(Dawn Henry reviews Jason Lester’s new book.)

Five-time Ironman finisher, Jason Lester, celebrated the release of his first book Tuesday, Aug. 24.

The book is called Running on Faith: the Principles, Passion and Pursuit of a Winning Life.

Running on Faith begins with an account of Lester’s 2009 Ford Ironman World Championship race. Other chapters recount other races, including his first Ironman – the 2007 Ironman Arizona, the 2007 Ironman Western Australia Triathlon, the 2008 Ford Ironman World Championship and the 2009 Rohto Ironman 70.3 Hawaii, as well as his Ultraman Canada Championships and Ultraman World Championships experiences.

The book intersperses race stories with life experiences and the lessons Lester has learned over 36 years while tackling life-changing losses and pursuing his passion for triathlon.

Lester joined the Ironman family in 2007 despite the fact that his right arm has been paralyzed from the shoulder down since he was twelve – that was when he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle.

“Since I was a teenager, I wanted to do Ironman. I got my first Ironman tattoo when I was 16,” Lester said.

He grew up in Arizona and was active in sports throughout his childhood, even after the accident. He became successful in cycling and running in his teens, but he thought for a long time that triathlon would not be possible for him because he would only have the use of one arm while swimming.

In 2004, Lester found himself in Kailua-Kona in October, watching the World Championship race. He walked along Alii Drive, witnessed the struggles and the joy of the athletes, and knew that he belonged there.

Lester recalled, “I said to myself, ‘this is me.’ I knew I would do this race someday.”

Shortly thereafter, Lester moved from California to the Big Island and began to pursue his dreams.

“I felt so blessed when I did my first Ironman in Arizona, the state where I was hit,” Lester said. “It helped me show that I wouldn’t let that situation dictate my life. My friends and family who’d helped me recover from my accident were there supporting me in the race. It was a healing experience and it helped me find forgiveness.”

Next on the race calendar was Ironman Western Australia, where Lester met David Ciaverella, an Ironman age-grouper and Lester’s current coach. “I was blessed to be able to race in Australia. It was a building block for future endeavors.”

A 24-week Ironman training plan developed by Ciaverella, coach to many Ironman triathletes, is included in “Running on Faith.”

Lester received a lottery slot to compete in the Ironman World Championship in 2008, and went on to become the first physically challenged athlete to complete the Ultraman World Championships six weeks later.

In 2009, as Lester was training for yet more Ironman and Ultraman races, he was selected by fans to win the ESPY award for Best Male Athlete with a Disability. Along the way, he realized that, by pursuing his own dreams, he was becoming an inspiration to others.

“Ironman gives you the opportunity to find out who you are. Not just physically, but mentally and spiritually. Anybody who goes to that starting line has the opportunity to grow and inspire others,” he said. “Whether you want to be an inspiration to others or not, you are.”

The book includes stories about swimming through fields of jellyfish in Kailua-Kona, biking one-armed against the winds of the Queen Kaahumanu Highway and the magical feeling of the finish line of the Ford Ironman World Championship. But, more than anything, Lester hopes the book will inspire others to reach for their dreams, whatever they may be.

“It’s not about running,” Lester said of his book. “It’s not about Jason Lester. It’s about how to live a life closer to your purpose. There were so many dark moments along the path I took to where I am now. There are so many people in dark moments right now. My challenge has helped mold me into the man I’m supposed to be. Not every day was pretty. I wanted to give up many times. But, ultimately, the challenges I’ve faced have stretched my mind. Your mind doesn’t shrink again. It just continues to grow.”

The book is broken down into nine chapters – one chapter for each lesson Lester shares. One of Lester’s lessons is to focus on the finish line.

“When your mind is already at the goal, your body will not stop working and training and pushing until it joins your mind in the winner’s circle,” he writes.

Lester co-wrote the book with author Tim Vandehey. “I am so thankful for our friendship and the work we did together,” Lester said.

Lester will promote the book across the U.S. and around the world, but will be back in Kailua-Kona for the 2010 Ford Ironman World Championship.

— Find out more:
www.jasonplester.com