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Fire Up!: Live large, do tough stuff and give back
Live large, do tough stuff and give back.
FIRE UP! shares some of the lessons I’ve learned from the first twenty-five years of my life, from growing up in the bush to running across Australia. This is what fires me up every single day.
I’m aware I’m just one person among billions, many of whom are far wiser than I am.
While this is what works for me, by no means am I suggesting it’s some sort of guaranteed formula for success. You may read something that sparks a fire in your belly (as it does in mine), but ultimately it comes down to you having a red-hot crack.
I hope that, among these insights and stories, you’ll find some words of inspiration that encourage you to chase your dreams and give you the self-belief to back yourself along the way.
FIRE UP! shares some of the lessons I’ve learned from the first twenty-five years of my life, from growing up in the bush to running across Australia. This is what fires me up every single day.
I’m aware I’m just one person among billions, many of whom are far wiser than I am.
While this is what works for me, by no means am I suggesting it’s some sort of guaranteed formula for success. You may read something that sparks a fire in your belly (as it does in mine), but ultimately it comes down to you having a red-hot crack.
I hope that, among these insights and stories, you’ll find some words of inspiration that encourage you to chase your dreams and give you the self-belief to back yourself along the way.
- GenresNonfiction
Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2024
61 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 2, 2025
3-Stars might be a little harsh, but i was underwhelmed after reading the incredible first book i thought that this would be the same but felt like i was re reading some parts of his story. If you want to know about Nedd Brockman read his first book it is honestly so much better. Still and incredible man and an incredible story.
June 11, 2025
I need to be better
(I somehow deleted my reading activity of this book try to click finished reading??!)
(I somehow deleted my reading activity of this book try to click finished reading??!)
November 10, 2024
Very inspirational. Well done Nedd 👏🏽
November 17, 2024
Solid rating for Brockmann’s sheer mental willpower, the timing of this story entering my life (and running journey) and how it pulled me out of a (very long) reading rut.
It’s a bit preachy and self-helpy but I like how the book has a no-BS, authentic tone. At first, Brockmann comes across as a bit mad for embarking on this journey and a bit naive for approaching fundraising with his pure heart and intentions. But you can’t even fault him for how consistent he is. Such skepticism transforms into respect. I enjoyed this book and feel v fitspired 🔥🔥
+++
- “if you’re going through hell, keep going.”
- “I was aware only of my breathing and the accumulating fatigue in my legs. I found that I was enjoying the solitude with no interruption save the occasional shriek of birds. It felt like I was enjoying some rare gift. Running along the road I was free of all obligation, driven by my own determination alone. I experienced the thrill of independence mixed with a growing sense that I might be capable of achieving more than I believed.”
- 75 hard challenge
- “Running was simply the tool that would enable me to test myself and push myself further.”
- “There’s always a moment, the tipping point when things suddenly get very real. When the test becomes seriously hard and uncomfortable. That’s the point when you’re going to be tempted to throw in the towel you feel that level of physical distress - your pulse hammering, your lungs gasping for more air - your brain’s natural reaction is to quit.”
- “When you’ve finished and recovered, take a mental note of how you managed. Congratulate yourself on how you were strong enough and gutsy enough to confront that adversity head-on. And what actually happened? You survived to tell the tale and maybe even gained some extra pride and self-belief in the process.”
- Passage from Ned’s mum got me tearing up
- “Whatever you want to achieve in life, the reality is this: it’s not about how good you are, it’s about how much you want it.”
- “Rain or shine, you take care of your duties no matter what… actions speak louder than words. Indeed, what both my parents wanted their children to learn was that we are what we do, not what we talk about or say we’ll do.”
- “Quitting was not an option. I was committed to finishing what I’d set out to do.”
- “Regardless of how long someone’s been marginalised, the need for connection never leaves. It simply lies dormant, ready to be awoken before a receptive stranger.”
