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Chase That Smile
39-year-old dad of two, Harold Cabrera is your typical sports weekend warrior, who decides to complete three big challenges before turning 40.
Chase That Smile is his account of relationships, family life, good times, and hard times. Of training for three major physical challenges all in the same year - running the Paris Marathon, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, and completing an Ironman triathlon - whilst in the midst of juggling a full-time job and being a parent.
More than just a personal account of every challenge faced, Harold provides insight into nutrition, the importance of training plans and most importantly how he developed the right mindset needed to take on such big endurance challenges - each battle needing both physical and mental stamina. As impossible as it sounds, with a bit of grit, a positive mindset and some minor life organisation, this book will show you how much you can truly achieve!
Chase That Smile is his account of relationships, family life, good times, and hard times. Of training for three major physical challenges all in the same year - running the Paris Marathon, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, and completing an Ironman triathlon - whilst in the midst of juggling a full-time job and being a parent.
More than just a personal account of every challenge faced, Harold provides insight into nutrition, the importance of training plans and most importantly how he developed the right mindset needed to take on such big endurance challenges - each battle needing both physical and mental stamina. As impossible as it sounds, with a bit of grit, a positive mindset and some minor life organisation, this book will show you how much you can truly achieve!
234 pages, Paperback
Published April 22, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 15, 2022
Chase That Smile is the memoir of Harold Cabrera; a man who, approaching his fortieth birthday, decided to make it a milestone year. Harold planned to run a marathon, climb Mount Kilimanjaro and take part in an Ironman triathlon contest all in one year.
In this very readable but candid book, Harold takes us through his seven month training and his three experiences with the highs and lows in between. Harold has a very positive and appreciative attitude which helps motivate him.
I liked how he interspersed snippets of his training with a few day-to-day points as well as memories from other times. They helped to round out the book and allowed the reader get to know Harold. I often felt that we were right there running, cycling, swimming and climbing with him. The back of the book contains some training schedules for both a marathon and an ironman for those who might want to give any of it go. I thought that the book was well worth the read; from an armchair experience point of view, the Mount Kilimanjaro climb, in particular, was delightful.
In this very readable but candid book, Harold takes us through his seven month training and his three experiences with the highs and lows in between. Harold has a very positive and appreciative attitude which helps motivate him.
I liked how he interspersed snippets of his training with a few day-to-day points as well as memories from other times. They helped to round out the book and allowed the reader get to know Harold. I often felt that we were right there running, cycling, swimming and climbing with him. The back of the book contains some training schedules for both a marathon and an ironman for those who might want to give any of it go. I thought that the book was well worth the read; from an armchair experience point of view, the Mount Kilimanjaro climb, in particular, was delightful.
July 3, 2022
The self-described journey of a man accomplishing a marathon, Kilimanjaro, and an Ironman for his 40th birthday demonstrates the power of positive thinking, all while being a father, a husband, and working a full-time job, and always maintaining a cheerful attitude.
August 4, 2022
Harold Cabrera is a man with a plan! Actually he had three plans. Before the age of 40 Harold dreamt of running the Paris Marathon, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and completing an Ironman triathlon. Not to spoil anything, but he accomplished all three, and went on to write this book about the planning, training, and determination it took to do so. The book is structured as a journal, which gives us a sneak peek at Harold's preparations and his recollections of the three midlife challenges he set for himself. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. Harold's perseverance is impressive and his wry humour keeps the book grounded. The other thing that kept the book grounded was Harold's recognition of his privileges and the gratitude he expresses for them.
If you've read this far into my review I have a confession to make. Harold is one of my best friends, which means this review is biased. That said, it's a special thing to have a friend like Harold and this book will give you a sense of why that is. Time spent with "Howie" is always an adventure. His positivity is infectious and his ability to seek out and revel in good times is second to none. He's also an inspiring friend to have in terms of the physical challenges he puts himself through. It's not just big races either, by way of Strava I get to see Harold running, cycling and swimming each and every day of the year. I just checked now and it looks like he did a 50km bike ride this morning, and another one yesterday morning! Harold reminds us to challenge ourselves, to recognize when life is good, and to be grateful for it all.
If you've read this far into my review I have a confession to make. Harold is one of my best friends, which means this review is biased. That said, it's a special thing to have a friend like Harold and this book will give you a sense of why that is. Time spent with "Howie" is always an adventure. His positivity is infectious and his ability to seek out and revel in good times is second to none. He's also an inspiring friend to have in terms of the physical challenges he puts himself through. It's not just big races either, by way of Strava I get to see Harold running, cycling and swimming each and every day of the year. I just checked now and it looks like he did a 50km bike ride this morning, and another one yesterday morning! Harold reminds us to challenge ourselves, to recognize when life is good, and to be grateful for it all.
August 4, 2022
A truly inspirational book that reminds you that life is made for living and adventure. That with the right mindset you can always push yourself much further than you thought was possible. With a constant grin and a heart full of gratitude Howie reminds us to reach for those goals, and that seemingly insurmountable tasks are manageable when you break them down.
This man manages to fit 48 hours in a day - and all with a smile.
This book is an inspiration to get your ass off the couch and get moving. The human body is a miraculous, strong and intelligent technology, go out there and test your limits.
This man manages to fit 48 hours in a day - and all with a smile.
This book is an inspiration to get your ass off the couch and get moving. The human body is a miraculous, strong and intelligent technology, go out there and test your limits.
August 11, 2022
Just finished Howie's book. What an inspiration he is!
One can definitely feel his love and enthusiasm for his family, friends and goals through his writing.
An awesome weekend read which had me chasing "my" smile.
One can definitely feel his love and enthusiasm for his family, friends and goals through his writing.
An awesome weekend read which had me chasing "my" smile.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews