going through. True to her mantra, Sally is both physically and mentally strong and you can't wait for her to catch a break. Bit of a trigger warning with this one though if you have childhood trauma.

[Scott Kummer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a exceedingly good memoir. Harrowing. Very insightful. I walked away feeling like I understood who Sally is in a way I didn’t before I read it. Really good. Recommend.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overcoming all the challenges that she was faced with as a little girl and growing into the strong woman who constantly challenges herself is what makes Sally a true inspiration. I knew parts of her story, but that didn’t stop me from crying as I felt Sally’s pain come through on the pages. Sally shows how you can choose to grow from your lowest moments. All the hurt she experienced in her life has given her the strength that she carries with her as she conquers ultramarathons. I look forward to reading Part 2

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loaned from a friend

The autobiography of a professional ultra marathon runner focusing on her rough upbringing that led her into running.

[Katrina Venezio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sally is a remarkable human being and role model. Choose strong has such a deeper meaning after reading this book.

[Laura Zumhofe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you need encouragement? You’ll find it here.

I loved this book. It’s not about running but is the raw and emotional story of Sally’s life and how she chose strength, courage and forgiveness (my favorite quote, “forgiveness is the beginning of freedom”) after her very difficult childhood. I’d recommend this book to anyone who has had or is currently dealing with difficulties in their life. This book is full of hope and love.

[Heather Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Empowering

Wow, what a beautifully written story of Sally overcoming the pain and sorrow at such an early age. I couldn't help be feel like she was speaking straight to me through this book.

[Julie Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible read. Can relate all too well. Sally McRae is such an inspiration…both in personal and professional ways. Will reread over and over.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I'd actually never heard of Sally McRae before reading this book. She survived a terrible childhood to get where she is today. That is all I will say.

[Allison Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking but beautiful memoir of Sally’s life! This is not a running book which sets it apart from the many others out there.