Freezing Hot: Ultrarunning Through Fire and Ice: Tales from the Trail, Rumors from the Road, and Stories from the Summit

by Grant Maughan

If you thought you were too over the hill to have a go at a grueling sport, think again. Grant Maughan didn’t even consider age when he dove headfirst into ultra-endurance events at the mature age of 47.

A kid from Australia with energy to burn, Grant forged his own path from his early years that inadvertently led him to ultra-running, Ironmans, and high-altitude mountaineering at an age when most people's sports gear is already collecting cobwebs.

After leaving school, his main focus was seeing what was over the horizon and he immersed himself in adventures in between. From backbreaking, dangerously crazy labor on deep-sea fishing vessels, getting pummeled by giant surf, riding motorcycles across deserts, and traveling to far-flung corners, the destination was always second fiddle to the journey along the way.

Endurance sports are becoming the bastion of middle-agers and weekend warriors looking to prove their own mettle and form a bond with health and fitness that becomes a lifestyle, rather than a chore. But Maughan also believes these endeavors lead to a greater appreciation of your life and the rounding out of your personality. Grant is proof of that.

Hang on tight as you follow the author on his own mid-life pilgrimage navigating a brake-free wild ride to lace up, get outdoors, and challenge his own doubts. Starting with the humble marathon in his late forties and working up to completing dozens of the world’s toughest endurance races across the hottest and coldest tracts of the planet, while climbing some of the highest mountains on the globe in between.

Eschewing age as a barrier, a blind eye, a fear of heights, and a seafaring career that doesn’t allow much opportunity for training, it all boils down to a simple just have a go!

Praise for Freezing Hot

“There are not that many people who surprise me anymore about what the human spirit is capable of. In fact, Grant may just be the last one.”
—Pete Kostelnick, 2 x Badwater 135 Champion, Trans-America Run record holder, Alaska-to-Key West Solo/Unsupported run

“Grant Maughan in Freezing Hot redefines the meaning of GRIT. I’m left in complete awe of what is humanly possible. Grant shows us that the possibilities are endless.”
—Lisa Smith-Batchen, 10 x Badwater 135 finisher, running coach

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2024

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, but it was a bit of a slog for me. The writing style and imagery is well done, but overall it seemed choppy and disjointed with no real cohesive flow. If the reader is not readily familiar with the events included in the book, there is often not enough context given to really understand the significance of these events as it pertains to his story and experiences. Yet at other times, there are so many trivial details included that don’t add much to the story and become very repetitive. I found myself often setting this book down and reaching for something else to read.

[Scott Kummer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic memoir by one of endurance’s greatest athletes. It also provided great insight about the mindset of endurances, GranT’s own vulnerabilities and self doubt, and most importantly, how “having a go” at something can pay off in life. Great stuff.

[Thebestdogmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such interesting stories Grant has to tell. I first heard about him on the Ten Junk Miles Podcast. Then they were talking about a book he had coming out. I knew I’d enjoy it. Thanks Grant for opening up your life and showing us how great things can be accomplished.