- “just as sickness gives meaning to health, death to life, discomfort gives meaning to pleasure.”
- “basically what I do… is that I burn the boats”
- “Try speaking to yourself with the same encouragement you’d use to talk to a friend. If you wouldn’t say it to a mate, don’t say it to yourself.”
It’s a bit preachy and self-helpy but I like how the book has a no-BS, authentic tone. At first, Brockmann comes across as a bit mad for embarking on this journey and a bit naive for approaching fundraising with his pure heart and intentions. But you can’t even fault him for how consistent he is. Such skepticism transforms into respect. I enjoyed this book and feel v fitspired 🔥🔥
+++
- “if you’re going through hell, keep going.”
- “I was aware only of my breathing and the accumulating fatigue in my legs. I found that I was enjoying the solitude with no interruption save the occasional shriek of birds. It felt like I was enjoying some rare gift. Running along the road I was free of all obligation, driven by my own determination alone. I experienced the thrill of independence mixed with a growing sense that I might be capable of achieving more than I believed.”
- 75 hard challenge
- “Running was simply the tool that would enable me to test myself and push myself further.”
- “There’s always a moment, the tipping point when things suddenly get very real. When the test becomes seriously hard and uncomfortable. That’s the point when you’re going to be tempted to throw in the towel you feel that level of physical distress - your pulse hammering, your lungs gasping for more air - your brain’s natural reaction is to quit.”
- “When you’ve finished and recovered, take a mental note of how you managed. Congratulate yourself on how you were strong enough and gutsy enough to confront that adversity head-on. And what actually happened? You survived to tell the tale and maybe even gained some extra pride and self-belief in the process.”
- Passage from Ned’s mum got me tearing up
- “Whatever you want to achieve in life, the reality is this: it’s not about how good you are, it’s about how much you want it.”
- “Rain or shine, you take care of your duties no matter what… actions speak louder than words. Indeed, what both my parents wanted their children to learn was that we are what we do, not what we talk about or say we’ll do.”
- “Quitting was not an option. I was committed to finishing what I’d set out to do.”
- “Regardless of how long someone’s been marginalised, the need for connection never leaves. It simply lies dormant, ready to be awoken before a receptive stranger.”
- “just as sickness gives meaning to health, death to life, discomfort gives meaning to pleasure.”
- “basically what I do… is that I burn the boats”
- “Try speaking to yourself with the same encouragement you’d use to talk to a friend. If you wouldn’t say it to a mate, don’t say it to yourself.”
April 17, 2025
Great book again by Nedd this book is more of a guide to help with running and accomplishing goals and how to approach them and adversities in life. It does have stories along the way but I feel most of those were covered in Nedd’s first book Showing up which I highly recommend to anyone and think people should read first before starting this book as it goes into more details about the run across Australia. This is a good book to keep and share with others wanting to accomplish a challenge or big task they wish to achieve.
November 17, 2024
It's been awhile since I've read a book I wanted to talk about non stop that has inspired me. Reading and running are my two fav things and Nedd is one bloody inspirational guy. This book was great and even better my 11 year wants to read it next.
October 15, 2024
Love this guy
January 10, 2025
Good read.
Target audience mostly teenagers, or starting career.
Target audience mostly teenagers, or starting career.
December 8, 2024
Nedd Brockmann has a mentality unlike anyone else. If you are in a position to do so, go support Nedd, who is running 1000 miles for the charity We are Mobilise, supporting those experiencing homelessness https://www.neddsuncomfortablechallen...
November 8, 2024
I love so much of Nedd Brockmann's message in Fire Up! His overall motto of doing things that make you uncomfortable, of trying with everything you have, of finding something that makes you passionate (but also doing SOMETHING even if you are yet to find that passion) makes this the perfect book for teens who might be struggling with direction, motivation or decision making.
