the book based upon a 100 mile international footrace forms the basis of the main story where the ups and downs of fatigue and high points are told. Intertwining within the story a recent 100 km race accross the Sahara desert is discribed. the less than suitable for running conditions are taken to extreams when a sudden sand storm creats a dramatic twist to the event.
To answer a question that is often asked, a third eliment is added when taking the reader back to a time during and after the second world war the world of boxing becomes a key eliment in discribing what makes a man of sevety want to run 100 miles
Me and My Shadow dedication to endurance running events, and how it all began will cast a wide net, generating interest in the Boxing/ Running, and life coaching, inspirational and motivational market. With an age group aimed at between 14 and 70 years.
2 The main story is based around a recent 100 mile international foot race around the circumference of Rotherham South Yorkshire, in which I successfully became the first athlete to complete.
The highs, and lows are told as I run through the night mostly on my own, and then as the miles stack up, the mental and physical problems are highlighted as I overcome each one to make it to the finish.
Flitting in and out of the main event I describe the trauma, and drama of a recent 100 km race across the Sahara Desert, and telling of the physical, and mental adaptations that all the athletes have to overcome to take on the less than suitable, for running conditions the desert throws up at us.
To answer a question that is asked of me regularly I need to bring into the story, an account going back in time to when I was a young boy being brought up during, and just after the war. Taking an enormous step into the world of Boxing and meeting two men who influenced, shaped and molded my life and taught me, not only how to box, but also about the values of respect, discipline, dedication and motivation, that form the basics of my way of life.
Excerpt
Throughout a lifetime, everyone has the opportunity to meet truly exceptional people. I have. But only very few times have I met someone who inspires, the way Ray does. He turns concepts around, demonstrating the relativity of the “biological clock” and what can and cannot be achieved by having the right mindset.
Who decides what the right age is to achieve your dreams.
How many times does society impose the things we should or should not do, and what is seen as “reasonable”, and what is expected of us. There is timing for everything. Ray demonstrates that destiny is in your hands, and not in the hands of what society expects of us.
Professional Reviews
Me and My Shadow
It has been a real pleasure to read “Me and My Shadow”. It is an inspirational book where the author has bravely shared so much of himself and his journey. I am intrigued by extraordinary stories of determination, and achievement, whereby adversity is overcome and goals are reached. This book is a perfect example of this. The author takes you on a journey and leaves you wanting more, always the mark of a great book.
Marina Tune.
Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist
Me and My Shadow
I am so glad that I took the time to read “Me and My Shadow”. Once I began reading I did not want to put the book down, neither did I want it to end.
The author Ray Matthews takes you on a journey throughout his life, and as a reader, you feel that you are part of that journey.
I felt like I was the “shadow” referred to in the title. The descriptive writing and storytelling painted such an imaginative picture that I felt I was right there besides him, like I was Rays shadow. I felt the physical and emotional pain Ray had experienced, and I felt the overwhelming joy of knowing that he had just taken part in something truly amazing.
The book is such an inspirational read and anyone who is seeking a dream and wanting to take on the impossible should read this book. I would like to thank Ray for sharing his journey and letting me be part of it through his beautiful writing
Helen Woodburn-Moran
Me and My Shadow
There are many words to describe how I feel after reading Me and My Shadow, Intrigued, shocked, emotional, inspired, but most of all proud. I am Proud that I know Ray, and honoured that he turns up week in week out to my fitness classes. For the advice, his knowledge, and the time he has given me over the past few years.
His enthusiasm to his sport is mind blowing, and whatever Ray puts his mind to, he achieves it with flying colours. From being this cocky ginger haired, Yorkshire lad who just wanted to “have a go at boxing”, to his recent 100km Sahara Desert race, Ray has, and always gives 110%. He is an absolute credit to anyone who knows him.
This book gives a great insight into the “down to earth” Ray (we thought we knew) !!. Some of the stories are very funny, as well as inspirational. An immensely gripping read, a must buy. Thanks for everything Ray.
Fiona Burkinshaw. Personal Trainer and fitness coach.
This book is a collection of short stories that depict events in Author's life while she lived in Romania, then in Greece, and last in America. It's a beautiful and very sincere account of a young woman's life and comming to age.
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