The book, which hit bookstores on June 4, is part one of a two-part memoir chronicling McRae’s early childhood, filled with both love and joy, and also hardship, poverty and physical abuse. “So much of what I do now stems from my childhood,” says McRae, 44, who lives in Huntington Beach, California, with her husband, Eddie, and their two young children.

Her new book “C hoose Strong: The Choice That Changes Everything” gives a glimpse into these “how” questions. If you only knew Sally McRae from her YellowRunner Instagram handle or her training app, you’re probably like me, filled with questions of how: How did she still have the energy to jump in joy after finishing the 250-mile Cocodona race? How did she win the Badwater 135-mile ultra-race in 2021, despite puking in 120-degree weather? How did she twice finish in the top 10 at Western States Endurance Run while most trail runners only dream about getting into the race? How does she strength-train so much while running, raising two kids, hosting a podcast and a YouTube channel? Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!

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