I love Nedd's message of resilience, commitment, and learning to tolerate discomfort - both mental and physical. But he doesn't differentiate between discomfort and actual injury which brings me to the one thing I really struggle with in this book: Nedd's own disregard for his physical health. It borders on masochistic. Seriously, he puts his body through absolute torture and is quite frank about the injuries he suffers. Interviews with his physio and running coach emphasise how much they would not recommend to keep going with the injuries Nedd has acquired on his run. As someone in their 40's who recently put my back out doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING all I can say is I do not approve of neglecting your body, and the reason Nedd gets away with it is simply a result of being quite young: I predict he will pay for this a few years down the track.
Apart from that one thing I highly recommend this book for teens, especially teen boys who might be feeling a bit directionless, or for anyone at all needing to build resilience mental resilience. It would be a great companion to The Resilience Project by Hugh Van Cuylenburg or Atomic Habits by James Clear or Tim Cope's On the Trail of Genghis Khan.
I love Nedd's message of resilience, commitment, and learning to tolerate discomfort - both mental and physical. But he doesn't differentiate between discomfort and actual injury which brings me to the one thing I really struggle with in this book: Nedd's own disregard for his physical health. It borders on masochistic. Seriously, he puts his body through absolute torture and is quite frank about the injuries he suffers. Interviews with his physio and running coach emphasise how much they would not recommend to keep going with the injuries Nedd has acquired on his run. As someone in their 40's who recently put my back out doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING all I can say is I do not approve of neglecting your body, and the reason Nedd gets away with it is simply a result of being quite young: I predict he will pay for this a few years down the track.
Apart from that one thing I highly recommend this book for teens, especially teen boys who might be feeling a bit directionless, or for anyone at all needing to build resilience mental resilience. It would be a great companion to The Resilience Project by Hugh Van Cuylenburg or Atomic Habits by James Clear or Tim Cope's On the Trail of Genghis Khan.
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November 29, 2024Over 4,000 kilometres, the width of a continent - Perth to Sydney, a run along deserted stretches of road, where monster sixteen wheeler trucks kick up the gravel. All to raise funds for the homeless through blisters, maggots, fatigue, stress fractures, swelling, and sleeplessness. The man with the ragged moustache and blond mullet, Nedd Brockmann; running despite bodily limitations. Against his demons but not truely alone.
This is the story of but one of Nedd's extreme endurance challenges for his chosen cause, We Are Mobilise. The cause aligning with his desire to challenge the limits of his body, of his mind, to push his body to the edge and beyond. A somewhat autobiographical story, providing insights to the man who inspired a nation to challenge themselves.
It is hard not to be motivated to push against your limitations after reading the book. It doesn't even have to be physical, any type of challenge that brings about growth and self-knowledge. Nedd offers some suggestions for 10 day challenges, eliminating one of an infinite number of excuses available not to. I found the book repetitive in parts, perhaps intentional to highlight extremity despite that it's a truly inspirational story.
Rating: 3.6 / 5
Recommended for those in need of a hit of inspiration.
Slide across and hit me back with your pick of the 🖐...
@fivequotebookchallenge
This is the story of but one of Nedd's extreme endurance challenges for his chosen cause, We Are Mobilise. The cause aligning with his desire to challenge the limits of his body, of his mind, to push his body to the edge and beyond. A somewhat autobiographical story, providing insights to the man who inspired a nation to challenge themselves.
It is hard not to be motivated to push against your limitations after reading the book. It doesn't even have to be physical, any type of challenge that brings about growth and self-knowledge. Nedd offers some suggestions for 10 day challenges, eliminating one of an infinite number of excuses available not to. I found the book repetitive in parts, perhaps intentional to highlight extremity despite that it's a truly inspirational story.
Rating: 3.6 / 5
Recommended for those in need of a hit of inspiration.
Slide across and hit me back with your pick of the 🖐...
@fivequotebookchallenge
November 8, 2024
My boss was the first person that told me about Nedd and his exploits when he was doing his run across Australia. He's now also just completed his 1600km challenge in Sydney.
The guy is an absolute legend. He reminds me of David Goggins, and also sounds like the kind of person you could have a great yarn with at the pub. Not just that but these crazy fitness goals of his also raise money for a homeless charity.
He proves the point that anyone can be great, it just depends if you're willing to go all in and pay the price. He's bloody amazing. I can't wait to read his next book.
The guy is an absolute legend. He reminds me of David Goggins, and also sounds like the kind of person you could have a great yarn with at the pub. Not just that but these crazy fitness goals of his also raise money for a homeless charity.
He proves the point that anyone can be great, it just depends if you're willing to go all in and pay the price. He's bloody amazing. I can't wait to read his next book.
January 8, 2025
Hard to put this book down once I started. Haven’t felt that way in a long time and this had me itching to get up and move. Ned makes you question if you had more to give in those tough moments when you thought you’d given your all. Incredible human, don’t know how he does it he just keeps going and going very inspiring
April 30, 2025
So incredibly resilient and mind strong 🧠
Very inspiring!! Even if you don't run (literally me) this is more about building your relationship with your mind and working it like the important muscle that it is - also if you can, I heavily encourage y'all to listen to the audiobook, there are interviews after each chapter and it feels more like a podcast setting and I love that!!
Very inspiring!! Even if you don't run (literally me) this is more about building your relationship with your mind and working it like the important muscle that it is - also if you can, I heavily encourage y'all to listen to the audiobook, there are interviews after each chapter and it feels more like a podcast setting and I love that!!
October 21, 2024
A great book from a great bloke.
It does cover quite a bit of stuff that's already in Nedds first book, but this book is aimed at a younger audience.
I did really enjoy the audiobook read by Adam Peacock, especially the interlude chats with Nedd between chapters to dive into a bit more detail.
It does cover quite a bit of stuff that's already in Nedds first book, but this book is aimed at a younger audience.
I did really enjoy the audiobook read by Adam Peacock, especially the interlude chats with Nedd between chapters to dive into a bit more detail.
January 4, 2025
Couldn’t put this down! Loved this and wish I had just a thimble of his willpower and strength. Truthfully I think my head would explode but amazing. I am picking up his other book “Showing Up” sometime this week.
November 20, 2024
What a human
November 24, 2024
Really motivational, everyone needs to read this!
December 9, 2024
I love Ned and his passion and zest for life. This was such a simple and easy read that reminded me of the basics to live a fulfilling and meaningful life and to strive for more.
December 23, 2024
Really good book for late teens/early 20s as motivation book. Nedd shows great maturity in his advice and through his accomplishments.
December 28, 2024
Chewed through this, and got me out of an extensive reading slump. If you need a read to flip your perspective - this is it. To the moon, Nedd!
January 5, 2025
Nedd Brockman- such an inspiring individual who I look up to every day!
What he does for himself, his family and Australians, unreal!
His determination and passion is unmatched.
What he does for himself, his family and Australians, unreal!
His determination and passion is unmatched.
January 7, 2025
top book, finished it so quickly, actually makes me want to get off the couch
January 30, 2025
3 ⭐️
This book definitely left me feeling motivated and some parts were quite impactful. I just couldn’t get over how repetitive it was
This book definitely left me feeling motivated and some parts were quite impactful. I just couldn’t get over how repetitive it was
February 12, 2025
3.5⭐️ Bit of a rehash of his first book, but interviews were a nice addition
February 13, 2025
I think if you’re interested in Ned’s story, ready the first book only!! The second book felt as though it was repeating the first in more of a diluted way
March 1, 2025
So motivating! Don’t think I will be running to this extent but I will be trying the 10km program for sure! Thank you Nedd.
March 3, 2025
Such motivating and inspiring book! Very insightful to see the obstacles he went through to reach his goals and raise awareness and money for a very special charity 😊 Ned you are an incredible man!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews